Rabbi Wayne Franklin honored at Emanu-El’s Spring Celebration

BY PAMELA HANZEL

PROVIDENCE – May 13 was a day of celebration at Temple Emanu-El, featuring a Community Brunch honoring Rabbi Emeritus Wayne Franklin and entertainment by the a capella group Six13.

Another highlight of the Spring Celebration was the dedication of the newly named Rabbi Wayne M. Franklin Wing, which is located at the top of the stairs at the Taft Avenue entrance to the synagogue.

Many participants spoke highly of Rabbi Franklin during the celebration.

“He was with us in the best of times and in our hours of darkness.  He was, and is, our teacher and our friend,” one said.

The acclaimed group Six13 was a long time coming.  Arts Emanu-El planned to welcome the singers in the spring of 2020, but this was not to be, due to COVID.  But it was worth the wait – old and young alike enjoyed their songs, which were matched to stories about Judaism and Jewish holidays and sprinkled with humor.

Concert-goers called it “an amazing performance.”

PAMELA HANZEL is the chair of Arts Emanu-El at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.