Rabbi Kaplan leaving Metairie’s Beth Israel

Rabbi Phil Kaplan announced he will be leaving Beth Israel in Metairie this summer, and the family will be leaving the New Orleans area.

“I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished together during my time here,” he said, saying that Beth Israel “has grown in numbers, our programming is more vibrant than ever, and the atmosphere on Shabbos is engaging and warm. I pray that Beth Israel continues on this path for many years to come.”

Kaplan arrived at the Orthodox congregation in the summer of 2022 after serving at The Great Synagogue in Sydney, Australia.

“I will be truly sorry to say goodbye to so many of the wonderful people we have built relationships with during our time in this community,” Kaplan said. “Watching our community grow, connecting with members both old and new, sharing smachot, celebrations, Shabbats, and holidays, has given me much joy.”

He noted that “we don’t yet know what our next steps will be,” but he is looking forward to continuing to serve the community over the next six months.

Bradley Bain, president of Beth Israel, said they appreciate all Kaplan has done “to strengthen and grow our kehillah under his tenure and look forward to maximizing the remaining time we have together. We wish Rabbi Phil, Abra, and the entire family much happiness and success in their next chapter.”