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| Resource Name | Topics | Holidays | Author | Media Type | Grade Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Article or DocumentA Stranger in a Strange LandJanuary 1, 2007 | Stacy Trevenon Article about Maggid Jhos singer, spiritual leader of Coastside Jewish Community in Pacifica, CA, who came out as transgender. Highlights the particular issues that the synagogue faced.… Coming Out | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Coming Out, Transgender and Gender Identity | Stacy Trevenon | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGuide for Advocacy and Action by the Women of Reform JudaismJanuary 1, 1991 | Women of Reform Judaism This guide by the Women of Reform Judaism National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods provides four action steps to promote the Resolution on the Rights of Gay Men and Lesbian Women that was adopted in 1991 at the NFTS 38th Biennial Assembly.… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Women of Reform Judaism | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentSupport for the Inclusion and Acceptance of the Transgender and Bisexual CommunitiesMarch 1, 2003 | Executive Board of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism Reform Movement’s official document of acceptance and support of bisexual and transgender individuals, published by the Reform Movement’s Commission on Social Action.… Activism & Civil Rights | Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Executive Board of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism | Article or Document | ||
Torah Commentary"A Simple Matter of Justice" Achare Mot-KedoshimApril 29, 1993 | Rabbi Lisa Edwards The author writes about the verses in Leviticus that forbid gay sex and the dangers in heeding them too closely, highlighting other verses instead that call for love and respect.… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Rabbi Lisa Edwards | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah Commentary"And God Called": The Process is the Message (Parashat VaYikra)April 1, 2006 | Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman The author discusses our human urge to connect with God and its relationship to struggling with verses of Torah that do not speak to us as LGBT Jews. We know that some of the Torah’s words seem homophobic, sexist, insensitive to disabled people,… Download |
Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document"Gay Judaism" and the Struggle for InclusionOctober 1, 2003 | Rabbi Joshua Lesser The author writes of his decision to go to rabbinical school and the history behind the Reconstructionist Rabbinical School’s inclusive attitude towards gay and lesbian students. He also addresses some landmark legislative cases… Activism & Civil Rights | Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Reconstructionist Movement | Rabbi Joshua Lesser | Article or Document | ||
Torah Commentary"Hey Yaacov, Someone’s Calling your Name!" "If it isn’t Yisrael, I’m not Home." (Parashat Vayishlach)December 12, 2008 | Zvi Bellin The author explores why Jacob was renamed twice in this Torah portion, and argues that each one of us has an ideal vision of who we want to be and how we wish to be perceived in our communities.… Download |
Zvi Bellin | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah Commentary"Queer" Tribes: Finding a Place for Alternative Families (Parashat B’midbar)May 25, 2006 | Gregg Drinkwater The author reviews the notion of family and family lineage in the parasha, comparing it with his own non-traditional family.… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Gregg Drinkwater | Torah Commentary | ||
Videos"Sex and Mysticism: Trans Folks in Torah”
… Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Videos | |||
Torah Commentary"The L-L Word" – Lech-Lecha (Parashat Lech-Lecha)November 4, 2006 | Rabbi Lisa Edwards The author compares the story of Abraham and Sarah to an episode of the L Word, and concludes by discussing the history and lyrics of Debbie Friedman’s song “Lechi Lach.”… Download |
Rabbi Lisa Edwards | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah Commentary‘Am’ (Yisrael) Comin’ Out! I want the World To Know, Got to Let it Show (Parashat Be’Ha’alotecha)June 13, 2008 | Karen Perolman In this Torah portion, the author likens the Israelites struggle with freedom to that of LGBT people’s coming out experience. Like the Israelites, when we finally extricate ourselves from the closet, it can be easy to look back in and… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Karen Perolman | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah Commentary‘It must not go out’ (Parashat Tsav)March 19, 2011 | Amy Soule The author explores the notion of the Ner Tamid, the eternal flame, as a metaphor for the ‘eternal light’ that lives within all human beings. According to biblical Hebrew, tamid can be translated as “performed regularly” or “necessitating… Download |
Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah Commentary‘Til Your People Cross Over (Parashat Beshalach)February 3, 2007 | Karen Lee Erlichman This story of liberation and faith has been claimed by countless communities as part of their journey out of their own “narrow place.” As lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer folks, we too are yearning for those stories that reveal… Download |
Karen Lee Erlichman | Torah Commentary | |||
18 Ways to Make Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Members Feel Welcome in Your CongregationNovember 28, 2008 | Union for Reform Judaism Ideas on how make LGBT Jews feel at home and a welcome part of a community.… Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Union for Reform Judaism | |||
Article or DocumentA Blessing over ProgesteroneMarch 15, 2012 | Joy Ladin A personal testament by a transgender woman about the joy and wholeness she has experienced in her transition, focusing specifically on hormones and the blessings she says daily upon taking them.… Transgender and Gender Identity |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Joy Ladin | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentA Concurring Opinion to Arnold M. Goodman's "Placing Homosexual Rabbis in Congregations" (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)June 19, 1993 | Rabbi Aaron Mackler In this position paper, Rabbi Arnold Mackler argues that because homosexual behavior is a violation of halakha (Jewish law), job placement for gay and lesbian rabbis must take into account this halakhic infraction similar as it does to other… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Aaron Mackler | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentA Concurring Opinion to Rabbi Leonard Levy's Teshuvah: "Same-Sex Attraction and Halakhah" (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)December 8, 2006 | Rabbi Loel M. Weiss This concurrence argues that the Conservative Movement is becoming too lax in its relationship to Halakha (Jewish law) and that the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards should not be “legitimizing private acts in the public sphere.”… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Loel M. Weiss | Article or Document | ||
RitualA Covenant of Same-Sex Nisu’in and KiddushinMarch 1, 2000 | Eyal Levinson The author explores the details of traditional Jewish wedding ceremonies according to halakha (Jewish law) and provides a detailed adaptation for gay and lesbian couples to use.… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Eyal Levinson | Ritual | ||
Article or Document, RitualA Few Words on the Language of Kiddushin and Sheva BrachotJune 19, 2013 | Rabbi Ayelet Cohen, Rabbi Marc Margolius Rabbi Cohen reflects on the language of traditional kiddushin and concludes that although the transaction of kiddushin feels outdated and unequal, the language of kedushah to sanctify the ritual and infuse the marriage with holiness remains… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Ayelet Cohen, Rabbi Marc Margolius | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Article or Document, RitualA Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Ally HaggadahAaron Weininger, Amy Sandler, Anonymous, Davis Schwartz, Elianna Goldstein, Emily Silver, Jessica Meyer, Kerry Chaplin, Makella Craelius, Margaux Buck, Rabbi Avi Katz-Orlow A Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Ally Haggadah which follows the traditional structure of the Passover Seder but contains readings and discussion questions pertaining to GLBT identity and life.… Ritual/Liturgy/PrayerPassover Download |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Passover | Aaron Weininger, Amy Sandler, Anonymous, Davis Schwartz, Elianna Goldstein, Emily Silver, Jessica Meyer, Kerry Chaplin, Makella Craelius, Margaux Buck, Rabbi Avi Katz-Orlow | Article or Document, Ritual | |
Torah CommentaryA Generation’s Judge (Parashat Devarim)July 24, 2009 | Cynthia Hoffman The author discusses the position the Torah portion appears to take on the issue of rendering judgment, and the ways in which distance from certain events permits clearer judgment of the events themselves. She asks what it means for the next… Marriage and Weddings Download |
Marriage and Weddings | Cynthia Hoffman | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or Document, RitualA Jewish Guide for Marking Transgender Day of RemembranceKeshet Contains readings, personal stories from transgender people, quotes from rabbinic leaders, and suggested concrete action steps. In conjunction with Transgender Day of Remembrance.… Activism & Civil Rights | Transgender and Gender IdentityTransgender Day of Remembrance Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Transgender and Gender Identity | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Keshet | Article or Document, Ritual | |
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryA Kavanah — Directing our Hearts and Minds: A Declaration of Intention that we bring to the reading of Leviticus 18 on the Afternoon of Yom KippurRabbi Victor Reinstein Kavanah (intention) to be read before reading Leviticus 18 on Yom Kippur, addressing the fact that this chapter contains the Torah’s enumerations of prohibited sexual relationships. The author interprets the prohibition against… Jewish LawRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Jewish Law | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Rabbi Victor Reinstein | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryA Less Innocent Love (Parashat Vaetchanan)August 5, 2006 | Jay Michaelson The author explores the characteristics of love in different religious and secular writing and argues that queer religious love, when it is realized, is necessarily self-aware, because it has been tested, as Abraham’s love was tested.… Dating and Relationships Download |
Dating and Relationships | Jay Michaelson | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryA Little Bit of Soap (Parashat Chukat)July 4, 2008 | Noach Dzmura Short commentary on the use of a red cow’s ashes to ritually purify a person, and the preparation of Miriam’s body for burial.… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryA Mandatory Donation (Parashat Terumah)February 19, 2010 | David Katzenelson The author explores the notion of terumah, translated as gift, portion, offering, or donation. He asks how this can be considered a donation if, in the context of this Torah portion, God commands the Israelites to give a terumah. Further, why… Download |
David Katzenelson | Torah Commentary | |||
RitualA Meditation for the First Night of ChanukahChaya Kaplan-Lester This meditation by Chaya Kaplan-Lester is about knowing one’s identity and standing strong against external forces.… Hanukkah Download |
Hanukkah | Chaya Kaplan-Lester | Ritual | ||
Torah CommentaryA New Vision of the Scapegoat (Parashat Pinchas)July 18, 2008 | Ri J. Turner Commentary on the scapegoat. Whether killed by the knife or abandoned in the woods, the sin-offering goat is a potent symbol. What does it mean to release our sins—or relieve our worries about being held accountable—not by repairing the… Download |
Ri J. Turner | Torah Commentary | |||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesA Non-Trans Privilege ListJared A 24 item list of privileges held by non-trans people.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Jared | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | College and Adult | |
Torah CommentaryA Parade of Welcome (Parashat Beha’alotecha)May 28, 2010 | Rabbi James Greene The author discusses the imagery of the Israelites wandering through the wilderness, focusing on a midrash that says that each tribe moved in its own unique way. He sees the LGBTQ community as its own tribe within the congregation of Israel.… Download |
Rabbi James Greene | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentA Personal Statement Regarding Same Gender Marriages01-2004 | Rabbi Herman Blumberg Rabbi Herman Blumberg, a Reform rabbi, discusses his own personal evolution regarding gay and lesbian Jews and gay marriage.… Marriage and Weddings | Reform Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Reform Movement | Rabbi Herman Blumberg | Article or Document | ||
BooksA Queer and Pleasant Danger: A MemoirMay 1, 2012 | Kate Bornstein An original memoir of a nice Jewish boy who joined the Church of Scientology and left twelve years later, ultimately transitioning to a woman. A few years later, she stopped calling herself a woman and became famous as a gender outlaw. Kate… Transgender and Gender Identity |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Kate Bornstein | Books | ||
Torah CommentaryA Revolution With Boundaries (Parashat Korach)June 30, 2006 | Rebecca Weiner The author relates her own experience of struggling with her relationship to halakha (Jewish law) to Korach doing something similar in this parsha. She names two lessons she learns from this parsha, that you have to pick your battles, and that… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Rebecca Weiner | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or Document, Teaching GuidelinesA Second Look at Homosexuality12-1996 | Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis Addresses the predicament of changing Jewish law on homosexuality. Rabbi Schulweis defends gay and lesbian unions from the position that Jewish halacha was created to enhance life, to introduce love and compassion and softness into a hard… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis | Article or Document, Teaching Guidelines | ||
Torah CommentaryA Well in the Desert (Parashat Vayera)November 14, 2008 | David Katzenelson The author compares the experience of Hagar in the desert, after having been cast out by Sarah, to the experience of LGBT Jews.… Download |
David Katzenelson | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryA “Great Moral Issue” of Our Time (Parashat Vayera)October 23, 2010 | Rabbi Carl M. Perkins In this sermon. Rabbi Carl Perkins discusses discrimination and bigotry against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the Jewish community and in mainstream American society, specifically in the context of the rise in LGBT… Bullying or Harassment Download |
Bullying or Harassment | Rabbi Carl M. Perkins | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentAbout Congregation Beit TikvahMarch 9, 2007 | Congregation Beit Tikvah An “about” statement from a Reconstructionist synagogue with language inclusive of gay and lesbian members.… Policies and Best Practices | Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reconstructionist Movement | Congregation Beit Tikvah | Article or Document | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesAbraham Joshua Heschel and the Civil Rights Movement
This lesson is designed for use with Hineini or as part of a curriculum in history, social studies, or civics. Using small group work, class discussion, text analysis, and writing exercises, students examine the writing and actions of Rabbi… Activism & Civil Rights Download |
Activism & Civil Rights | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | High School | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryAchrei Mot-Kedoshim; Leviticus 16:1-20:27April 25, 2007 | Rabbi Denise Eger The author explores the Leviticus texts uses to prohibit gay sex, focusing on a teshuvah (responsa) written by several Conservative rabbis. She argues that acts mentioned in Leviticus are not committed, same gender loving relationship… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Rabbi Denise Eger | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryAffirming the Sanctity of Same-Sex Love (Parashat B'reshit)October 20, 2006 | Gregg Drinkwater In this commentary, the author argues that LGBT Jews spend a lot of time defending ourselves against misunderstood Torah verses that supposedly forbid same-sex relationships. Rarely do we have the opportunity to pro-actively affirm, rather… Download |
Gregg Drinkwater | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentALEPH Statement of PrinciplesDecember 20, 2008 | ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal’s official statement welcoming, including and recognizing the sanctity of every individual regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.… Policies and Best Practices | Renewal Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Renewal Movement | ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal | Article or Document | ||
