“Jewish, Gay and Proud”

“Jewish, Gay and Proud” PDF Author: Wilkens, Jan
Publisher: Universitätsverlag Potsdam
ISBN: 386956492X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 128

Get Book Here

Book Description
This publication examines the foundation and institutional integration of the first gay-lesbian synagogue Beth Chayim Chadashim, which was founded in Los Angeles in 1972. As early as June 1974, the synagogue was admitted to the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the umbrella organization of the Reform congregations in the United States. Previously, the potential acceptance of a congregation by and for homosexual Jews triggered an intense and broad debate within Reform Judaism. The work asks how it was possible to successfully establish a gay-lesbian synagogue at a time when homosexual acts were considered unnatural and contrary to tradition by almost the entire Jewish community. The starting point of the argumentation is, in addition to general changes in American synagogues after World War II, the assumption that Los Angeles was the most suitable place for this foundation. Los Angeles has an impressive queer history and the Jewish community was more open, tolerant and innovative here than its counterpart on the East Coast. The Metropolitan Community Church was also founded in the city, and as the largest religious institution for homosexual Christians, it also served as the birthplace of queer synagogues. Reform Judaism was chosen as the place of institutional integration of the community because a relative openness for such an endeavor was only seen here. Responsa written in response to a potential admission of Beth Chayim Chadashim can be used to understand the arguments and positions of rabbis and psychologists regarding homosexuality and communities for homosexual Jews in the early 1970s. Ultimately, the commitment and dedication of the congregation and its heterosexual supporters convinced the decision-makers in Reform Judaism. The decisive impulse to question the situation of homosexual Jews in Judaism came from Los Angeles. With its analysis, the publication contributes to the understanding of Queer Jewish History in general and queer synagogues in particular.

“Jewish, Gay and Proud”

“Jewish, Gay and Proud” PDF Author: Wilkens, Jan
Publisher: Universitätsverlag Potsdam
ISBN: 386956492X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 128

Get Book Here

Book Description
This publication examines the foundation and institutional integration of the first gay-lesbian synagogue Beth Chayim Chadashim, which was founded in Los Angeles in 1972. As early as June 1974, the synagogue was admitted to the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the umbrella organization of the Reform congregations in the United States. Previously, the potential acceptance of a congregation by and for homosexual Jews triggered an intense and broad debate within Reform Judaism. The work asks how it was possible to successfully establish a gay-lesbian synagogue at a time when homosexual acts were considered unnatural and contrary to tradition by almost the entire Jewish community. The starting point of the argumentation is, in addition to general changes in American synagogues after World War II, the assumption that Los Angeles was the most suitable place for this foundation. Los Angeles has an impressive queer history and the Jewish community was more open, tolerant and innovative here than its counterpart on the East Coast. The Metropolitan Community Church was also founded in the city, and as the largest religious institution for homosexual Christians, it also served as the birthplace of queer synagogues. Reform Judaism was chosen as the place of institutional integration of the community because a relative openness for such an endeavor was only seen here. Responsa written in response to a potential admission of Beth Chayim Chadashim can be used to understand the arguments and positions of rabbis and psychologists regarding homosexuality and communities for homosexual Jews in the early 1970s. Ultimately, the commitment and dedication of the congregation and its heterosexual supporters convinced the decision-makers in Reform Judaism. The decisive impulse to question the situation of homosexual Jews in Judaism came from Los Angeles. With its analysis, the publication contributes to the understanding of Queer Jewish History in general and queer synagogues in particular.

“Jewish, Gay and Proud”

“Jewish, Gay and Proud” PDF Author: Jan Wilkens
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description


Twice Blessed

Twice Blessed PDF Author: Christie Balka
Publisher: Beacon Press (MA)
ISBN:
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 324

Get Book Here

Book Description
Contributors include Rebecca T. Alpert, Martha A. Ackelsberg, Linda J. Holtzman, Judith Plaskow, and Evelyn Torton Beck.

Queer Jews

Queer Jews PDF Author: David Shneer
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317795059
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 304

Get Book Here

Book Description
Queer Jews describes how queer Jews are changing Jewish American culture, creating communities and making room for themselves, as openly, unapologetically queer and Jewish. Combining political analysis and personal memoir, these essays explore the various ways queer Jews are creating new forms of Jewish communities and institutions, and demanding that Jewish communities become more inclusive.

A Gay Synagogue in New York

A Gay Synagogue in New York PDF Author: Moshe Shokeid
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
ISBN: 9780812218404
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 292

Get Book Here

Book Description
Explores the dramatic true story of a group of gay and lesbian Jews confronting questions of sexual identity within a traditional religious framework in the creation of the largest gay congregation.

More Than Just Hummus

More Than Just Hummus PDF Author: Matt Adler
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781735154602
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Get Book Here

Book Description
Journey from the comfort of your home to the most misunderstood place in the world: Israel. Unlike most travelogues, however, your guide is a gay Jew who uses his Arabic to shed light on life in the less-seen parts of this magnificent country. Join him as he shares his gay identity with a questioning teenager, hitchhikes on golf carts in a rural Druze village, and celebrates Shabbat -- all in Arabic. You'll find Matt visiting Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze communities, using his compassion and sense of humor to delve into the intricacies of one of the most diverse places on the planet.

