Jewish Stories
Reconstructing Spirituality
I have found spirituality by going to a queer-and-dyke-friendly synagogue. It's awesome. No one even cares about my sexuality, because there no one thinks of it as a necessarily bad thing. I think the reason for that is because the synagogue is Reconstructionist, and they
don't discriminate against anyone.
Katie
Rereading Leviticus
As a member and past trustee of the Jacksonville, Florida's Reform Jewish synagogue, Congregation Ahavath Chesed, I am very happy to share with you the experience that made me much more comfortable, Biblically, being gay.
Just a few years ago, our Senior Rabbi, Michael Matuson had the spiritual leadership to conduct what was probably the first gay workshop ever held by our congregation, founded in 1882. That evening, I was elated to hear that the original Hebrew word for Abomination, as mentioned in Leviticus, also applied to children talking against their parents (blasphemy) and adultery. In addition, it should be interpreted as narrowly referring to the Prostitution Cult.
Rabbi Matuson also cited that the hearing impaired and women did not have equal rights until the Rabbis of the 19th Century declared their rights in the Talmud. Now Rabbi Matuson declares that gays and lesbians should have equal rights and that committed unions should be encouraged and recognized. This past year, the Conference of Reform Rabbis approved gay and lesbian union ceremonies.
So, this is why I am a Reform Jew today. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you!
Ken Klein
Lesbian Jewish Grandmother
I am a member of the largest GLBT synagogue in US. It is Congregation Beth Simchat Torah in New York City. It is community, home, the place I can be all I am: lesbian, Jewish, feminist, activist, mother, grandmother and be embraced by a wonderful Jewish GLBT family. We have extraordinary Rabbis -- Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum and assistant Rabbi Roderick Young. Our services are spiritual and inviting. We have many classes and an outstanding chorus. We are there for each other in celebrations and in mourning.
It has given my lover of 25 years and I a spiritual home we could not find even in "gay friendly " synagogues. If you could interview our Rabbi you would get a fuller picture of who we are.
Lovingly,
Ruthie
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