What was your path/journey after you graduated from Cornell?
Upon graduation, I flew to Israel to start rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College. Returning to New York a year later, I served at Congregation Rodeph Sholom for the rest of my time in school. In 2000, I married (Brunonian) Molly Morse Limmer, and moved to Armonk, NY, to serve my first congregation as Rabbi.
After 14 wonderful years at Congregation B'nair Yisrael of Armonk, I was called to be Senior Rabbi of the historic Chicago Sinai Congregation; Molly and I moved with our children, Rosey (A&S '26) and Lev (DePaul '27) to our new home in Chicago.
After changes caused by COVID, I left congregational life in 2023 to continue my work in the areas of advocacy and social justice. I opened Repair Consulting, working with many philanthropists and philanthropies. Following consulting with PERIL, the Polarization & Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (founded by Cynthia Miller Idriss, Cornell '94), I recently became PERIL's Director of Public Affairs.
What was your favorite class or Cornell? In retrospect, what has proven to be your most useful class from Cornell?
Favorite class: Wines! I continue to feel so lucky to have had that incredible experience almost every time I go out to dine.
The most useful class was Existentialism, taught by Anthony Wood. It taught me that literature (and all art) could say as much or more than any ostensible work of philosophy.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in contact with?
I still talk with David Rothkopf '95, Mike LaVista '94 and David Baum '94 on an almost daily basis; my children think of all three as their uncles. Just like in Ithaca, the three of us in Chicago continue to play in bands together, and usually clean up at a local trivia night once a month.
How did your Cornell experience most influence you post-graduation?
Cornell taught me that study was serious, but meant to be lived in the world. Whether helping to lead congregations, or working for justice in the halls of politics, Cornell's influence of bringing our education to bear positive fruit in the world remains a guidepost.