JON MARKS | JE STAFF
While old soldiers may just fade
away, old rabbis are finding
retirement is merely the start of the
next chapter in their busy lives.

Now that they no longer have to worry on a regular basis
about what words of wisdom they need to inspire their
former congregants, especially during times of crisis,
they’ve discovered a different world.

It’s a world where, in many cases, their everyday lives —
due to the commitment it takes that goes well beyond the
bimah — have often had to take a back seat to until now.

But no longer.

Now they can read that book they never quite had
time to finish. Or write that short story that’s been in the
back of their minds. Or teach. Or attend the theater. Or
learn to cook. Or do nonprofit work for a public service
agency. Or simply get away somewhere and relax, an
option seldom available when so many depend on you.

The main thing retired rabbis universally say is that it
helps to have some kind of plan.

“I’ve read a number of books about retiring clergy,
which I found helpful,” said Gary Gans, rabbi emeritus of
Congregation Beth Tikvah in Marlton, N.J., who, among
other things, is spending the holidays as the rabbi on a
cruise ship. “They all spoke about being creative and
finding positive outlets.

“I am doing exactly that. I’m a licensed family
therapist with a doctorate. So I’ll be doing some
of that. I’m also on the board at Crescent
Memorial Park cemetery and a chaplain in
the Evesham Township Police Department.

I’m going to lectures I couldn’t make before
and auditing a class in social work at
Rutgers-Camden. “And I’m also a genealogist. I was able
to attend a conference last year in Seattle
and previously in Jerusalem.”
GARY GANS
Gans’ hectic life is typical of his col-
leagues, who’ve discovered new passions
once they stepped away from the pulpit.

See Rabbis, Page 24