Temple Israel, Omaha
- For further information, see Jewish community in Omaha
On September 1, 1892, Franklin assumed his duties at Temple Israel. He immediately began advocating changes to strengthen Reform Judaism in his congregation, suggesting the adoption of the Union Prayer Book and the ritual endorsed by the Central Conference of American Rabbis. The congregation adopted his suggestions enthusiastically. However, due to a business recession in the early 1890s, temple income slowly decreased, and the congregation at Temple Israel shrank (from 114 to 84). Despite circumstances, Franklin was able to augment the Temple Building fund, slated for the construction of a new building to house the congregation. The congregation re-elected him to a five-year term in 1896, with a ringing endorsement.
On July 15, 1896, Franklin married Hattie Oberfelder; the ceremony was performed at her parents' house in Chicago. The couple's first daughter, Ruth, was born in Omaha.
During his tenure in Omaha, Franklin reached out beyond the congregation of Temple Israel. He organized a Reform congregation in Lincoln, Nebraska, established a normal school for religious instructors, edited the official publication of the Omaha Humane Society, and was active in many other educational and charitable activities. In addition, he delivered sermons at other congregations, including spending a week in Sioux City, Iowa.
Due to his ministrations and other activities, including contributions to various periodicals, Franklin garnered a reputation as one of the more promising young Reform ministers. In 1898, Franklin was invited to deliver a sermon in Detroit. His speech was received with such approval that Detroit's Temple Beth El immediately invited him to serve as their rabbi, replacing the recently departed Dr. Louis Grossmann. Franklin pondered the matter, and, sensing a greater opportunity in Detroit, accepted Temple Beth El's offer. He left Omaha in January 1899 on cordial terms, keeping in contact with the Omaha congregation for years later.
Read more about this topic: Leo M. Franklin
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