Rabbi Neil Sandler’s Rosh Hashanah Message for 2025

Rabbi Arnold Goodman, of blessed memory, rabbi of my youth in Minneapolis and my immediate predecessor as senior rabbi at Ahavath Achim Synagogue here in Atlanta, shared the benefit of his retirement experience learning with me. Rabbi Goodman said, retirement entails a redirection of efforts. I have often reflected on Rabbi Goodman’s wisdom as I further delve into my own efforts in retirement.

A redirection of efforts: I’m sure that most retirees find at least one or two new activities to try in retirement. But a redirection of efforts implies there can and often is a renewed emphasis on an activity in which the retiree previously engaged. That has proven to be the case during my early retirement.

One aspect of my active rabbinate that I especially appreciated was the pastoral realm. It lifted me up to help people uplift themselves. I often felt G-d’s presence in those spiritual moments. Now, with more time available to me, I participate in this process of healing more often than I did when I was an active rabbi pressed for time. I better recognize people’s needs as they go through the journey of poor health.

For the past two years, strengthened by the supportive efforts of Senior Chaplain Grace Powell Freeman, Rabbi Judi Beiner and one of our community’s newest rabbis, Michael Bram, I have served as a volunteer member of Emory St. Joseph’s chaplaincy staff (and I have the cross – demarcated parking sticker on my car to prove it!). Generally, as I enter a patient’s room, I experience what I often felt when I visit my own congregants. People generally appreciate a rabbi visit, any rabbi, their own or otherwise. For many of those who are hospitalized, the rabbi symbolizes G-d’s presence and the hope that a positive health outcome will ensue.

For a moment or more, the infirm individual feels empowered to raise himself/herself up toward recovery and improving health. The significance of my rabbinic work has never been greater than when I stood next to a person in a hospital bed.

For more than 40 years, including the last 20-plus years in Atlanta, I was blessed to serve as a congregational rabbi. As I redirect my efforts I enjoy many blessings.

As we enter the New Year, Susan and I wish you and your loved ones the ability, if appropriate, to redirect efforts and enjoy many blessings.

Neil Sandler serves as rabbi emeritus of Ahavath Achim Synagogue.