As Temple Beth-El's Rabbi Jerome K. Davidson prepares to step aside as senior rabbi and become rabbi emeritus, it is not just his congregation that looks to the future, possibly with a bit of trepidation; it is an entire community that will surely feel the loss of a tremendous spiritual leader, an invaluable friend who dedicated his career to truly making this a better world for everyone.

From his very first days in Great Neck, just about 50 years ago, Rabbi Davidson carried the promise of a better future, for his congregation and for Great Neck as a whole. If there is to be a hallmark for Rabbi Davidson's years of leadership, it would have to be "social justice." Including one and all, making strides towards bringing together an increasingly diverse community, always open to new ideas, Rabbi Davidson has been a strong guiding force.

Through local issues that divided the community, through the civil rights movement, through the Vietnam War protests, through battles for the rights of all, through terrorist attacks, Rabbi Davidson never backed away from taking a stand. He always stood firm for what he believed was right, and in doing so, provided a resolute, dedicated, highly respected leader for his congregation, for his community, for the world to see.

We are most fortunate that Rabbi Davidson has chosen to remain in Great Neck and to remain an integral part of Temple Beth-El as rabbi emeritus. For if he is here, surely he will be there to help us all continue to stand up for what is right, to work for what we believe in.

We wish Rabbi Davidson and his family a beautiful future, with more time together to enjoy one another. We wish for Rabbi Davidson a life as rich and satisfying as the life he has helped nurture in his temple and in his community.

Thank you, Rabbi Davidson, for always being here for all of us --- for all the years that have passed and for all the years to come.

For me, Rabbi Davidson will always be my rabbi.