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“Sound a trumpet throughout your land, and consecrate the 50th year!” (Leviticus 25:9-10)

The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) just concluded its annual convention. It was an engaging and enriching conference and included amazing scholars, the installation of new leadership (including a new president), and opportunities to connect with colleagues. Without question, though, one special highlight was the recognition and tribute for rabbis celebrating their 50th year in the rabbinate – including our esteemed Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Phil Kranz! The enormity of this achievement is one deserving of great honor and recognition, an occasion on which to ‘sound loud the trumpets!’ This year’s virtual tribute to Rabbi Kranz and his classmates included a lovely video, touching words of blessing, and a rousing “Siman tov and mazel tov” by all in attendance. (Though necessarily muted due to Zoom, the level of joy expressed at past 50-year celebrations for our venerated colleagues is overwhelmingly special). To mark this milestone year, rabbis celebrating 50 years are also invited to submit a brief blog as a reflection upon the years of their rabbinate. Rabbi Kranz’s heartwarming blog entry can be read here.

It would have actually been close to this very date twenty-five years ago that I first met Rabbi Kranz. He was at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati for a twofold purpose: to interview soon-to-be-ordained students for Temple Sinai’s first Assistant Rabbi position, and also to receive his honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) on the occasion of 25 years in the rabbinate. I still remember my interview with Rabbi Kranz, not really what we discussed, but rather how he made me feel - enveloped, connected, cared about, seen… mind you, that was only our first meeting. As I mark my 25th year in the rabbinate and with Temple Sinai, I will affirm what I know to be true for everyone who knows Rabbi Kranz: he makes each and every person feel the very same way. Friends, our words and expressions of honor assuredly need not be muted!  “Sound the trumpet” in honor of Rabbi Kranz’s 50th and if you are inclined, send him a congratulatory note (email clevephil@gmail.com or contact the office for a mailing address). Join me in wishing our rabbi, mentor, scholar, teacher, pastor, and friend “Mazel tov on 50 years!”