Beth Chayim Chadashim

Beth Chayim Chadashim PDF Author: Beth Chayim Chadashim (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Jewish gays
Languages : en
Pages :

Get Book Here

Book Description


Mishkan HaSeder: A Passover Haggadah

Mishkan HaSeder: A Passover Haggadah PDF Author: Rabbi Hara Person
Publisher: CCAR Press
ISBN: 088123382X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 240

Get Book Here

Book Description
Combining age-old texts, fresh insights, inspiring poetry, new translations, and breathtaking art, Mishkan HaSeder sets a new standard in Passover Haggadot. Using the beloved format of Mishkan T'filah and Mishkan HaNefesh, this Haggadah offers beautiful new translations by Rabbis Janet and Sheldon Marder in conversation with an extraordinary collection of poetry from a diverse array of poets. The running commentary by Rabbis Oren Hayon, Seth Limmer, and Amy Scheinerman draws out the historic background of the seder rituals, builds on the social justice issues of our day, and offers contemporary connections to Passover. The text is complemented by full-color works from acclaimed artist Tobi Kahn that will enhance any seder experience. Mishkan HaSeder features poetry by Yehuda Amichai, Ellen Bass, Lucille Clifton, Edward Hirsch, Ross Gay, Emma Lazarus, Denise Levertov, Ada Limon, Grace Paley, Dan Pagis, Adrienne Rich, and many more. Equally suited to home and community celebrations, this is a Haggadah for today and tomorrow. Mishkan HaSeder has the depth to stimulate experienced seder leaders while its accessible explanations will make those joining our tables for the first time feel welcome. "In this brilliant new Reform Haggadah, the old is made new in a spiritual depth that is dazzling. The felicitous translation of traditional and modern sources, the insightful commentary and questions, the moving poetry, the aesthetically evocative depth of the art, and the beautiful and accessible layout of the text all combine to make this Haggadah a genuine treasure that will enrich Passover and the experience of the seder for this generation of religious seekers. We are all indebted to the CCAR for making this publication possible." -Rabbi David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion "Finally, a Haggadah that is gorgeous, creative, serious, egalitarian, poetic, and inspiring! With so many layers of meaning and beauty, this new liturgy for the seder will nourish the skeptics, the seekers, and the scholars in your midst. This is the Haggadah my family and yours have been waiting for." -Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism "Mishkan HaSeder is a gorgeous new Haggadah, with powerful feminist commentary that illuminates the moral and ethical underpinnings of the Passover seder and opens new doors of understanding, as well as inspiring poetry that deepens the experience. This is the new gold standard for every seder table." -Sheila Katz, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women "From poetry that lifts the heart to colorful artwork that deepens our vision, from the Talmud's wisdom to the insights of contemporary Jewish teachers, from ancient practice to the urgent call for justice in our own day, Mishkan HaSeder will enrich the Passover seder for experienced participants and newcomers alike. Like the seder itself, this new Haggadah is a gathering, a blessing, a feast." -Rabbi David Stern, Senior Rabbi, Temple Emanu-El Dallas and Past President, Central Conference of American Rabbis "This is the Haggadah you have to own. An amazing weaving together of the service we all know, in Hebrew and English, with astounding works of art--poems from many different sources, exceptional page design, and beautiful, meditative color images by the brilliant Tobi Kahn--and with thoughtful commentary that explicates the tradition and orients us to the work yet to be done. There are many Haggadot with various themes, but this is one for the ages, allowing each user to pull out favorite poems, highlight specific directives, open up thoughtful seder table discussions, and become truly immersed in the holiday." -Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador and Past President, American Jewish World Service

God vs. Gay?

God vs. Gay? PDF Author: Jay Michaelson
Publisher: Beacon Press
ISBN: 0807001600
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 214

Get Book Here

Book Description
A passionate argument for LGBTQ equality within religious communities—“a book for our times and a book for the ages” (EDGE) The myth that the Bible forbids homosexuality—the myth of “God versus Gay”—is behind some of the most divisive and painful conflicts of our day. In this provocative and game-changing book, scholar and activist Jay Michaelson shows that the Bible does not prohibit same-sex intimacy but does quite the opposite. In fact, the vast majority of the Bible’s teachings support the full equality and dignity of LGBTQ people, from the first flaw it finds in creation (“It is not good for a person to be alone”) to the way religious communities grow through reflection and conscience. Michaelson argues passionately for equality—not despite religion, but because of it. With close readings of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, the latest data on the science of sexual orientation, and a sympathetic, accessible, and ecumenical approach to religious faith, Michaelson makes the case that sexual diversity is part of the beauty of nature. The recognition of same-sex families will strengthen, not threaten, the values religious people hold dear. Whatever your views on religion and sexual diversity, God vs. Gay is a plea for a more compassionate, informed conversation—and a first step toward creating one.

Mishkan Ga'avah

Mishkan Ga'avah PDF Author: Denise Eger
Publisher: CCAR Press
ISBN: 0881233595
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 209

Get Book Here

Book Description
This groundbreaking collection of LGBTQ prayers, poems, liturgy, and rituals is both a spiritual resource and a celebratory affirmation of Jewish diversity. Giving voice to the private and public sectors of queer Jewish experience, Mishkan Ga'avah is also a commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of both the Stonewall Riots and the first pride march, reflecting the longtime advocacy of the Reform Movement for full LGBTQ inclusion.