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Hampton Synagogue Founding Rabbi Announces Plans To Leave Parish At Summer's End

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authorAlisha Steindecker on Apr 19, 2016

After nearly three decades, Hampton Synagogue Founding Rabbi Marc Schneier has announced that this summer will be his last at the Westhampton Beach house of worship.

In an email sent last week to members of his congregation, Rabbi Schneier called his decision to leave the synagogue as “deeply personal” but ensured that he will remain a part of the local Jewish community. “Today, the Hampton Synagogue is renowned as an oasis for Jewish life, Jewish spirituality and Jewish culture, not only on the East End of Long Island but throughout the Jewish world.”

Additionally, Rabbi Schneier noted that nationally recognized rabbinic candidates will spend several sabbaths at the synagogue during July and August, which will allow the community to choose his successor together.

Levi Welton, a longtime assistant rabbi, was named rabbi last year, about two years after his arrival at the Sunset Avenue synagogue. At the time, Rabbi Schneier, who travels frequently, said he had no plans to leave the synagogue that he had founded in 1990.

The new spiritual leader of the synagogue will take over on January 1, 2017.

“Since 1990, we have made the ordinary, extraordinary; building a singular community, unique to the Jewish world,” Rabbi Schneier said. “Through the years, we have broadened our horizons, expanded our knowledge, enlarged our interests, and enriched our spirits.”

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