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Things have a way of taper- ing off and reaching a "plateau," says Rabbi Gordon, and Oak-Woods has-done just that. "They did spend time losing people and leveling off," he says, "but they're at a plateau now. There is a status quo and there are people who will obvi- ously never leave." The biggest change, how- ever, will be after the Gordons get on an El Al jet for Israel. Someone — or some people — will have to assume the lead- ership role at the synagogue. According to Gary Torgow, president of the Oak-Woods executive board, two rabbis, already close to the local Young Israel community, will assume a sort of dual leader- ship. They will share the rab- binical responsibilities for the congregation. According to Fayga Dom- bey, secretary of the board, part of the reason for the ar- rangement is that the "shul doesn't really need a full-time rabbi at this point. Although double leadership should work out well, the two will never be able to replace the one." However well things work out, though, they will not be the same after Rabbi Gordon steps down from the pulpit for the last time. "I think they're sorry he's going," Mrs. Gordon says of the congregation. "I would say the majority of the congreg- ants are sorry to see him go and I think that applies to a lot of people in the community." "There is no question they'll be missed," says Dombey, also one of the founders of the synagogue. "They've been here through the growth period and he brought a greater awareness of the community to the community because of his involvement in the community." When it comes to the feel- ings of the congregants, Dom-- bey says, "They feel like a member of the family is mak- ing a major move and things will never be the same." "It's a loss for Young Israel of Oak-Woods and a loss for the general community," adds Torgow. "Since he has been here he has always been a leader throughout the active Jewish community." Those ac- tivities have included an active role in the Jewish Wel- fare Federation, a founder of Yeshivat Akiva, and as vice president of the Council of Or- thodox Rabbis of Greater De- troit. The Gordons will be missed, just as they will miss those they leave behind. "We're leaving a son here. So we do still have a stake in the community," says Rabbi Gordon. "And we also hope to make trips back to the States," adds Mrs. Gordon. "We do have friends here. We'll be back — especially if there should be a simcha. I mean we're both leaving family here." ❑