VideosAlex, “I AM: Trans People Speak”
… Coming Out | Youth |
Coming Out, Youth | Videos | |||
Article or DocumentAliyah: Trans(Per)forming Jewish RitualMay 1, 2006 | Noach Dzmura The author recounts his person experience of being a transgender person at synagogue.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Noach Dzmura | Article or Document | ||
All Gender LGBTQ Tefillin WorkshopJanuary 22, 2012 | JP Payne The act of laying tefillin is an act of intimacy between a Jewish person and God. In this workshop, we encourage people of all genders to partake in this ancient ritual. We also encourage participants to engage in a text study which examines the… DIY LGBT Jewish Events Download |
DIY LGBT Jewish Events | JP Payne | |||
Torah CommentaryAmalek and The Good Soldier (Parashat Ki Teitze)September 12, 2008 | Noach Dzmura This commentary discusses the literary themes and narrative structure of the Torah portion. The author argues that there is an overarching meta-narrative to the portion which suggests that the ethical behavior of soldiers will lead to ultimate… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentAn Ally’s Guide to Issues Facing LGBT AmericansAugust 15, 2012 | Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute, Human Rights Campaign, Log Cabin Republicans, Movement Advancement Project, National Stonewall Democrats A primer introducing the major areas in which unfair laws and stigma create extra burdens for LGBT Americans and prevent them from having the chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, be safe in their communities, and serve their… Ally | Policies and Best Practices Download |
Ally, Policies and Best Practices | Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute, Human Rights Campaign, Log Cabin Republicans, Movement Advancement Project, National Stonewall Democrats | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentAn Introduction: Transgender JewsMay 1, 2002 | Alana Suskin, Gwynn Kessler, Susan Weidman Schneider A series of articles on transgender Jews in Jewish community, culture, tradition, and ancient texts.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Alana Suskin, Gwynn Kessler, Susan Weidman Schneider | Article or Document | ||
BlogAnd if not now, when?Ben Schneider Blog of a gay conservative/egalitarian student. Contains divrei Torah and other teachings about queer content in Jewish sources, as well as personal stories and observations about the challenges and opportunities facing gay Jews.… Coming Out | Conservative Movement |
Coming Out, Conservative Movement | Ben Schneider | Blog | ||
Torah CommentaryAnd Jacob Came Out… (Parashat Vayetzei)December 3, 2006 | Maggid Jhos Singer The author writes about the coming out process and paralleling it with Jacob’s “coming out” of his old patterns, home, and family and going into the wilderness to begin his journey of transformation.… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Maggid Jhos Singer | Torah Commentary | ||
FilmAnd Thou Shalt LoveChaim Elbaum Short film centering on the inner turmoil faced by a closeted Orthodox Israeli soldier who falls in love with his study partner. Timely and profound, this deeply moving film raises difficult questions about the extent to which religion has… |
Chaim Elbaum | Film | |||
Andrea Jacobs @ Vigil for Tel Aviv LGBT Center
Keshet Director of Education Andrea Jacob’s speech at a vigil for victims of Tel Aviv’s GLBT Center shooting.… Activism & Civil Rights |
Activism & Civil Rights | ||||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryAngels in Canaan: A Jewish Fantasia on Tribal-national ThemesDecember 3, 2005 | Rabbi Jonah Pesner Compares the story of Jacob’s ladder with that of Tony Kushner’s “Angels in America,” arguing that since the play was written our nation has progressed on gay and lesbian issues and we are now working towards gay… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Rabbi Jonah Pesner | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
BlogAnother Frum Gay JewEly Winkler Blog written by a religious gay Jew, wrestling with two seemingly conflicting identities. Blog contains personal thoughts on current events, stories, and political opinions.… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Ely Winkler | Blog | ||
Torah CommentaryApres le Deluge: Moi (Parashat Noach)October 28, 2006 | Michael Sarid The author explores the question of how Noah’s enormous personal losses affect his life after the flood. He cultivates the world’s first vineyard, drinks the world’s first wine, and, upon drinking himself into oblivion, becomes the… Download |
Michael Sarid | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryAre You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?: Pharaoh, the Plagues, and His Mutinous Magicians (Parashat Vaera)January 23, 2009 | Marisa Elana James The author writes about power-hungry Pharaoh, who is more interested in upholding his own power than protecting his own people, and the cunning strategy of the Egyptians magicians: to use their powers on the Egyptian people – not on Moses… Download |
Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |||
VideosAriel Vegosen- “I am Many Blessed”
… |
Videos | ||||
Article or Document, BlogAriseAugust 14, 2012 Author’s personal story of becoming a bat mitzvah following transitioning genders from male to female. Focuses on choosing a new name and the powerful role it plays in one’s bar/bat mitzvah, particularly following gender transition.… Lifecycle Events | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Lifecycle Events, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Article or Document, Blog | |||
Torah CommentaryB’reshit and Bashert: in our beginning, all kinds of love were sanctified (Parashat B’reshit)October 16, 2009 | Amy Soule The author explores the original creation story, wherein God created humankind in God’s own image, as proof that God created an array of sexual orientations and gender identities. She then explores the stories of Ruth and Naomi and… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryBa’al Ha’Chalomot: Keepers of the Dreams (Parashat Vayeshev)November 29, 2007 | Karen Lee Erlichman This Torah portion focuses on the story of Joseph, a dreamer and a visionary who was reviled and exiled by his own siblings. The author argues that this story is profoundly relevant to LGBTQ Jews. Many of us can recall our first feelings of being… Download |
Karen Lee Erlichman | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryBalak and Balaam: Language and Knowledge, Speech and Power (Parashat Balak)July 11, 2008 | Jeremy Schwartz The author argues that this Torah portion is a story about speech: who has the power of the tongue, and what impact words can have. As members of the queer community, we can glean something from this portion when we encounter hate speech and as… Download |
Jeremy Schwartz | Torah Commentary | |||
BooksBalancing on the MechitzaJune 1, 2010 | Noach Dzmura While the Jewish mainstream still argues about homosexuality, many transgender and gender-variant people sit in the congregation, marry under the chuppah, and create Jewish families. Balancing on the Mechitza gives voice to this movement… Transgender and Gender Identity |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Noach Dzmura | Books | ||
VideosBBYO Campaign for Respect + Inclusion
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Videos | ||||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities, Teaching GuidelinesBBYO Passover Seder SupplementBBYO Uses the parts of the seder plate as symbols for standing up for others and against bullying, showing respect, and committing to community.… Activism & Civil Rights | AllyPassover Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Ally | Passover | BBYO | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities, Teaching Guidelines | High School, Middle School |
Article or DocumentBecoming a "Kehillah Mekabelet"July 1, 1998 | Roberta Israeloff A story about a Reconstructionist synagogue’s struggle to become more welcoming to gay and lesbian Jews.… Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Reconstructionist Movement | Roberta Israeloff | Article or Document | ||
VideosBeing Gay In The Orthodox World: A Conversation with Members of the YU CommunityDecember 22, 2009 | Avi Kopstick, Mordechai Levovitz, Rabbi Yosef Blau Video from an historic event in 2009 at Yeshiva University about being gay and Orthodox. Three young gay men tell their personal stories of being gay in the Orthodox world, focusing on their relationships with family and their time in yeshivot… Coming Out | Orthodox Movement |
Coming Out, Orthodox Movement | Avi Kopstick, Mordechai Levovitz, Rabbi Yosef Blau | Videos | ||
Article or DocumentBeing Gay In The Orthodox World: A Conversation with Members of the YU CommunityDecember 22, 2009 | Avi Kopstick, Jonathan, Josh, Mordechai Levovitz, Rabbi Yosef Blau A transcript from an historic event in 2009 at Yeshiva University about being gay and Orthodox. Three young gay men tell their personal stories of being gay in the Orthodox world, focusing on their relationships with family and their time in… Coming Out | Orthodox Movement Download |
Coming Out, Orthodox Movement | Avi Kopstick, Jonathan, Josh, Mordechai Levovitz, Rabbi Yosef Blau | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryBeyond Stick Figures (Parashat Vayechi)January 6, 2007 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla The author discusses gender diversity in Jewish tradition and in both Biblical and Rabbinic text, weaving together contemporary stories of gender non-conforming and intersex people.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla | Torah Commentary | ||
Promotional MaterialBeyond the Huppah: Creating the Jewish Marriage You Want3-2012 | Mayyim Hayyim LGBT-friendly advertisement for a program by Mayyim Hayyim, a Boston-based non-denominational mikveh and education center, for couples about creating a Jewish marriage. Contains LGBT-friendly language on the ad itself and on the participant… Marriage and Weddings | Policies and Best Practices Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Policies and Best Practices | Mayyim Hayyim | Promotional Material | ||
Torah CommentaryBind These Words (Parashat Ekev)August 11, 2006 | Ari Lev Fornari The authors writes of his personal experience being transgendered and wearing a chest binder, interwoven with instructions of tying the tzitzit (fringes) of a tallit (prayer shawl).… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Ari Lev Fornari | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryBirds, Blood, and Living Waters (Parashat Metzora)April 11, 2008 | Marisa Elana James The book of Leviticus details the knowledge necessary to carry out the job of the descendants of the house of Levi. The Torah makes it clear that the purity of our selves and our homes are linked; that keeping each clean and free of disease or decay… Download |
Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, RitualBirkat HaChama – 1925, 1953, 1981, 2009, 2037April 11, 2009 | J. Simone Posner A description of Birkat HaChama (blessing of the sun), a ritual celebrated every 28 years. Connects Birkat HaChama to LGBT liberation.… Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | J. Simone Posner | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
BlogBlack, Gay, and JewishErika Davis Commentary and personal thoughts on Judaism, politics, and queer life written by New York-based writer Erika Davis. Jews by Choice | Jews of Color |
Jews by Choice, Jews of Color | Erika Davis | Blog | ||
Torah CommentaryBlessings and Curses: What’s in a Binary? (Parashat Re’eh)August 6, 2010 | Alex Weissman … Download |
Alex Weissman | Torah Commentary | |||
VideosBobby Saferstein; “Every version of you is you”
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Videos | ||||
Article or DocumentBreaking news from the Jerusalem Open House: Terror and hate crimes suspect held by police for crimes against LGBTQ community and other minoritiesNovember 8, 2009 | Yonatan Gher A press release from the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance after the arrest of Yaakov Teitel, who is suspected of carrying out an attack against young people at a Tel Aviv LGBT Youth Center.… Bullying or Harassment | Youth Download |
Bullying or Harassment, Youth | Yonatan Gher | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentBridging Differences in Gay and Lesbian Interfaith PartnershipsJune 1, 2003 | Rabbi Amber Powers Discusses some of the issues and questions regarding family, community, and theology facing gay and lesbian interfaith partners.… Interfaith | Jews by Choice | Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Interfaith, Jews by Choice, Reconstructionist Movement | Rabbi Amber Powers | Article or Document | ||
RitualBringing the Orange under the HuppahJune 20, 2007 | Progressive Jewish Alliance A resource created by the Progressive Jewish Alliance (PJA) to bring spirited discussion of Marriage Equality to a central place in the Jewish community. PJA invites heterosexual couples who marry in Jewish weddings to find a way to integrate… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Progressive Jewish Alliance | Ritual | ||
RitualBrit Hitvada’ut: A Coming Out CeremonyOctober 5, 2006 | Jay Michaelson This brit hitvada’ut (“covenant of coming out”) describes a ritual and liturgy intended for individuals coming out in Jewish communities. Combines elements of birth ritual and bar mitzvah ritual, and is intended to last approximately… Coming Out | Lifecycle Events | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Coming Out, Lifecycle Events, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Jay Michaelson | Ritual | ||
RitualBroken GlassApril 14, 2004 | Rabbi Arthur Waskow A prayer to say under the chuppah prior to breaking the glass which recognize that it is still impossible in many parts of the Jewish world for two men or two women to come under the chuppah together.… Lifecycle Events | Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Lifecycle Events, Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Arthur Waskow | Ritual | ||
Torah CommentaryBrother's keeper, take two… Esau and Forgiveness (Parashat Vayishlach)December 9, 2006 | Marisa Elana James The author explores the relationship of Jacob and Esau 20 years since they parted ways, comparing their relationship struggles to our modern-day ones. Making peace, finding and granting forgiveness, reuniting and finding joy amid terrors… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryBrothers (Parashat B'reshit)October 24, 2008 | David Katzenelson The author summarizes in detail the story of Cain and Abel, ending with God angrily punishing Cain. He compares this to the experience of many LGBT people, who have experienced much of the same treatment in the hands of our own families.… Download |
David Katzenelson | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryBuilding a Just Society (Parashat Shoftim)August 26, 2006 | Rabbi Rick Brody The author argues that this portion is about creating a just society. Before entering the Israelites enter the Promised Land, Moses gives a speech providing ethical and administrative norms to be followed by the community. A dominant word… Activism & Civil Rights Download |
Activism & Civil Rights | Rabbi Rick Brody | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryBuilding God's Beautiful Bayit; or, Queer Eye for the Desert Mishkan (Parashat Vayakhel and Parashat Pekudei)March 17, 2007 | Marisa Elana James The author discusses the complex details of building the Mishkan (Holy Tabernacle) in this Torah portion. She discusses why there are so many details about color and texture, metals and stones and fibers. After centuries of famine and slavery,… Download |
Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryBut G-d Said No: Why Moses Couldn’t Enter the Promised Land, and What The LGBT Community Can Learn From It (Parashat Vaetechanan)July 23, 2010 | Stephanie Silberstein The author discusses the pain of Moses not being allowed to enter the Promised Land and what lessons LGBTQ people might learn from this. She writes that queer people have stories of “Promised Lands” of heterosexuality that we… Download |
Stephanie Silberstein | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryCamels and Consummation (Hayyei Sarah)November 20, 2008 | Joy Ladin In this drash, the author, using a modern lens and language of “dating,” explores the story of Abraham’s quest to find a wife for his son Isaac. She writes that according to this story, bringing the right people together… Dating and Relationships Download |
Dating and Relationships | Joy Ladin | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryCamels and Consummation (Parashat Chayei Sarah)November 22, 2008 | Joy Ladin The author writes that one of the obstacles to reading Torah from a twenty-first century perspective is that the Torah radically diminishes the significance of individual human life. the narrative terseness that pares individual lives… Download |
