Finding that the Vilna position distracted him from his studies, he resigned, and chose to serve as rabbi in a smaller community such as Polotsk (1883) and Vilkomir (1887).

[6] He was critical of the absence of moral education received by traditional Jews in America's public schools and the emphasis on sports.

He advocated for the creation of full time Jewish day schools that would integrate religious studies with English language and literature and American history.

[7] He tried to introduce order into the religious services of his congregations, but met obstruction and opposition on the part of a former rabbi and his followers.

In 1909, he entered into controversy with Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook over the proper observance of the Shemittah year, and, in particular, use of the "sale permit" known as the Heter mechira.