In the Hebrew language, “shalom” means hello, good-bye and peace. So, it is appropriate for the congregants of Temple Sinai in Cranston to say “shalom” to Rabbi Peter Stein after 11 years of service.

Stein will be leaving at the end of June to take a position in Rochester, N.Y.

Stein came to Cranston in June of 2003.

“At that time it was fulfilling two opportunities for me,” he said. “One was to be closer to family who lived in the area, and I was going to be a solo rabbi in charge of my own congregation.”

“When Rabbi Stein came to Temple Sinai 11 years ago, he brought with him new energy and enthusiasm that has continued to help our congregation stay strong and vibrant. It has been a pleasure working with him over the years and especially this last year as president of the temple. We are sad to see him leave but wish him much good luck in his new position in Rochester. He’s young, smart and compassionate, and those qualities will ensure success for him as he moves on his career,” said Ellie Wasser, president of Temple Sinai.

Stein was attracted to the people, warmth and inclusion at the temple.

“We have done great things together,” he said.

One of Stein’s proudest moments was a trip to Israel in 2011.

“It was in the summer, we had 40 people going and for some of the travelers it was a three-generation occasion,” he said.

The temple was able to build opportunities around the trip for the congregants by offering classes in cooking and music, with the journey to Israel at the end of the year as the real highlight.

Stein was very dedicated and involved with making sure Temple Sinai had a strong and significant presence in the Cranston community.

“We want to make Cranston a better place. We have a very close relationship with Harrington Hall. We do food and clothes drives several times a year,” he said.

Stein himself has been a member of the Cranston Clergy Association, which fosters the interfaith collaboration. He is also involved with a domestic violence task force.

Heading north to the cold of Rochester, Stein knows what he will miss most about Rhode Island.

“Definitely the beach. Getting in your car and driving 40 miles and you are at the ocean. I also like the bike trails and just being outdoors talking to people,” he said. “Rhode Islanders are some of the friendliest, kindest people I have met. There is a real intimacy to the state.”

Stein’s two children have spent their formative years in Rhode Island but are looking forward to the new challenges and experiences that await them.

For Stein, the decision to leave Cranston was simply an opportunity for professional development and growth.

“I currently have a congregation of 300-plus families with no other clergy staff. I will be going to be the senior rabbi of a congregation with 900-plus families,” he said, adding that he feels it is time to challenge himself.

The congregation has been very supportive of his decision. A special celebratory/farewell service was held on June 13 in his honor.

“We had about 150 people, and it was a beautiful service,” said Wasser.

Stein hopes his legacy of his time at Sinai is that of a one-of-a-kind caring, compassionate person.

“I would like to think that I am thought of as a sensitive, creative, ‘do-the-right-thing’ person. Members want a leader who is a listener, open and responsive. I hope I have been that for them,” he said.