Joy Ladin | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentCentral Conference of American Rabbis Resolution on Same Gender OfficiationMarch 1, 2000 | Central Conference of American Rabbis Official document of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, declaring that the relationship of a Jewish, same gender couple is worthy of affirmation through appropriate Jewish ritual, and in support of the decision of those who choose… Marriage and Weddings | Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Central Conference of American Rabbis | Article or Document | ||
RitualCeremonies for the Commitment and Dissolution of Same Sex UnionsRabbi Dan Shevitz Rabbi Dan Shevitz based this ritual on the use of an oath to assume responsibilities between individuals. It relies on the model of the halachic understanding of another case of obligations created between individuals which duplicated those… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Dan Shevitz | Ritual | ||
BlogChalamti: I have dreamtBenjy Blog written by a gay Orthodox Jew. Opinions on the various issues that face gay frum Jews. The author’s thoughts and opinions are all rooted in an attempt to find a balance between Orthodox spirituality and immersion in the secular world.… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Benjy | Blog | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesChallah Back: A Beit Midrash in the KitchenMay 6, 2012 | Vered Meir Source sheet from a Beit Midrash on challah and bread in Jewish texts. The workshop itself is three hours long, beginning with starting the challah dough. When the bread is rising, texts 1, 2, 3, and 4 are studied in pairs. After one hour, the dough… DIY LGBT Jewish Events | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
DIY LGBT Jewish Events, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Vered Meir | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | ||
Article or DocumentChallenges in Outreach to GLBT Interfaith CouplesJune 1, 2003 | Jeffry Scheckner Highlights potential issues and questions related to reaching out the GLBT interfaith couples.… Interfaith Download |
Interfaith | Jeffry Scheckner | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryChant Hallel for PrideHoward Steiermann The author explains why he will be reciting Hallel (psalms which are said as a unit, on joyous occasions, when the praise of G-d is particularly appropriate) for Pride.… Coming Out | Ritual/Liturgy/PrayerPride Download |
Coming Out, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Pride | Howard Steiermann | Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryCircling Back (Simchat Torah)November 15, 2006 | Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman The author explores the question of why Jews don’t read the book of Joshua as part of our worship service. Why does that Torah reject a tidy satisfying closure to its epic tale? Our human lives aren’t like a Hollywood fairytale, no matter… Simchat Torah Download |
Simchat Torah | Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryClaiming an Unworded, Yet Holy Union (Parashat Chayei Sarah)November 18, 2006 | Moshe Ben Chacon One Midrash holds that Isaac was born with a female soul. The binding of Isaac was a ritual through which Isaac’s soul transmuted from female into male, enabling Isaac to eventually fall in love with and marry Rebecca. The author explores… Dating and Relationships Download |
Dating and Relationships | Moshe Ben Chacon | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryCome Out Come Out Wherever You Are (Parashat Bo)January 22, 2010 | Amy Soule The author discusses God’s commandment for the Hebrews to smear the blood of a sheep on their doorpost to ensure their protection from the Angel of Death as a sort of “coming out.” She argues that if we read this story as a collective… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | ||
RitualComing Out CeremonyJanuary 4, 2009 | Unknown Short texts to read at a coming out ceremony from Psalms and Genesis.… Coming Out | Lifecycle EventsNational Coming Out Day Download |
Coming Out, Lifecycle Events | National Coming Out Day | Unknown | Ritual | |
Coming Out in the Jewish FamilyJune 1, 1989 | Carla Cantor Written in 1989 and reading this article now with the advantage of time, one gets the sense of how much has changed and stayed the same about ‘coming out’. Author Carla Cantor highlights pivotal moments for half a dozen Jewish lesbians ‘coming… Coming Out | Families and Parenting Download |
Coming Out, Families and Parenting | Carla Cantor | |||
Article or Document, RitualComing Out in the Orthodox World; Being Out as a Jew in Lesbian CirclesJune 1, 2006 | Melanie Weiss, Tamar Prager The author’s personal story of falling in love with a woman, coming out to her family and community, and eventually having a commitment ceremony.… Lesbian | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Lesbian, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Melanie Weiss, Tamar Prager | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Torah CommentaryComing Out into the LightMarch 3, 2007 | Aaron Weininger The author, a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary, writes of the aron kodesh (holy ark) as a holy closet, drawing the parallel that just like the Torah cannot stay inside the ark forever, so too can gay and lesbian Jews not stay… Conservative MovementPurim Download |
Conservative Movement | Purim | Aaron Weininger | Torah Commentary | |
Article or Document, BlogComing out, a young gay man finds self-acceptanceJune 12, 2013 | Isaac Lobel A charming, funny, and captivating story about a young Jewish man, finding his voice and place in the Jewish community as a gay man. For Isaac Lobel’s bar mitzvah, his parents got him a laptop. For what I searched for on it, they got him… Coming Out | Families and Parenting | Youth |
Coming Out, Families and Parenting, Youth | Isaac Lobel | Article or Document, Blog | College and Adult, High School, Middle School | |
Article or DocumentCommission on Social Action of Reform Judaism Welcomes HUC-JIR’s Decision to Accept a Transgender StudentMarch 13, 2003 | Religious Action Center Statement of support from the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism for HUC-JIR’s decision to accept a transgender student.… Reform Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Reform Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Religious Action Center | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryCommunity and Solitude: Rethinking Clean and Unclean (Parashat Tazria Metzora)April 16, 2010 | Vanessa "Vinny" Prell The author explains that this Torah portion deals with categorization, and explores what lessons can we, as queer people, learn from priestly rituals about gendered child-birth, menstruation, and diseases which affect people and cloth… Download |
Vanessa "Vinny" Prell | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryConfronting Injustice: A Jewish Model for Trans Advocacy (Parashat Vaera)January 4, 2008 | Y. Gavriel A. Levi Ansara The presence of Aaron, his advocate, provides Moses with the support he needs to confront Pharaoh and begin the divine process of liberating the Jewish people from Egypt. The author argues that it is our responsibility as non-transgendered… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Y. Gavriel A. Levi Ansara | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentConsensus Statement on HomosexualityMarch 25, 1992 | Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly Text of resolution adopted by the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards (CJLS) outlining policies relating to marriage ceremonies of gay and lesbian members, the admittance of gay and lesbian students into rabbinical and cantorial programs,… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentConsensus Statement on Homosexuality (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)March 25, 1992 | Committee on Jewish Law and Standards Text of resolution adopted by the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards (CJLS) outlining policies relating to marriage ceremonies of gay and lesbian members, the admittance of gay and lesbian students into rabbinical and cantorial programs,… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Committee on Jewish Law and Standards | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentContemplating a Jewish Ritual of Same-Sex Union: An Inquiry into the Meaning of MarriageJune 19, 2013 | Rabbi Steven Greenberg The purpose of this essay is to explore the idea of same-sex marriage as a religious problem and, more specifically, as a halakhic problem. In traditional Jewish circles, religious problems are framed first and foremeost as legal or halakhic… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Steven Greenberg | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentConversion and Marriage after Transsexual SurgeryJanuary 1, 1990 | Central Conference of American Rabbis This CCAR Responsum addresses a complex two part question regarding: 1) “whether or not an applicant for conversion, after already having a sex-change operation, be allowed to have a religious conversion,” and, 2) “if… Jews by Choice | Lifecycle Events | Marriage and Weddings | Reform Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Jews by Choice, Lifecycle Events, Marriage and Weddings, Reform Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Central Conference of American Rabbis | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryCounting My Genders: A Neo-Kabbalistic View of the Omer (Counting the Omer)April 24, 2008 | Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman A commentary on counting the omer. The author explains the Kabbalistic sefirot (emanations from God) for counting the omer. Each sefira has a complicated gender and sexual identity, which the author explains. Queer neo-Kabbalistics teach… Download |
Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman | Torah Commentary | |||
RitualCovenant of Love – Brit ReyutJune 1, 2007 | Rabbi Stuart Kelman Rabbi Stuart Kelman’s Brit Reyut ceremony was constructed on the assumptions underlying a teshuva (rabbinic responsa) that he wrote on gay and lesbian inclusion in his synagogue in the early 1990s, titled Community and Diversity –… Conservative Movement | Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Conservative Movement, Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Stuart Kelman | Ritual | ||
Torah CommentaryCreated by the Hand of Heaven: A Jewish Approach to Intersexuality (Parashat Tazria and Parashat Metzora)April 21, 2007 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman The first of this week’s double portion opens with instructions to the Israelites regarding the birth of a baby. The authors argue that in the Bible, as in mainstream thinking today, a baby is either a boy or a girl–and that this is not… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or Document, Educational ToolCreating a Jewish Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA): Youth Organizing ManualThe Aleph Project at Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) A 30 page step-by-step guide to creating a GSA in a Jewish environment. Includes an explanation of GSAs, concrete steps to take to starting a GSA, talking points, tips for running successful meetings, and other resources. To download this… Activism & Civil Rights | Policies and Best Practices | Youth |
Activism & Civil Rights, Policies and Best Practices, Youth | The Aleph Project at Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) | Article or Document, Educational Tool | College and Adult, High School | |
Article or DocumentCreating Inclusive Curricula
Suggestions for inclusive lesson planning at the Elementary level and how to include GLB/Trans experiences and perspectives in the |
Article or Document | Early Childhood, Elementary, High School, Middle School | |||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryD’var TorahDecember 3, 2006 | Rabbi Michael Bernstein The week before the Conservative Movement’s Committee of Jewish Laws and Standards, the author delivered this sermon about Jacob’s ladder, arguing that both cases stress the importance of finding holiness in the familiar… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Michael Bernstein | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryD’var Torah for Parashat No’ah: A Flood of Homophobia10-2010 | Rabbi David Mitchell Torah commentary using the story of Noah and the flood to speak out against homophobic bullying. Teaches that the world was destroyed because humanity had turned on itself and that the rainbow was meant to be a symbol of peace and a sign that never… Bullying or Harassment Download |
Bullying or Harassment | Rabbi David Mitchell | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryD’var Torah for Purim on Gay and Lesbian RecognitionRabbi Menachem Creditor, Rabbi Steven Greenberg Two divrei torah that draw parallels between the Purim story and gay and lesbian identity. Both authors write about the personal journey of making our inner and outer lives match.… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Rabbi Menachem Creditor, Rabbi Steven Greenberg | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryDancing at Sinai (Parashat Ki Tisa)March 10, 2007 | Rabbi Jacob J. Staub One definition of the verb “to queer” is “to question all norms.” The author argues that if we are going to queer Jewish traditions, there is no more important and formidable place to start than at Ma’amad Har Sinai—the narrative… Download |
Rabbi Jacob J. Staub | Torah Commentary | |||
VideosDavid, “I AM: Trans People Speak”
… Activism & Civil Rights | Ally | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Activism & Civil Rights, Ally, Transgender and Gender Identity | Videos | |||
Torah CommentaryDays of Awe(some) (Days of Awe)October 3, 2008 | Noach Dzmura In this short commentary, the author argues that the Days of Awe are a holiday custom-made to the specifications of a gender variant Jew. He also includes a poem on this topic.… Transgender and Gender IdentityRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |
Article or DocumentDays of Awe: Turning To Do GoodSeptember 18, 2007 | Dr. Joel L. Kushner The author writes of the Al Cheyt high holiday prayer, in which we speak our sins out loud and ask God to forgive us for them, focusing particularly on transphobia and violence against transgender people as well as LGBTQ inclusion generally.… Bullying or Harassment | Reform Movement | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender IdentityRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Bullying or Harassment, Reform Movement, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Dr. Joel L. Kushner | Article or Document | |
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryDeconstructing LeviticusJune 19, 1999 | Avi Rose Author’s personal coming out story and his relationship to Judaism and struggle to grapple with the Biblical prohibitions against homosexuality. The second half is a detailed analysis of those verses from a number of different perspectives.… Coming Out | Jewish Law Download |
Coming Out, Jewish Law | Avi Rose | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryDeena Has Four Mommies: Tales of Co-parenting in TaNaCh (Parashat Vayishlach)November 20, 2010 | Miryam Kabakov The author retells the story of the complex family of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel and compares it to our modern-day queer families. Kabakov discusses Leah and Rachel’s relationship and its similarities with lesbian co-parenting. She suggests… Dating and Relationships | Families and Parenting Download |
Dating and Relationships, Families and Parenting | Miryam Kabakov | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentDefending Love, Defending MarriageDecember 1, 2003 | Rabbi Toba Spitzer An article about legislative gay marriage victories and gay marriage within the Jewish community, particularly in the Reconstructionist community. The author argues that the movement should support the right of gays and lesbians to take… Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Reconstructionist Movement | Rabbi Toba Spitzer | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryDifference and the Service of the Lord (Parashat Emor)April 30, 2010 | Amy Soule The author writes of the restrictions on who is able to offer sacrifices to God in this Torah portion, explaining that any kind of physical difference renders one ineligible to serve God as a religious leader. She discusses the different leaders… Download |
Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | |||
Educational ToolDIY Cross-Dressing Beit MidrashMarch 12, 2012 | JP Payne A beit midrash (literally “house of study”) is a place for people to come together and engage with Jewish texts, from Torah, to Talmud, to the medieval sages, and up through modern voices. This event provides a sample source… DIY LGBT Jewish Events | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
DIY LGBT Jewish Events, Transgender and Gender Identity | JP Payne | Educational Tool | ||
VideosDo Not Stand Idly By at the GA
… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment | Videos | |||
Torah CommentaryDoubling the Weight of Our Words (Parashat Shoftim)August 21, 2009 | Cantor David E. Reinwald The author explores the possible meaning behind the doubling of the word tzedek (justice) in this Torah portion.… Download |
