Staying away from the pulpit, Glassman and many of his colleagues say, is the hardest part of all. Let the new rabbi and the congregation bond, they urge. Find other interests, Judaic and non-Judaic alike. Retired rabbis who don't are often miserable, and just their presence in the synagogue may call the congregation's spiritual leadership into question. Proper planning can prevent this.
Many rabbis start the process a few years before retiring.
They start pondering projects they would like to tackle and start arranging financially for their new life. Chiel, for example, notified Temple Emanuel of his intention to retire three years early. He also discussed the topic with colleagues and loved ones. Soon after retiring, Chiel went to Israel for several months, partly to let his successor, Rabbi Andrew Warmflash, develop a bond with the congregation. Now Chiel spends his time studying.