Dear Temple Sinai Family,
It is with a broken heart and overwhelming sorrow that we write to share the devastating news that our beloved Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Phil Kranz, died* late Sunday evening, April 12, four days after his 83rd birthday.
Since coming to Temple Sinai in 1980, Rabbi Kranz has stood at the center of our congregational and individual lives. As Senior Rabbi until 2006 and then as Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Kranz has been our teacher, our guide, our comforter, and our moral voice. He marked our most sacred moments, rejoiced with us in times of celebration, consoled us at moments of grief, and sat beside us with love, gentility, and presence during our times of struggle.
Rabbi Kranz helped shape the soul of Temple Sinai with incomparable wisdom, compassion, humility, and devotion, and the loss we feel is immense. For many among us, it is difficult to imagine this community without his presence. Whether through congregational and communal leadership or through the personal study we were privileged to enjoy, Rabbi Kranz’s exceptional scholarship, ebullient spirit, and unending love for Temple Sinai and our congregants have left an indelible imprint on countless among us.
Even as we grieve, we are blessed by the extraordinary legacy Rabbi Kranz leaves behind, evident most visibly in the Learning Center and Library which proudly carries his name. His legacy will also be celebrated and carried forward by a grateful community enriched by Rabbi Kranz’s kindness, devotion, and love.
Our tradition teaches that “the memory of the righteous is a blessing.” The memory of Rabbi Philip Kranz will forever be a blessing to this congregation and to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. May we honor his memory by holding one another close and by carrying forward the sacred work and values to which Rabbi Kranz dedicated his life.
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We send our heartfelt condolences to Rabbi Kranz’s family:
his beloved wife, Nancy Kranz;
his daughters Rebecca Friedman (Keven) and Abby Ornstein (Bob);
his grandchildren, Madeline & Ariel Friedman, and Celia and Sasha Ornstein;
many more loved ones and countless cherished friends whom Phil impacted throughout his life.
Following a private interment, a funeral service to honor Rabbi Kranz’s inspiring life
and profound legacy will be held at Temple Sinai on Wednesday, April 15, 12:30 PM.
Those who would like to attend virtually will find the service here.
Shiva will be observed on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at Temple Sinai,
with a minyan scheduled both nights for 7:00 PM.
In anticipation of the number of attendees, those in need of special assistance will have valet parking available at the Temple Sinai lot. In addition, overflow satellite parking with shuttle service will be available at the Powers Ferry lot (6190 Powers Ferry Rd), adjacent to The Dupree.
Any who wish to make a donation in honor and memory of Rabbi Kranz are asked to consider
Temple Sinai’s Rabbi Kranz Institute for Jewish Learning Endowment Fund.
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In the difficult days ahead, may we find comfort in the recognition of how we and our congregation have been blessed, strengthened and enriched by our exemplary rabbi and truly remarkable human being.
Zecher tzadik livracha – May the memory of a righteous person, our esteemed rabbi and teacher Rabbi Philip Kranz, forever be recalled for blessing.
Rabbi Ron Segal, Rabbi Brad Levenberg, Rabbi Sam Trief, Rabbi Natan Trief, Beth Schafer
*We recognize this news comes as a shock to many in our community. Rabbi Kranz sustained a serious head injury resulting from a fall at home two weeks ago that, tests revealed, was further exacerbated by a minor stroke. Despite exceptional medical care received at Wellstar-North Fulton Hospital during these difficult weeks, Rabbi Kranz never regained consciousness and took his final breath late Sunday evening.