Cantor David E. Reinwald | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentDr. Ladin’s Transformative JourneyOctober 3, 2008 | Olivia Wiznitzer Article about Dr. Joy Ladin’s return to her teaching position at Stern College/Yeshiva University after transitioning genders.… Orthodox Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Orthodox Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Olivia Wiznitzer | Article or Document | ||
Drishat shalom by 17 year old
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Torah CommentaryDu Partsufin: Introducing the Allgender Creation (Parashat B’reishit)October 4, 2007 | Igael Gurin-Malous The author argues that this Torah portion focuses on creating boundaries and drawing lines — differentiating between the objects of creation, naming them and categorizing them. Naming something is a powerful experience, traditionally… Download |
Igael Gurin-Malous | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryEighteen Twenty-Two (Yom Kippur)September 25, 2009 | Igael Gurin-Malous The author explores the verses in Leviticus that forbid homosexuality, offering a diachronic reading (essentially deconstructing the entire verse, word-for-word).… Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Igael Gurin-Malous | Torah Commentary | ||
VideosEliron Hamburger: Trans in the Jewish Community
… Transgender and Gender Identity |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Videos | |||
Elissa Barrett: Coming Out & Jewish Com. Pledge
… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Coming Out |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Coming Out | ||||
Torah CommentaryEmbracing the LGBTQ Community (Parashat Naso)May 26, 2007 | Rabbi David Lazar The author discusses the three-tiered priestly blessing, which is used both to bless life and afterlife. He breaks down each of the three parts and interprets them for GLBT liberation: watching over, kindness and grace, and peace.… Download |
Rabbi David Lazar | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentEmerging Torah of Same-Sex MarriageDecember 10, 2003 | Rabbi Arthur Waskow The author explores arguments used against same-sex marriage, including “be fruitful and multiply” and the sacredness of sex. He both in an LGBTQ-positive light.… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Arthur Waskow | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentEnlarging Sacred Space: K’dusha & Same-Sex MarriagesMarch 1, 2000 | Rabbi Daniel Siegel Official publication of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal about expanding holiness through expanding the participation of women and gay and lesbian people as participants and leaders in its movement.… Policies and Best Practices | Renewal Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Renewal Movement | Rabbi Daniel Siegel | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryEntering the Holy of Holies (Rosh Hashanah)September 23, 2006 | Rabbi Joshua Lesser The author argues that Using Leviticus as the starting point or the end game to talk about Judaism and homosexuality is to agree that Judaism is a religion of narrow laws that do not always have meaning and that we have to contort and squeeze ourselves… Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Rabbi Joshua Lesser | Torah Commentary | ||
BlogEqual Marriage resources – EnglandFebruary 4, 2013 | Rabbi Neil Janes Equal Marriage: Liberal Judaism views – before the parliamentary vote… Families and Parenting | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings |
Families and Parenting, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Neil Janes | Blog | ||
Educational Tool, WebsiteEquality MapsMovement Advancement Project Equality Maps provide quick and easy summaries of laws that affect LGBT Americans on a state-by-state and issue-by-issue basis. The maps present information on laws in areas from employment discrimination and relationship recognition… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings | Movement Advancement Project | Educational Tool, Website | College and Adult, High School, Middle School | |
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryErev Rosh Hashanah 5767 SermonSeptember 22, 2006 | Rabbi Reuben Zellman A sermon delivered on Rosh Hashanah eve using twilight as a metaphor for transgender people, remarking on the holiness of intermediate space.… Ritual/Liturgy/PrayerRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryEvery Body Worship (Parashat Emor)May 13, 2006 | Rabbi Joshua Lesser The author compares the selection of the Cohanim in this Torah portion to the person granting access to an exclusive gay club in Tel Aviv. He then draws parallels between being gay and having a disability: who better to understand each other… Download |
Rabbi Joshua Lesser | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Documentexcerpt from This Is My Beloved, This Is My Friend: A Rabbinic Letter on Intimate RelationsRabbi Elliot Dorff This rabbinic letter focuses on Jewish identity and interpersonal relations which enhance the prospect of marriage within the faith. The particular excerpt makes recommendations to Conservative synagogues for how to make their institutions… Conservative Movement | Policies and Best Practices Download |
Conservative Movement, Policies and Best Practices | Rabbi Elliot Dorff | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryExtinguishing the Flames (Parashat Lech Lecha)October 30, 2009 | David Katzenelson The author wonders what differentiated Abraham from others to deserve God’s command to “go to yourself,” arguing that God did not single out Abraham, and that all people are offered the same opportunity. Abraham decided… Download |
David Katzenelson | Torah Commentary | |||
FilmEyes Wide OpenFebruary 4, 2010 | Haim Tabakman, Merav Doster Set in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Jerusalem, the film follows the love story of Aaron, a married Orthodox Jewish father of four, and Ezri, a nineteen year old homeless Yeshiva student. The film treats lust and piety, two basic, often… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Haim Tabakman, Merav Doster | Film | ||
Article or DocumentFamily Acceptance Project – Supportive Families, Healthy Children: Helping Families with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender ChildrenJune 19, 2013 | Dr. Caitlin Ryan, Family Acceptance Project Offers basic information to help parents and caregivers support their LGBT children, to reduce their risk for depression, suicide, substance abuse and HIV infection and to promote their well-being. Based on research on LGBT adolescents… Policies and Best Practices | Youth Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Youth | Dr. Caitlin Ryan, Family Acceptance Project | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryFear, Perception, and Imagination: Grasshoppers in Whose Eyes? (Parashat Shelach Lecha)June 20, 2008 | Jay Stanton In this portion, God commands Moses to send twelve scouts to the land of Canaan on a reconnaissance mission. The scouts report back that the people who inhabit the land are large and numerous. The author argues that this portion plays on universal… Download |
Jay Stanton | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryFINAL CUT: Circumcising Egypt (Parashat Bo)January 27, 2007 | Amichai Lau-Lavie After the exodus from Egypt, the Hebrews are commanded to be circumcised. Separations must exist and distinctions must be made between “in” and “out”, “brother” and “other.” After years of repression, the Hebrews (like… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Amichai Lau-Lavie | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryFinding the Good Side: A Portrait of the Priestly Class (Parashat Tetzaveh)March 6, 2009 | Noach Dzmura The author explores some questions and difficulties he sees in animal sacrifice, arguing that it is easier to think about these “sacrifices” as part of a tribal economy with the Covenant as its ethical center. He also creates a connection… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryFine Lines, Laughter, and the Play of Twos: Living with Wonder (Parashat Ki Tisa)March 18, 2006 | Dr. Sarah Pessin The author argues that this portion offers two particularly salient illustrations of how things and their opposites are sometimes a fairly fine line apart.… Download |
Dr. Sarah Pessin | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryFine-Tune Your Spiritual Hearing (Parashat Ki Tavo)September 8, 2006 | Maggid Jhos Singer The author explains that this portion tells us that if we are obedient we will be blessed, with the blessings described in one short paragraph, and if we are not obedient we will be cursed. The Torah then unloads pages of orgiastic curses that… Download |
Maggid Jhos Singer | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentFirst Complete Jewish LGBTQ Prayer Book PublishedJune 26, 2009 | Jo Ellen Green Kaiser Press Release about Siddur Sha’ar Zahav, the first complete LGBTQ prayer book.… Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Jo Ellen Green Kaiser | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryFirsts in Liturgy (Parashat Ki Tavo)September 19, 2008 | Noach Dzmura The author argues that this portion contains the “first full-fledged liturgy in Torah,” and notes that during the week the commentary was written, CBST and Sha’ar Zahav, the LGBT synagogues of New York and San Francisco,… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryFour Children, One Question, and Redemption (Holiday)March 26, 2010 | Marisa Elana James The author explores the Four Children in the Passover Haggadah, asking critical questions about parenting and pedagogy.… Families and ParentingPassover Download |
Families and Parenting | Passover | Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryFour Gemstones: The gravity-well of a non-binary doorway made from cursed wormwood (Parashat Nitzavim and Parashat Vayeilech)September 15, 2006 | Noach Dzmura The author interprets four parts of this portion from a queer lens.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryFour Mothers, Four Stories. Four Legacies? (Parashat Vayetzei )December 5, 2008 | Karen Perolman The author discusses four women who gave birth to the Jewish people, two of whom, Bilhah and Zilpah, were surrogates who were forgotten by our tradition. As GLBT Jewish parents, we reclaim these unnamed parents as our forbears.… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Karen Perolman | Torah Commentary | ||
RitualFour Questions, Four Allies Haggadah InsertMarch 18, 2013 | Keshet This one page Haggadah insert created by the founding members of Keshet’s Parent & Family Connection explores the powerful role of allies in LGBTQ liberation. The insert can be used as a stand alone or be incorporated into a Seder… Families and Parenting | Jewish Values | Ritual/Liturgy/PrayerPassover Download |
Families and Parenting, Jewish Values, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Passover | Keshet | Ritual | |
Article or DocumentFrequently Asked Questions of Families with Lesbian Moms or Gay DadsJune 19, 2013 | Cindy Marshall, Tracey Rogers A short list of FAQs for families with gay or lesbian parents.… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Cindy Marshall, Tracey Rogers | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryFrom The Look Of Love, From The Eyes Of Pride (Tu B’Av)August 16, 2008 | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) The author remarks on Jewish time: it goes in cycles from Shabbat to Shabbat, and one year to the next, with lots of ups and downs for the different emotions of different holidays. He explores the holiday of Tu B’Av, the Jewish love holiday,… Fast Days | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Fast Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentGay and Lesbian Inclusion at Temple Beth El of Great NeckJanuary 4, 2009 | John Hirsch Short article on the history of gay inclusion and Temple Beth El of Great Neck, NY.… Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | John Hirsch | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGay and Lesbian RightsApril 25, 1997 | Women of Reform Judaism Resolution of Women of Reform Judaism to inform their members about the areas in which lesbian and gay couples are subject to discrimination and how such discrimination can be alleviated, urge support of legislation that will require spousal… Marriage and Weddings | Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Women of Reform Judaism | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGay Marriage- What’s the Fuss?March 1, 2000 | Susan Saxe Article connecting the opposition to gay marriage with homophobia. Legislation | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Legislation, Marriage and Weddings | Susan Saxe | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryGay Pride, Red Cows, and The Cleansing Power of Ritual (Parashat Chukat and Parashat Balak)July 7, 2006 | Caryn Aviv The author compares the ritual cow slaughter described in the Torah portion to the gay pride parade. Both Chukat Ha-torah and Pride parades are opportunities to mark the meaningful passage of time (life and death), to foster a sense of belonging… Lifecycle EventsPride Download |
Lifecycle Events | Pride | Caryn Aviv | Torah Commentary | |
Article or DocumentGay Rights are a Natural Extension of Jewish FeminismMay 1, 2005 | Alice Sparberg Alexiou Article about Rabbi Ayelet Cohen, who was threatened with expulsion from the Rabbinical Assembly (the official organizing body of Conservative rabbis) because of her position at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST), New York’s… Conservative Movement Download |
Conservative Movement | Alice Sparberg Alexiou | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGay, Gray and JewishJune 7, 1999 | Sandy Warshaw Personal essay by a Jewish lesbian grandmother feminist activist.… Coming Out | Lesbian Download |
Coming Out, Lesbian | Sandy Warshaw | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGay, Jewish, or Both? Sexual Orientation and Jewish EngagementJune 23, 2009 | Ari Y. Kelman, Caryn Aviv, Steven M. Cohen The authors chart the shifting place of gay and lesbian Jews within the organized Jewish community. They argue that the changes and controversies surrounding the participation of lesbian and gay Jews in Jewish life raise questions about… Policies and Best Practices Download |
Policies and Best Practices | Ari Y. Kelman, Caryn Aviv, Steven M. Cohen | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Equal RightsApril 4, 2006 | Religious Action Center Official document of the Religious Action Center of the Reform Movement reviewing the relevant political issues in 2006 to LGBT people in the United States, including employment non-discrimination, partner immigration, a landmark Supreme… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Reform Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Reform Movement | Religious Action Center | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGayness and GodJune 19, 1993 | Rabbi Steven Greenberg, Rabbi Yaakov Levado Originally written under the pseudonym Rabbi Yaakov Levado, Rabbi Greenberg shares his own often painful journey to the acknowledgement of his sexuality. He discusses halakhic teachings regarding homosexuality, and offers a path to possible… Coming Out | Jewish Law | Orthodox Movement Download |
Coming Out, Jewish Law, Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Steven Greenberg, Rabbi Yaakov Levado | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGayness and God: Wrestings of an Orthodox RabbiJanuary 1, 1993 | Rabbi Steven Greenberg Rabbi Steven Greenberg, writing under a pseudonym in the early 1990′s, writes of his personal struggle with coming out and being Orthodox. He tells his own story and then discusses some of the halakhic ramifications of homosexuality.… Jewish Law | Orthodox Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Steven Greenberg | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGays and Lesbians Under the ChupahJuly 1, 1996 | Beth M. Gilbert Article about same-sex marriage in Reform Judaism, including several personal stories of Reform Jewish couples.… Marriage and Weddings | Reform Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Reform Movement | Beth M. Gilbert | Article or Document | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesGender Boxes
Hands-on activity for students to discuss proscribed gender roles. For all all ages with adjusted discussion questions for age and developmental appropriateness. Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | Early Childhood, Elementary, High School, Middle School | ||
Article or Document, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesGender Diversity in AggadaMarch 1, 2007 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla Text study on gender and gender diversity in ancient Jewish texts. Includes discussion questions.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla | Article or Document, Lesson Plan/Activities | ||
Article or Document, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesGender Diversity in Halacha (The Way We Walk)March 1, 2007 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla Rabbinic texts on the tumtum and adrogynous, beings created by the rabbis to explore the limits of law, and now used by many contemporary teachers to discuss trans/gender identity in Jewish law and antiquity. Concludes with study questions.… Jewish Law | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Jewish Law, Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla | Article or Document, Lesson Plan/Activities | ||
