(06/13/06) TINTON FALLS ? One rabbi from the Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls is about to walk away from a unique, groundbreaking career.

Rabbi Priesand?s 25 years of service is special because she, not he, was the first female rabbi in America. Sally Priesand says she didn?t follow her faith to be any type of trailblazer, she simply wanted to be a rabbi. She?s now ending her career to spend more time writing, painting and lecturing.

Priesand says she encountered much criticism early in her career, but simply went forward and did what she felt was right. According to the rabbi, she will sincerely miss the duties of her occupation. Her followers will also miss her presence, as evidenced in the dedication of the temple?s doors to Priesand and her service.