One of the things I said initially was that it doesn't really matter where I land. I just need to find the right job. But flying into the city to interview and seeing the Edmonton scenery here, I thought, "You know if I end up here...holy cow is it gorgeous."

For the interview, I spoke and presented and taught, just did some of the things you’d normally do as a rabbi. My interview was right before the congregation moved to its new downtown location. They were still in the west end in the Jewish Community Centre overlooking the river valley. At some point, somebody walked me to the window and said, "You have to look at this view." I stood there and literally gasped - it's so beautiful. So I didn't think that mattered to me, and I don't know that it's the only thing that brought me to Edmonton, but it was definitely one of the big bonuses. The river valley literally took my breath away. It was incredible. I was floored by the view.

The other really great thing here is my job. It's probably one of the most rewarding jobs that anyone can have. I mean, it's so fulfilling to watch the look on someone’s face when they’ve just learned something new. My students, in particular, I like to watch. I teach a Sunday class for a group of 13-year old girls. They're fantastic. They blow me away each week with the calibre of questions they're asking and the things that are going through their minds. How can you not sit back and be amazed? It's a very humbling job that way.

And it's just a really nice family to be a part of. I mean, a few weeks ago I was sitting in a meeting and kind of looking around the table thinking, "Wow, it feels like I've been here so much longer that I've actually been here." To me that definitely says, "Yes, Edmonton is the right place for me."