Article or DocumentGender Identities and Our Faith Community: A Congregational Guide for Transgender AdvocacyJune 19, 2013 | Dr. Dana Beyer, Dr. Sharon Groves, Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Eitan Freedenberg, Jakob Hero, Margaret Blankers, Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rayees Shah, Rev. Allyson Robinson, Rev. Chris Glaser, Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson, Rev. Drew Phoenix, Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay, Rev. Phyllis V. Pennese, Rev. Sarah Carpenter-Vascik A hands-on guide for religious communities and congregations on transgender advocacy. Includes personal stories, lessons gender identity and faith, readings, and a handbook on gender identity in different religious traditions. Concludes… Interfaith | Policies and Best Practices | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Interfaith, Policies and Best Practices, Transgender and Gender Identity | Dr. Dana Beyer, Dr. Sharon Groves, Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Eitan Freedenberg, Jakob Hero, Margaret Blankers, Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rayees Shah, Rev. Allyson Robinson, Rev. Chris Glaser, Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson, Rev. Drew Phoenix, Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay, Rev. Phyllis V. Pennese, Rev. Sarah Carpenter-Vascik | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGender Variant People in the Bay Area Jewish CommunityMarch 25, 2009 | Kol Tzedek, Noach Dzmura In this report, Kol Tzedek recommends that the Jewish federations of the San Francisco Bay Area address the needs of gender variant Jews, a growing, struggling and threatened population of Jews in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Many members… Policies and Best Practices | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Transgender and Gender Identity | Kol Tzedek, Noach Dzmura | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGender Variant People in the Bay Area Jewish CommunityMarch 24, 2009 | Kol Tzedek Report and recommendations based on meetings conducted by Kol Tzedek with community members and rabbinic leaders to informally explore how transgender and gender variant people currently interact, or not interact, with the organized… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Kol Tzedek | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentGetting Grandma’s BlessingJuly 20, 2012 | Rabbi Roni Handler A personal essay written by a Jewish lesbian planning her wedding and processing her grandmother’s lack of acceptance of her gay identity and refusal to accept the couple’s engagement or attend the ceremony.… Coming Out | Families and Parenting | Lesbian | Marriage and Weddings |
Coming Out, Families and Parenting, Lesbian, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Roni Handler | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryGo Forth To Celebrate Your Gay Family (Parashat Lech Lecha)November 7, 2008 | Rabbi Melissa B. Simon The author points out that, similar to the gay community, there are many different family models in the Torah. The continuing presence of children in the gay community is a chance for us to have a meaningful impact on the lives of young people… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Rabbi Melissa B. Simon | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryGoing After the Unfamiliar (Parashat Re’eh)August 29, 2008 | Rabbi Jacob J. Staub In this commentary, the author explores a queer reading of the Torah portion that does not rely on an understanding of its historical context. He argues that it is important that we admit what we don’t know and venture into the unknown to adapt… Download |
Rabbi Jacob J. Staub | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryGot MLK?: Mourning the Losses and Celebrating the Victories (Parashat Shemot)January 16, 2009 | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) Approaching the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the author ruminates on leaders who took chances to make change and lost their lives because of it.… Download |
Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) | Torah Commentary | |||
BlogGotta Give ‘Em HopeChaim Levin Blog written by an Orthodox gay man. The author grew up Lubavitch Chassidic Orthodox in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Contains personal stories and opinions about issues relating to Orthodoxy and homosexuality from a gay-positive angle.… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Chaim Levin | Blog | ||
Torah CommentaryGranting Peace in Our Land: Observing our Greater Shabbatot (Parashat Behar and Parashat Bechukotai)May 10, 2007 | Marisa Elana James The author teaches that these Torah portions are meant to prevent us from becoming greedy. We are commanded to let the land rest every seventh year to acknowledge that it does not belong to us. Giving both people and land a fresh start is imperative… Download |
Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |||
VideosHadassah & Rocker Against Homophobia
… Bullying or Harassment |
Bullying or Harassment | Videos | |||
Article or DocumentHalakhic and Metahalakhic Arguments Concerning Judaism and Homosexuality (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)December 6, 2006 | Rabbi Gordon Tucker Rabbi Gordon Tucket’s responsum argues the need to expand the halakhic argument to better reconcile Judaism and homosexuality, and ultimately fully normalize gays and lesbians in the Conservative movement. The central part of… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Gordon Tucker | Article or Document | ||
VideosHalley Cohen- “I am Soooo 2wice Blessed.”
… Conservative Movement |
Conservative Movement | Videos | |||
VideosHappy Hannukah from GSA @Heschel High School
… Activism & Civil Rights | YouthHanukkah |
Activism & Civil Rights, Youth | Hanukkah | Videos | ||
Torah CommentaryHarry Potter and the Rainbow Connection (Yom Kippur)September 22, 2007 | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) In this commentary, the author discusses the Days of Awe and focuses on the book of Isaiah and his call to pursue justice, with comparisons to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.… Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or Document, Teaching GuidelinesHarvey Milk – A Jewish Hero?December 20, 2008 | Rabbi Carl M. Perkins Uses the film “Milk” to discuss homophobia in the US, both past and present. Uses this discussion and opinions in both American and Jewish law to argue in favor of same-sex marriage. The author also compares Harvey Milk to Joseph… Conservative Movement | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Conservative Movement, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Carl M. Perkins | Article or Document, Teaching Guidelines | ||
Torah CommentaryHashem and Equity (Parashat Ki Tissa)March 13, 2009 | J. Simone Posner The author discusses the census of the Israelites taken in this portion, asking who was counted and not counted. She continues, arguing that the change of a contribution “suggested by their hearts” to a standard price for everyone… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | J. Simone Posner | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentHasidism and HomoeroticismJuly 1, 2004 | Jay Michaelson The author writes about homoeroticism in the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) world, focusing on the mikveh (bathhouse). He also writes that this homoeroticism is not a cure for homophobia.… Orthodox Movement Download |
Orthodox Movement | Jay Michaelson | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHearing Beneath The Surface: Crossing Gender Boundaries at the Ari MikveMarch 1, 2007 | Tucker Lieberman The author tells his personal story of his experience going to a mikveh (ritual bath) in Israel as a transgender person.… Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Tucker Lieberman | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryHide and Thou Shalt Weep, Seek and Thou Shalt Find (Parashat Miketz)December 23, 2006 | Moshe Ben Chacon This commentary interweaves verses from the Torah portion with personal stories of family and coming out. The author compares Joseph’s family’s inability to recognize him with a drag queen whose homophobic brother does not… Families and Parenting | Transgender and Gender IdentityHanukkah Download |
Families and Parenting, Transgender and Gender Identity | Hanukkah | Moshe Ben Chacon | Torah Commentary | |
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesHiding and Coming Out
This “chalk-talk” activity is an empathy–building exercise about the risks individuals take (or are afraid to take) in order to be seen and known within their community. After viewing the film, students will reflect on the experiences… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | High School, Middle School | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryHigh Healing: A Purim MessageMarch 14, 2006 | Amichai Lau-Lavie, Rebbetzin Hadassah Gross A tongue-in-cheek essay by Rebbetzin Hadassah Gross, the drag queen persona of Amichai Lau-Lavie, about the meaning behind Purim. She writes about some of the issues facing the Jewish community and gives some advice for how rabbis might deal… Purim Download |
Purim | Amichai Lau-Lavie, Rebbetzin Hadassah Gross | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesHineini Curriculum Resource GuideKeshet Purchase the Guide » Activism & Civil Rights | Jewish Law | Transgender and Gender Identity | Youth |
Activism & Civil Rights, Jewish Law, Transgender and Gender Identity, Youth | Keshet | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | College and Adult, High School, Middle School | |
Educational Tool, FilmHineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High SchoolIrena Fayngold, Keshet Buy the film » Activism & Civil Rights | Coming Out | Youth |
Activism & Civil Rights, Coming Out, Youth | Irena Fayngold, Keshet | Educational Tool, Film | ||
Hineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High School trailer
… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Coming Out | Lesbian | Youth |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Coming Out, Lesbian, Youth | ||||
Article or DocumentHistory and TextsJanuary 1, 1996 | UAHC Task Force on Lesbian and Gay Inclusion A review of the Biblical prohibitions against homosexuality from a Reform perspective.… Jewish Law | Reform Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Reform Movement | UAHC Task Force on Lesbian and Gay Inclusion | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHistory of Gay Marriage in the Reconstructionist MovementRabbi Joshua Lesser Rabbi Joshua Lesser of Atlanta’s Congregation Bet Haverim explores the history of gay and lesbian inclusion and wedding ceremonies within Judaism’s Reconstructionist Movement. He takes us from the 1984 Reconstructionist Rabbinical… Marriage and Weddings | Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Reconstructionist Movement | Rabbi Joshua Lesser | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHistory of Jewish LesbianismRabbi Rebecca T. Alpert A short survey-style chronological history of Jewish views of lesbianism from biblical to modern times.… Lesbian |
Lesbian | Rabbi Rebecca T. Alpert | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryHistory, Memory and the Making of Community (Parashat Devarim)July 28, 2006 | David Shneer The author contends that the ability to recount a history shows that a community has, in fact, become a community. It is the birth of a collective memory, often retold by elders as oral history, and these collective memories include the painful… Download |
David Shneer | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryHolding God Accountable for LGBT Marginalization (Parashat Vayikra)March 19, 2010 | Noach Dzmura The author describes the sacrificial system detailed in this Torah portion, and explores the reasons why we no longer have a sacrificial system in present-day Jewish practice. He posits that the sacrificial system neglects is the idea that… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentHomophobia in the Jewish Youth CultureAaron A short piece, written by a teenager, about homophobia common among teenagers in Jewish youth movements. The author calls for education and activities to help people rethink their attitudes towards homosexuality. Youth Download |
Youth | Aaron | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHomosexuality and Halakhah: Traditional Sources on HomosexualityMichael Gold Reviews some of the traditional Biblical and Rabbinic sources concerning homosexuality written by a Conservative rabbi.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Michael Gold | Article or Document | ||
Homosexuality and the Policy Decisions of the CJLSMarch 25, 1992 | Rabbi Reuven Kimelman Teshuva (responsa) written by a member of the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Life and Standards (CJLS) dealing specifically with homosexuality and public policy issues. The author affirms the privileged position… Conservative Movement Download |
Conservative Movement | Rabbi Reuven Kimelman | |||
Article or DocumentHomosexuality and the Policy Decisions of the CJLS (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)March 25, 1992 | Rabbi Reuven Kimelman This paper moves to maintain the “normative” (heterosexual) family’s privileged position, ban homosexual activity for members of the rabbinate and cantorate, refuse to ordain openly gay people, deny gay people membership… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Reuven Kimelman | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHomosexuality Revisited (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)December 6, 2006 | Rabbi Joel Roth This responsa clarifies why the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards (CJLS) should maintain the 1992 resolution prohibiting marriage ceremonies of gay and lesbian members, the admittance of gay and lesbian students into rabbinical and… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Joel Roth | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHomosexuality, Human Dignity and HalakhahDecember 6, 2006 | Rabbi Avram Reisner, Rabbi Daniel Nevins, Rabbi Elliot Dorff Dorff’s Teshuva calls for the full normalization of the status of gay and lesbian Jews at all levels of the Conservative movement. This decision was the legal foundation for the admission of gay and lesbian students to the rabbinical… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Avram Reisner, Rabbi Daniel Nevins, Rabbi Elliot Dorff | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHomosexuality, Human Dignity, and Halakhah: A Combined Responsum for the Committee on Jewish Law and StandardsDecember 6, 2006 | Rabbi Avram Reisner, Rabbi Daniel Nevins, Rabbi Elliot Dorff This responsa shifts CJLS policies regarding the admittance of gay and lesbian students into rabbinical and cantorial schools, but maintains some sexual prohibitions. While it does not provide kiddushin for same-sex couples, it does acknowledge… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Avram Reisner, Rabbi Daniel Nevins, Rabbi Elliot Dorff | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHomosexuality: An Insider’s Look at the Conservative Movement Halakhic Process09-2006 | Rabbi Michael Beals Rabbi Michael Beals’ sermon summarizes the Halakhic process of the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Life and Standards and reviews its decisions about homosexuality up until this point. At the time of its writing,… Conservative Movement | Jewish LawRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Rabbi Michael Beals | Article or Document | |
RitualHonoring the Coming Out ProcessMayyim Hayyim Poem and blessings to accompany ritual immersion (mikveh) for a person who is coming out at LGBTQ compiled by Mayyim Hayyim, mikveh and educational center.… Coming OutNational Coming Out Day Download |
Coming Out | National Coming Out Day | Mayyim Hayyim | Ritual | |
Article or DocumentHow Can You Be Gay and Jewish?September 1, 2004 | Jay Michaelson Jay Michaelson answers the question of “how can you be gay and Jewish?” He argues that the Bible does not forbid homosexuality and discusses the different ways that Judaism has understood Biblical text. Michaelson argues that… Download |
Jay Michaelson | Article or Document | |||
Article or Document, RitualHow Gay Weddings May Influence Straight Weddings (includes wedding documents)Rabbi Haviva Ner David Rabbi Haviva Ner-David, an Israel-based scholar and writer, addresses the ritual and liturgical innovations that might be adopted by heterosexual couples as individuals and communities begin to develop new rituals for gay couples. She… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Haviva Ner David | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Article or DocumentHow I Ended Up at the Jerusalem Same Sex Attraction Discussion GroupNovember 1, 2005 | Phil S. Stein In observance of Jewish Social Action Month, Zeek Magazine staff decided to look within the community and focus space in the magazine regarding who is “vulnerable to violence, repression and subjugation.” The essay, written in a first… Orthodox Movement Download |
