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Providence Mayor Smiley Celebrates Bar Mitzvah Amid Antisemitism

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Brett Smiley, mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, celebrated his bar mitzvah on March 14, 2026, at Temple Beth-El.
Former mayor David Cicilline attended the ceremony with 11 others after Smiley's 2024 conversion to Judaism.
More than 700 people attended the ceremony to show resilience amid antisemitic attacks.
Smiley said the experience deepened his spiritual connection.
The celebration concluded with music and traditional festivities, highlighting unity in challenging times.

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Story summary

Brett Smiley, mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, celebrated his bar mitzvah on March 14, 2026, at Temple Beth-El.
Former mayor David Cicilline attended the ceremony with 11 others after Smiley's 2024 conversion to Judaism.
More than 700 people attended the ceremony to show resilience amid antisemitic attacks.
Smiley said the experience deepened his spiritual connection.
The celebration concluded with music and traditional festivities, highlighting unity in challenging times.