ABSTRACT
In our personal experiences, we have noticed that when a new rabbi succeeds a senior rabbi who was at the helm of a congregation for many years, too often he or she fails. These rabbis arrive with a new suit, a different size prayer shawl, and a metaphorical suitcase packed with different programs and approaches that they mastered at their former congregation. They are met at the door of the synagogue with enthusiasm, encouraging words, and warmth. Many congregants may claim to be glad the old rabbi is gone, and they are sure the new rabbi is everything the former rabbi wasn’t. Within a couple of years, this rabbi may be seen driving away dejected and brokenhearted, for he has just been dismissed. Interestingly enough, his successor usually becomes the darling that everyone loves. Although we have no statistics to prove this theory, officials in other denominations agree that this seems to be a general trend. Perhaps this is why the concept of interim clergy was devised. Of course, some do succeed taking over from a long-serving, beloved rabbi or pastor, but this seems to be more the exception than the rule (unless you were the assistant at the congregation). Why is this so? What does a successor need to know to navigate the minefields in an environment that seems so bright and hopeful at the beginning?