Orthodox Movement | Phil S. Stein | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentHuman Rights of HomosexualsNovember 1, 1977 | Union of American Hebrew Congregations Text of resolution adopted by the UAHC at the 45th General Assembly in November, 1977, opposing discrimination against homosexuals and calling on congregations to provide “appropriate educational programming for youth and adults… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Union of American Hebrew Congregations | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentI’m Telling You I’m BisexualJanuary 1, 2001 | Audrey Beth Stein A woman’s personal story of coming out as bisexual to her mother.… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Audrey Beth Stein | Article or Document | ||
Promotional MaterialICCJ Marriage Equality AdsICCJ Poster created after the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York State by the Israel Center for Conservative Judaism of Flushing, NY reaffirming that their congregation is a welcome place for Jewish gay and lesbian families.… Conservative Movement | Marriage and Weddings | Policies and Best Practices Download |
Conservative Movement, Marriage and Weddings, Policies and Best Practices | ICCJ | Promotional Material | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesIdentity Molecule
This exercise gives participants an opportunity to investigate how a perceived shared identity can in fact contain significant diversity. By articulating all the different aspects of their identities, participants have an opportunity… Download |
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | College and Adult, High School | |||
VideosIdit Klein of Keshet: It Gets Better
… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment | Videos | |||
BlogIf Not Now, When? Rabbi Melissa Simon on the Freedom to MarryFebruary 15, 2013 | Rabbi Melissa Simon Rabbi Melissa Simon, Director of Lifelong Learning at Shir Tikvah, delivered a rousing speech at yesterday’s Freedom to Marry Rally at the State Capitol, where Jewish Community Action joined Minnesotans United for All Families, OutFront… Activism & Civil Rights | Marriage and Weddings |
Activism & Civil Rights, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Melissa Simon | Blog | ||
Article or DocumentIn Support of Civil Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Couples RESOLUTION FOR THE 2004 RRA CONVENTIONJanuary 1, 2004 | Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Official statement from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association supporting full and equal civil marriage for gays and lesbians in the United States and Canada.… Marriage and Weddings | Policies and Best Practices | Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Policies and Best Practices, Reconstructionist Movement | Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentIn the Image of GodMay 1, 2002 | Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg In this article, the author writes about some of the religious and cultural issues and questions faced by transgender Jews, and the ways that Jewish tradition has offered rituals for transgender Jews to mark important moments in their lives.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentIn the Image of God: A Dissent in Favor of the Full Equality of Gay and Lesbian Jews into the Community of Conservative Judaism (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)June 19, 1992 | Rabbi Howard Handler In this departure from other Conservative statements, this dissenting opinion advocates for the full inclusion of lesbian and gay Jews into rabbinical and cantorial school, the officiation of same-gender marriages, encourage lesbian… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Howard Handler | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryIn What Will He Sleep? (Parashat Mishpatim)February 20, 2009 | Rabbi Laurence Edwards The author argues that in this portion, Torah’s language breaks through the distance between God and us, reaches out directly to engage us in conversation. At Sinai, we are commanded not to oppress the stranger. The language of this commandment… Download |
Rabbi Laurence Edwards | Torah Commentary | |||
Including Sheva Berachot in Commitment CeremoniesRabbi Tracee L. Rosen … Download |
Rabbi Tracee L. Rosen | ||||
WebsiteInclusivity Statement01-2011 Statement of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation about their committment to fostering welcoming, inclusive communities for all Jews.… Policies and Best Practices |
Policies and Best Practices | Website | |||
Article or DocumentInjustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination SurveyJune 19, 2013 | Dr. Jaime M. Grant, Jack Harrison, Jody L. Herman, Justin Tannis, Lisa A. Mottet, Mara Keisling This report details the rampant discrimination faced by transgender and gender non-conforming people in every area of life: education, employment, family life, public accommodations, housing, health, police and jails, and ID documents.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Dr. Jaime M. Grant, Jack Harrison, Jody L. Herman, Justin Tannis, Lisa A. Mottet, Mara Keisling | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentInstitute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation – Policies and ResponsaInstitute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation Resource library containing over 40 years worth of documents from the Reform Movement on issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Jews and shows how the Movement has evolved over time regarding these issues.… Reform Movement |
Reform Movement | Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation | Article or Document | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesInstitutional LGBTQ Inclusion Audit Workshop
This session gives some guidelines for helping institutions and organizations understand the multi-faceted process of bringing the ideological and spiritual practice of inclusion into alignment with the material and cultural “face”… Policies and Best Practices Download |
Policies and Best Practices | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | College and Adult | ||
Article or DocumentInstitutional Self-Assessment Tool for GLBT InclusionKeshet A comprehensive checklist for institutions to use as a way to check how inclusive their institution is of GLBT people and their needs. Covers issues related to institutional environment, policies, programming, and publicity. Part of… Policies and Best Practices Download |
Policies and Best Practices | Keshet | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryInterpreting G-d’s Approach at Sinai (Parshat Yitro)February 5, 2010 | Rabbi Robin Nafshi The author discusses the preparations for Revelation, in which the Israelites are commanded “do not go near a woman.” The author explains the different interpretations that have been given for this commandment, concluding… Download |
Rabbi Robin Nafshi | Torah Commentary | |||
Educational Tool, Torah CommentaryInterpreting Leviticus: Contemporary VoicesKeshet Six scholars and rabbis provide modern commentary on the famous chapter of Leviticus that has been used against LGBT people. This excerpt is from the Hineini Curriculum Resource Guide.… Jewish Law | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Jewish Law, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Keshet | Educational Tool, Torah Commentary | College and Adult, High School, Middle School | |
Article or Document, InterviewInterview With a Transsexual Within the Orthodox Jewish CommunityOctober 3, 2008 | Unknown An interview with an Orthodox transsexual individual about their personal experience transitioning and negotiating community and family space.… Orthodox Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Orthodox Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Unknown | Article or Document, Interview | ||
Torah CommentaryInto Life (Parashat Vaera)January 20, 2007 | Jay Michaelson The author discusses the question of what comes after the exodus from Egypt. The traditional Jewish answer usually has something to do with responsibility, covenant, and the monotheistic imperative to ethical and religious life. Judaism… Download |
Jay Michaelson | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryIrreconcilable Differences (Parashat Emor)May 9, 2008 | Vanessa "Vinny" Prell The author explores the prohibition on Levites with “blemished” bodies offering food to God, comparing this with the medicalization of disabilities and transgender identity, which recognizes physical or gender-based difference… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Vanessa "Vinny" Prell | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryIsaac on the Couch: A Midrash accounting for the gaps between Vayera and Chayei Sara (Parashat Chayei Sarah)November 13, 2009 | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) A midrash written by the author of a possible conversation that took place between Isaac and his therapist following the (near) binding of Isaac.… Download |
Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) | Torah Commentary | |||
VideosIt Gets Better: Gay Orthodox Jews
… Bullying or Harassment | Coming Out | Orthodox Movement | Youth |
Bullying or Harassment, Coming Out, Orthodox Movement, Youth | Videos | |||
Torah CommentaryIt's the Purity, Stupid: Reading Leviticus in Context (Parashat Tazria and Parashat Metzora)April 28, 2006 | Jay Michaelson Sexual practices are forbidden not because of the convenient rationales one often hears today, but because they are maasei mitzrayim, acts of Egypt, and thus taboo for Israelites, who are exhorted to live a life circumscribed by distinctions.… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Jay Michaelson | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryIt’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Parashat Korach)June 26, 2009 | Karen Perolman The author explains that this Torah portion is the story of rebellion, of speaking out and against those in power. Korach rises up against Moses. Korach’s complaint can be understood as a cry of inequality, similar to those of LGBT people.… Activism & Civil RightsPride Download |
Activism & Civil Rights | Pride | Karen Perolman | Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryJewish Ethics and the Call to Equal Opportunity Justice: Putting the S in LGBT (Parashat Mishpatim)February 17, 2007 | Dr. Sarah Pessin The author explores the notion of “an eye for an eye,” arguing that traditional Jewish commentary has always read the “eye for an eye” idea as a kind of metaphor, as a call to take justice seriously. She then uses this concept… Download |
Dr. Sarah Pessin | Torah Commentary | |||
Posters, Promotional MaterialJewish Family & Children’s Services Center for Early Relationship Support PosterJF&CS Poster of the Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Boston advertising a support group for gay and lesbian parents.… Families and Parenting | Policies and Best Practices Download |
Families and Parenting, Policies and Best Practices | JF&CS | Posters, Promotional Material | ||
Article or DocumentJewish Gay Center Teaches Tolerance: Rabbi Josh Lesser honored by Georgia Center for NonprofitsMay 18, 2007 | Zack Hudson An article about the work of the Rainbow Center in Atlanta and Rabbi Josh Lesser.… Activism & Civil Rights Download |
Activism & Civil Rights | Zack Hudson | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentJewish Mothers and Gay SonsMay 1, 2001 | Sarah Epstein Published under a pseudonym in 2001, this article describes the experiences of the author and her family as they came to realize their younger son is gay. The article looks at positive changes in the general and Jewish communities that aid the… Coming Out | Families and Parenting Download |
Coming Out, Families and Parenting | Sarah Epstein | Article or Document | ||
Jewish Norms for Sexual Behavior: A Responsum Embodying a ProposalMarch 25, 1992 | Rabbi Elliot Dorff This responsa counters the resolutions by Rabbi Roth and Rabbi Artson regarding homosexuality, and recommends that the CJLS take a different course than upholding the 1991 resolution. Instead, he encourages the CJLS to engage in a movement-wide… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Elliot Dorff | |||
Article or DocumentJewish Norms for Sexual Behavior: A Responsum Embodying a Proposal (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)March 25, 1992 | Rabbi Elliot Dorff This responsa counters the resolutions by Rabbi Roth and Rabbi Artson regarding homosexuality, and recommends that the CJLS take a different course than upholding the 1991 resolution. Instead, he encourages the CJLS to engage in a movement-wide… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Elliot Dorff | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentJewish Organization Equality IndexNovember 12, 2012 | Human Rights Campaign The Jewish Organization Equality Index (JOEI) is the Human Rights Campaign first-ever index of inclusion within a faith-based community. It is modeled after HRC’s groundbreaking Corporate Equality Index and provides benchmarks for… Activism & Civil Rights | Policies and Best Practices Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Policies and Best Practices | Human Rights Campaign | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Educational ToolJewish Pride: Celebrating LGBT Voices in Our CommunityJuly 8, 2009 | Karen Kushner A brochure with biographies of six bay area Jewish members of the LGBT community, each followed by each person’s answer to the question, “When you go to a new synagogue, what do you look for to feel welcome?”… Download |
Karen Kushner | Article or Document, Educational Tool | |||
Article or DocumentJewish Reaction to EpidemicsNovember 1, 1985 | Central Conference of American Rabbis 1985 responsum to a question about the traditional approach of Judaism to epidemics where there is no known cure for a disease. Both concern for public safety and for the ostracizing of people with AIDS form the context for the question.… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Central Conference of American Rabbis | Article or Document | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesJewish Safe Zone KitKeshet Purchase the kit » |
Keshet | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | |||
Article or DocumentJewish Stars and Pink TrianglesMay 1, 2004 | Lawrence Bush The author documents his journey as a speechwriter for a leading Reform rabbi from writing words first of derision for, then of acceptance and tolerance of, and finally of full embracing gays and lesbians, arguing that in the US, gay rights… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Lawrence Bush | Article or Document | ||
VideosJewish Teen Leader Speaks out 4 LGBT inclusion
… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Youth |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Youth | Videos | |||
VideosJewish Teens: Bullying Ends With Us
… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Youth |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Youth | Videos | |||
VideosJews @ the GA Pledge to End Homophobia
… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment | Videos | |||
Article or DocumentJFNA Moves to Include “Gender Identity or Expression” in Non-Discrimination PolicyMarch 22, 2012 | Elizabeth Leibowitz The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has decided to include “gender identity or expression” in their non-discrimination policy. The inclusion of this term signifies a big step forward in JFNA’s commitment to protecting… Policies and Best Practices | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Policies and Best Practices, Transgender and Gender Identity | Elizabeth Leibowitz | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentJONAH TestimonialJanuary 1, 2006 | Ari A personal testimonial from a gay man who successfully went through the JONAH program (Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality), an “ex-gay” program. Orthodox Movement Download |
Orthodox Movement | Ari | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentJONAH’s Alternative Voice for Jews Who Don’t Want to be GayJanuary 11, 2009 | Arthur Goldberg, Elaine Silodor Berk An introduction to JONAH, Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality, a Jewish outreach nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the world-wide Jewish community about the prevention and treatment of unwanted same-sex attraction… Orthodox Movement Download |
Orthodox Movement | Arthur Goldberg, Elaine Silodor Berk | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryJoseph's Fabulous Technicolor Dreamcoat (Parashat Vayeshev)December 16, 2006 | Gregg Drinkwater The author argues that there is enough evidence to suggest that Joseph was in some sense “queer”—an outsider dwelling on the inside, a figure apart from his family, and someone who doesn’t quite fit in. This commentary is an exploration… Download |
Gregg Drinkwater | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryJoseph: Liberation of a Soul (Parashat Vayigash)December 30, 2006 | Mijael Vera The author explores Joseph’s possible transvestism as reason for why his family did not recognize him when they came to ask for food during the famine. Further, Joseph’s story is similar to that of many gays, lesbians, bisexuals… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Mijael Vera | Torah Commentary | ||
