Stepping down after stepping up

The Orthodox world owes much to Rabbi Shmuel Goldin, the rabbi of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, who just ended his term as president of the Rabbinical Council of America, which represents Orthodox rabbis of many different theological stripes. (See the article on page 16.)

Goldin took over the RCA at a time when many felt it had taken too much of a turn to the right, both religiously and politically. There was also the perception that the organization had become too insular both for its own good and for those it served.

From the very beginning of his tenure Goldin acted decisively, but with great delicacy and tact. He leaves the RCA stronger and more open to the world around it, and he leaves it in a better place to serve its constituencies – the rabbis who are its members and the Orthodox world they serve, in turn.

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His Englewood congregation made the perfect choice when it selected the “too young” Goldin nearly three decades ago to replace the revered Rabbi Isaac Swift of blessed memory. He continues to honor them – and us – by his active participation in the Jewish world.

And we, all of us, are honored by his active presence in our small portion of that world.