VideosJoshua Avedon- “I don’t want to be part of a club…”
… |
Videos | ||||
Torah CommentaryJourneys with Acharei Mot (Parashat Acharei Mot)May 1, 2009 | Lev Raphael The author discusses his personal relationship with Judaism and Biblical text, having grown up secular. He focuses specifically on his struggle with the verses of Leviticus that condemn gay sex.… Download |
Lev Raphael | Torah Commentary | |||
RitualJQ International GLBT HaggadahApril 11, 2008 | JQ International Integrates GLBT Passover traditions within the spirit of the traditional Passover experience. It includes a GLBT-specific Seder plate, the Four GLBT Children, the Prophetess Miriam’s Cup, and a timeline of GLBT Events that parallels… Ritual/Liturgy/PrayerPassover Download |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Passover | JQ International | Ritual | |
Article or DocumentJudaism and HIV/AIDSAugust 1, 1994 | United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Calls upon all Conservative Movement affiliated congregations to affirm the mitzvah of pikuah nefesh (the saving of lives) by instituting comprehensive, effective, and age-appropriate educational programs about preventing transmission… Conservative Movement Download |
Conservative Movement | United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism | Article or Document | ||
BooksJudaism and Homosexuality: An Authentic Orthodox ViewApril 1, 2004 | Rabbi Chaim Rapoport As the spiritual leader of the Ilford Synagogue in Britain, Rabbi Rapoport has been called on to offer guidance to students, some of them Orthodox Jews, who were homosexuals. He addresses some of the issues raised from the perspective of the… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Chaim Rapoport | Books | ||
Article or DocumentJudaism, Reform Judaism and Gay JudaismJuly 24, 2000 | Joe Hample Rabbi Joe Hample was asked to speak to Gays and Lesbians in Grace, the LGBT group of Grace Cathedral, an Episcopal church in San Francisco. This is the talk that he gave to that group. It paints a long and large panorama of Jewish history as it relates… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Joe Hample | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentJust the Facts About Sexual Orientation and YouthAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of School Administrators, American Counseling Association, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychological Association, American School Health Association, Interfaith Alliance Foundation, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers, National Education Association This factsheet about sexual orientation and youth was developed by a group of education, health, mental health, and religious organizations that all share a concern for the health and education of all students in schools, including lesbian,… Youth Download |
Youth | American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of School Administrators, American Counseling Association, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychological Association, American School Health Association, Interfaith Alliance Foundation, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers, National Education Association | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryKedoshim – Torah, Holiness, Sexual Ethics…and the Library MinyanJuly 31, 2007 | Rabbi Gail Labovitz In this sermon, the author discusses the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards’ (CJLS) teshuvot on homosexuality.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Gail Labovitz | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
Educational Tool, FilmKeep Not Silent – Ortho DykesDecember 14, 2008 | Ilil Alexander Winner of the Israeli Oscar for Best Documentary, as well as eight international awards, Ilil Alexander’s debut film documents the clandestine struggle of three women fighting for their right to love within their beloved Orthodox communities… Lesbian | Orthodox Movement Download |
Lesbian, Orthodox Movement | Ilil Alexander | Educational Tool, Film | ||
BooksKeep Your Wives Away from Them: Orthodox Women, Unorthodox DesiresMay 11, 2010 | Miryam Kabakov Reconciling queerness with religion has always been an enormous challenge. When the religion is Orthodox Judaism, the task is even more daunting. This anthology takes on that challenge by giving voice to genderqueer Jewish women who were… Lesbian | Orthodox Movement |
Lesbian, Orthodox Movement | Miryam Kabakov | Books | ||
Keshet Quick Dates7-2010 | Asher Bruskin Quick Dates is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer speed dating event. It is a series of 8 minute dates where people pair up and spend 8 minutes talking, at the end of which they mark down on their date card whether they are interested… Dating and Relationships | DIY LGBT Jewish Events Download |
Dating and Relationships, DIY LGBT Jewish Events | Asher Bruskin | |||
VideosKeshet: Our Story
… Activism & Civil Rights |
Activism & Civil Rights | Videos | |||
BlogKirtzonoSaul David A blog created by Orthodox parents of a gay child. The author created the blog to serve as a way for parents to connect with one another so that no parent feels alone following their child’s coming out.… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Saul David | Blog | ||
Torah CommentaryKnow the Heart of the Stranger. . .November 16, 1995 | Rabbi Stephen Arnold Compares being “closeted” as Jewish to being closeted as gay. Urges congregants to be welcoming to gays and lesbians.… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Rabbi Stephen Arnold | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryKodesh Kodashim: Honesty and Holiness (Parashat Tzav)April 3, 2009 | Marisa Elana James The author explores what meaning the sacrifices described in Leviticus might hold for us in modern times, arguing that there is indeed still something to draw from them.… Download |
Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentKol Echad: A Guide for Jewish Institutions Interested in Becoming More Inclusive of LGBTQ FamiliesSuzanne Feinspan Suzanne Feinspan’s handbook is meant to serve as a resource for Jewish institutions that are interested in becoming more welcoming and inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer Jews and their families. The guide… Policies and Best Practices Download |
Policies and Best Practices | Suzanne Feinspan | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryKol Nidre: Uncovering Our True SelvesBarbara Penzner In this sermon, Rabbi Barbara Penzner discusses the concept of the ‘nistarot’ (the hidden thoughts and sins) in the text of Kol Nidrei. She explores the different ways Jews have had to hide parts of their identities throughout Jewish history,… Coming OutRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Coming Out | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Barbara Penzner | Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryLech Lecha – Walk Towards Yourself (Parashat Lech Lecha)October 18, 2007 | Reb Kaplan The author discusses his own reflection on Abram lying about Sara being his wife in order to protect his own safety. The author likens this to when she was newly out and would not correct outsiders who assumed that she and her date were sisters.… Coming OutNational Coming Out Day Download |
Coming Out | National Coming Out Day | Reb Kaplan | Torah Commentary | |
Article or DocumentLegal Protections for Same-Sex Couples- More than a ChecklistMarch 1, 2000 | Susan Saxe A list of legal and Jewish issues and questions that same-sex couples should review before entering into a marriage or commitment of some kind. Legislation | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Legislation, Marriage and Weddings | Susan Saxe | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentLessons from the Margins: What Interfaith Couples and Families Can Learn from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ActivismJune 1, 2003 | Karen Erlichman The author draws parallels between the experiences of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender and being in an interfaith relationship. The judgment and alienation that many interfaith couples and families experience is similar (although… Interfaith Download |
Interfaith | Karen Erlichman | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentLetter on Bullying from the Coalition of Jewish Teen LeadersDecember 1, 2010 | B'nei Brith Youth Organization, BBYO, National Conference of Synagogue Youth, National Federation of Temple Youth, NCSY, NFTY, United Synagogue Youth, USY, Young Judaea Letter written and signed jointly by all of the major national Jewish youth group organizations from all denominations of Judaism urging readers to take a stand against bullying and sign Keshet’s “Do Not Stand Idly By”… Bullying or Harassment | Youth Download |
Bullying or Harassment, Youth | B'nei Brith Youth Organization, BBYO, National Conference of Synagogue Youth, National Federation of Temple Youth, NCSY, NFTY, United Synagogue Youth, USY, Young Judaea | Article or Document | ||
VideosLeviticus AZA Stands Up Against Bullying
… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Youth |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Youth | Videos | |||
Educational Tool, PostersLGBT Jewish Heroes ProjectKeshet Purchase the posters » |
Keshet | Educational Tool, Posters | |||
Educational Tool, Promotional MaterialLGBT Jewish Safe Zone StickersKeshet Purchase the sticker» Policies and Best Practices |
Policies and Best Practices | Keshet | Educational Tool, Promotional Material | ||
VideosLGBT Jews March in Boston Pride Parade
… Activism & Civil RightsPride |
Activism & Civil Rights | Pride | Videos | ||
VideosLGBT Jews March in Israel Parade for 1st Time
… Activism & Civil Rights |
Activism & Civil Rights | Videos | |||
VideosLGBTQ Jewish Pioneers, Heroes & Heroines: Pt 1
… Activism & Civil Rights |
Activism & Civil Rights | Videos | |||
VideosLGBTQ Jewish Pioneers, Heroes & Heroines: Pt 2
… Activism & Civil Rights |
Activism & Civil Rights | Videos | |||
VideosLGBTQ Jewish Teen and Allly Shabbaton
… Coming Out | Youth |
Coming Out, Youth | Videos | |||
Educational ToolLGBTQI Terminology
A glossary of basic terminology for LGBTQI sexual orientation and gender identity.… Lesbian | Policies and Best Practices | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Lesbian, Policies and Best Practices, Transgender and Gender Identity | Educational Tool | |||
Torah CommentaryLiberating Foreigners, Together with Our Sisters and Brothers (Shmini Atzeret)November 14, 2006 | Tucker Lieberman In this portion, Jews are encouraged to literally “come out” of the settlement to worship, celebrate freedom, give ceremonial charity, and cement our own identities, although at the same time we are encouraged to use identity labels… Sukkot Download |
Sukkot | Tucker Lieberman | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryLiberating Ourselves (Parashat Shelakh Lecha)June 23, 2006 | David Shneer The author writes of the Israelites’ desire to return to Egypt/Mitzrayim, to slavery, relating it to the idea of LGBT people leaving the confines of the perennial closet for greener “freer” fields – of being “out” of the closet.… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | David Shneer | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryLiberation and Transgender Jews (Pesach)April 13, 2006 | Rabbi Ayelet Cohen The author parallels the Mitzrayim (Egypt, literally “narrow place”) of the Bible with the mitzrayim of one’s own body, likening the experience of leaving Egypt to being transgendered.… Transgender and Gender IdentityPassover Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Passover | Rabbi Ayelet Cohen | Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryLiberation from Passover (Passover)April 10, 2009 | Jay Michaelson The author writes about the irony of spending the holiday of freedom in a kind of slavery: the days of cleaning, the hours of the tedious Seder, the week of not eating the foods that we want. He tells the reader about his experience on a 5-month meditation… Passover Download |
Passover | Jay Michaelson | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryLie With Me (Parashat Vayeshev)December 19, 2008 | Joseph A. Shapiro The author compares the experience of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife with that of gay people who do not want to have sex with their (heterosexual) spouses.… Download |
Joseph A. Shapiro | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryLive and Let Leviticus: A Call to Gay Men (Parashat Vayikra)March 24, 2007 | Rabbi Joshua Lesser The author ruminates on the word “Ayeca?”/”Where are you?” which God calls to the first human creations, and addresses gay Jewish men in Jewish communal life: Where are you? Gay men participate in smaller numbers than lesbians in… Download |
Rabbi Joshua Lesser | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, Promotional MaterialLiving RachmanutThe Jewish Community Center of San Francisco Document produced by the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of San Francisco before the Maccabi Games in 2009, stating that the JCC welcomes families of all kinds to participate, and condoning bias and discrimination.… Bullying or Harassment | Families and Parenting Download |
Bullying or Harassment, Families and Parenting | The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco | Article or Document, Promotional Material | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesLooking at Change in Jewish Law: The Evolving Legal Status of the Deaf Person
This lesson looks at original source materials to see how the Jewish legal code’s standards about the status of deaf people have changed over the centuries. It suggests that the Jewish legal position about homosexuality could also change… Download |
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | High School, Middle School | |||
Torah CommentaryLove and (gay) marriageOctober 6, 2003 | Rabbi Kenneth Carr In this sermon, Rabbi Kenneth Carr wrestles with the Biblical texts forbidding homosexual sex and the arguments within the progressive Jewish movements on this topic.… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Reform MovementRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Reform Movement | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Rabbi Kenneth Carr | Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryLove Beyond Possession (Parashat Beshalach)February 6, 2009 | Tucker Lieberman The author reads this portion with an aim toward living out its love and radical liberation in our own lives. He likens Pharaoh’s demeanor to the “lustful, objectifying, arrogant Pharaonic potential that casts a shadow over… Dating and Relationships Download |
Dating and Relationships | Tucker Lieberman | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryLove the Stranger (Parashat Eikev)August 7, 2009 | Igael Gurin-Malous The author writes of several commandments from God to love: the stranger, those who are different, God. The Torah recognizes the important truth that if we love those around us we will make sure that the laws and rules will change according to… Download |
Igael Gurin-Malous | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, Educational ToolMaking Your Community More Transgender-Friendly: Guidelines for Individuals and CongregationsJanuary 1, 2004 | Rabbi Reuben Zellman Guidelines for how to Jewish communities can make their institutions more transgender friendly. Includes general tips for individuals.… Policies and Best Practices | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Article or Document, Educational Tool | ||
Article or Document, Educational ToolMaking Your Jewish Congregation or Community More Transgender FriendlyJanuary 1, 2007 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman A brochure with concrete steps that Jewish communities can take to be more inclusive of transgender members.… Policies and Best Practices | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Article or Document, Educational Tool | ||
Article or DocumentManners Equivalent to MenJuly 10, 2007 | Noach Dzmura An essay on being transgender in Jewish contexts.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Noach Dzmura | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentMarriage After a Sex-Change OperationJanuary 1, 1978 | Central Conference of American Rabbis Addresses the question: “May a rabbi officiate at a marriage of two Jews, one of whom has undergone a surgical operation which has changed his/her sex?”… Jewish Law | Reform Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Jewish Law, Reform Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Central Conference of American Rabbis | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, RitualMarriage RitualRabbi Jane Kanarek This article by Rabbi Jane Kanarek, a professor rabbinics at Hebrew College, provides a framework for thinking about marriage rituals for same-sex couples by laying out the legal components of the traditional wedding ceremony: Ketubah,… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Jane Kanarek | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Torah CommentaryMay God Make You Like Ephraim and Manasseh (Parashat Vayechi)December 22, 2007 | David Levy A commentary on the traditional blessing given over children (“may you be like Ephraim and Manasseh”) and an argument for extending this blessing towards children of all genders instead of just boys.… Download |
David Levy | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentMedical and Moral Reasons to Change the LawMay 18, 2004 | Rabbi Elliot Dorff The author argues that the Jewish prohibition on homosexuality must change because of the HIV/AIDS crisis and because we should encourage healthy relationships and monogamy among all Jews. The follow in the footsteps of the rabbis who came… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Elliot Dorff | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentMemorandum on Boy Scouts of AmericaJanuary 5, 2001 | UAHC-CCAR Joint Commission on Social Action A letter from UAHC-CCAR Joint Commission on Social Action to Boy Scouts of America urging them not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.… Activism & Civil Rights | Reform Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Reform Movement | UAHC-CCAR Joint Commission on Social Action | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentMessengers from a New PlaceJune 1, 2005 | Elaine Shizgal Cohen A speech given by a Jewish mother at her lesbian daughter’s commitment ceremony. Lesbian | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Lesbian, Marriage and Weddings | Elaine Shizgal Cohen | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentMinneapolis Rabbis’ Letter to CongregantsDecember 1, 2010 | Rabbi Melissa B. Simon, Rabbi Michael Adam Latz Letter to congregants from rabbis of a Reform synagogue in Minneapolis stating that they will no longer sign civil marriage licenses for any couple until the state of Minnesota grants this right to all couples.… Marriage and Weddings | Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Rabbi Melissa B. Simon, Rabbi Michael Adam Latz | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryMiriam: Speaking Truth to Power (Parashat Be’Ha’alotekha)June 2, 2007 | Rachel Biale The author argues that this portion contains perhaps the most audacious challenge to male authority recorded in the Torah. The focus of this commentary is on Miriam’s and Aaron’s respective roles in challenging Moses’ prophetic authority… Download |
Rachel Biale | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentModel District Policy On Transgender And GenderGLSEN, National Center for Transgender Equality This document presents a Model District Policy on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students, which outlines best practices for schools to ensure that all students are safe, included and respected in school, regardless of their gender… Policies and Best Practices | Transgender and Gender Identity | Youth Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Transgender and Gender Identity, Youth | GLSEN, National Center for Transgender Equality | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, BlogModelling RespectMay 10, 2012 | Rabbi Avi Katz-Orlow Blog post by an Orthodox rabbi, making a case against homophobia and bullying and in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage using Jewish texts about respecting our fellow human beings.… Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement |
Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Avi Katz-Orlow | Article or Document, Blog | ||
Torah CommentaryModern Midrash: Korach Retold (Parashat Korach)June 27, 2008 | Noach Dzmura The author argues that this portion is about what often happens to those of us who ask troublesome questions of tyrants who have “God on their side,” and it is about the victors who compose the stories we call scripture.… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentMy Perfect Family: Two MomsJune 1, 1999 | Daniel Belasco A person story about a child of lesbian Jewish mothers, one of whom is a rabbi.… Families and Parenting | Lesbian | Youth Download |
Families and Parenting, Lesbian, Youth | Daniel Belasco | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentMy Wonderful Life: A Coming out StoryJanuary 1, 2001 | Daniel A first-person story by a gay man about coming out to his parents.… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Daniel | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Educational ToolNational Coming Out Day: Planning ManualThe Aleph Project at Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) Step-by-step guide to planning a National Coming Out Day (NCOD) observance in a Jewish educational setting. The NCOD campaign is a one-day campaign that engages the community to take a stand against bullying and harassment against gay,… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Coming Out | Policies and Best Practices | YouthNational Coming Out Day |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Coming Out, Policies and Best Practices, Youth | National Coming Out Day | The Aleph Project at Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) | Article or Document, Educational Tool | High School, Middle School |
Torah CommentaryNature vs. Nurture: A Story of Generation(s) (Parashat Toldot)November 24, 2006 | David Levy For the author, this Torah portion reads like a divine statement on the “nature versus nurture” debate: Are our identities and destinies somehow inherent in us, or are we shaped by the environment in which we are brought up, formed by the… Download |
David Levy | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentNavigating Sexuality TodayMarch 1, 2007 | Ilana Goldhaber-Gordon, Jill Dearman, Melanie Weiss, Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Susan Schnur Four pieces about sexuality. the first, by Jill Dearman, is a short fictional story about a lesbian’s experience dating women and trying to please her disappointed mother. In the second, Melanie Weiss and Rabbi Susan Schnur discuss… Conservative Movement | Dating and Relationships | Jewish Law | Lesbian | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Conservative Movement, Dating and Relationships, Jewish Law, Lesbian, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Ilana Goldhaber-Gordon, Jill Dearman, Melanie Weiss, Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Susan Schnur | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryNitzavim: A Memory (Parashat Nitzavim)September 11, 2009 | John E. Hirsch The author recounts his personal story of his bar mitzvah in the 1950′s and reading the Torah portion.… Lifecycle Events Download |
Lifecycle Events | John E. Hirsch | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryNo Sacrifice Needed: Modern Day Nadav and Avihu (Parashat Shemini)April 18, 2009 | Martin Rawlings-Fein The author explores the story of the “strange fire” and wonders about what sort of God would kill for this reason. He shares his personal story of someone accusing him of being blasphemous and sinful and equating him with Aaron’s… Download |
Martin Rawlings-Fein | Torah Commentary | |||
RitualNone Are Free Until All Are Free: A Seder Ritual About the Struggle for Civil Rights of Same-Sex CouplesJune 19, 2013 | Congregation B'nai Jeshurun A ritual to add to the Passover seder about marriage equality. Produced by Congregation B’nei Jeshurun in New York City.… Marriage and WeddingsPassover Download |
Marriage and Weddings | Passover | Congregation B'nai Jeshurun | Ritual | |
Torah CommentaryNot a Deathly Hallows: A Year of Queer Torah (Parashat Vayikra)March 27, 2009 | Noach Dzmura The author shares what he believes the Ba’al Shem Tov would think of Torah Queeries, summarizing the content of the year of queeries.… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryObserve That Which I Enjoin Upon You (Parashat Re'eh)August 18, 2006 | Gregg Drinkwater The author explores what it means to be commanded to fulfill mitzvot. He then asks a question facing Jewish communities in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues: What does Jewish law tell us? And if we aren’t satisfied… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Gregg Drinkwater | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or Document, InterviewOf Barbary Lane and Lorraine Hall: Notes from a Tour and an Introductory ConversationJuly 28, 2009 | Noach Dzmura The author’s interview with an elderly Jewish transgender woman at Barbary Lane, an LGBT-friendly elder-care facility in Oakland.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Noach Dzmura | Article or Document, Interview | ||
Torah CommentaryOn Gaining Access to the Holy (Parashat Aharei Mot and Parashat Kedoshim)April 28, 2007 | Rabbi David Greenstein The author explores the story of the “strange fire” brought by Nadav and Avihu in this Torah portion. How do we know whether we have been invited to enter the sphere of holiness or whether we are trespassing and defiling that sphere?… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Rabbi David Greenstein | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentOn Gays and Lesbians in the Conservative Movement1-2003 | Rabbi Joel Alter Rabbi Joel Alter calls for an annulment to the Conservative movement’s prohibitions on gay sex, arguing that the Movement’s attempt to straddle the fence by saying “love the sinner but hate the sin” cannot stand. Rabbi… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Joel Alter | Article or Document | ||
On HomosexualityMarch 25, 1992 | Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz Teshuva (responsum) on homosexuality written by a member of the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS), which analyzes previous teshuvot written by Rabbis Dorff and Roth. Rabbi Rabinowitz argues that… Conservative Movement Download |
Conservative Movement | Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz | |||
Article or DocumentOn Homosexuality (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)March 25, 1992 | Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz Along with three other responsa, this serves as the legal and philosophical rationale for the “Consensus Statement on Homosexuality” (1992). This statement argues that heterosexuality is the will of God as expressed in the… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentOn Homosexuality and Biblical Imperatives: A Concurrence (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)March 25, 1992 | Rabbi Avram Reisner In this paper, the author reviews Conservative Judaism’s relationship to Biblical and Rabbinic Judaism. He discusses three gradations in the mutability of halakhic prescriptions, roughly as set forth by Maimonides in his introduction… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Avram Reisner | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentOn the CJLS decisionDecember 8, 2006 | Rabbi Liz Bolton A reaction to the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standard’s 2006 decision by Reconstructionist Rabbi Liz Bolton.… Jewish Law | Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Reconstructionist Movement | Rabbi Liz Bolton | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryOn the Thirteenth Day (Parashat Naso)June 9, 2006 | Jo Hirschmann The author asks why a census must be taken. To be counted is to be blessed. To count others is to bestow a blessing upon them. She argues that this is what LGBT Jews have been doing since the 1970′s: started synagogues and organizations,… Download |
Jo Hirschmann | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryOpening the Window Within and the Closet Without (Parashat Shemini)April 14, 2007 | Moshe Ben Chacon The author argues that this Torah portion poses some gargantuan challenges to progressive-minded Jews – it provides detail about animal sacrifice. He explores the original purpose of sacrifice, both practical and spiritual—the… Download |
Moshe Ben Chacon | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentOrganization Code of EthicsDecember 24, 2008 | ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal’s statement of recognition of diversity of their membership in regard to gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, family constellation, ethnic, racial and religious origin.… Policies and Best Practices | Renewal Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Renewal Movement | ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentOrthodox Response to Same-Sex MarriageOctober 23, 2006 | Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb This statement by Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union, presents his opinion on homosexuality and same-sex marriage. He states, ” Homosexual behavior between males or between females is absolutely… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentOrthodox Union applauds California voters and West Virginia legislature for opposition to same-sex marriagesMarch 16, 2000 | Dr. Mandell I. Ganchrow This press release is a statement issued by OU President Mandell I. Ganchrow, M.D. In it, he reiterates the Orthodox Union’s stance on same-sex marriage and commends the voters of California for passing Proposition 22, which bans same-sex… Activism & Civil Rights | Jewish Law | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Jewish Law, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Dr. Mandell I. Ganchrow | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentOrthodox Union Asks Senators to Protect Traditional Definition of MarriageSeptember 3, 2003 | Harvey Blitz, Nathan J. Diament, Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb In this open letter to Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, the Orthodox Union requests that the Senate pass laws to uphold the traditional definition of marriage.… Activism & Civil Rights | Jewish Law | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Jewish Law, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Harvey Blitz, Nathan J. Diament, Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb | Article or Document | ||
Orthodox Union Deeply Troubled by Vermont Ruling for Same-Sex Couple RecognitionDecember 20, 1999 | Orthodox Union Movement: Orthodox | Author: Orthodox Union | Organization: Orthodox Union | Date: December 20, 1999 | Resource Type: Statements… Orthodox Movement Download |
Orthodox Movement | Orthodox Union | |||
Article or DocumentOrthodox Union States Opposition to Legalization of Same Sex Marriage in New YorkApril 25, 2007 | Institute for Public Affairs In this press release, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (UOJCA) reiterated its opposition to legal recognition of same sex marriage.… Jewish Law | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Institute for Public Affairs | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryOur Forty Years in the Desert: a Reflection on StonewallJune 25, 2009 | Jim Davis Rosenthal A short Pride sermon comparing stonewall to the Hebrews’ liberation from Mitzrayim (Egypt).… Bullying or HarassmentPride Download |
Bullying or Harassment | Pride | Jim Davis Rosenthal | Torah Commentary | |
Article or DocumentOur Vision of Society Requires A "No" Vote on the Marriage Amendment, or "Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself"November 3, 2006 | Rabbi Gary Creditor In this sermon, Conservative Rabbi Gary Creditor encourages congregants to vote no on a same-sex marriage amendment in Virginia, arguing that civil law should respect, reflect and accommodate all people of our society.… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Gary Creditor | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryOut from the Mountain: Finding the Good Land (Parashat Devarim)July 21, 2007 | Marisa Elana James In this portion, the Israelites are nearing the end of their journey in the desert, and need some pushing to keep moving. The author relates this to the narrative of LGBT people–in every generation, gays and lesbians and bisexuals and… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentOut of the Closet and into the SpotlightSeptember 1, 2003 | Alice Sparberg Alexiou A review of “Ruthie and Connie: Every Room in the House,” a documentary film, a love story, about a two women who met in New York City in the late 1950s, both married to men, and eventually fell in love with each other in the 1970s.… Lesbian Download |
Lesbian | Alice Sparberg Alexiou | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesOy Vey! The Rabbi is Gay! A Children's Tale for All the Conservative Synagogue Educators Who Might Need a Little Extra Help Next WeekDecember 1, 2006 | Rabbi Daniel Brenner A gay-positive short story for children about a congregation whose new rabbi turns out to be gay.… Youth Download |
Youth | Rabbi Daniel Brenner | Article or Document, Lesson Plan/Activities | Elementary | |
Torah CommentaryParashat Chukkat: Clean/Unclean (Parashat Chukkat)July 3, 2009 | Rabbi Jill Hammer The author explores the concepts of Tum’ah and Taharah (ritual impurity and purity) regarding the death of Miriam. She then asks how we reintegrate queer experience into the sacred center of our people when male homosexuality is considered… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Rabbi Jill Hammer | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryParashat Toledot: Transgender Day of RemembranceNovember 20, 2009 | Kadin Henningsen In this sermon about identity and self-understanding in Parshat Toldot, Kadin Henningsen highlights the ways that characters in this parsha come to know themselves and what we as gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people can glean… Transgender and Gender IdentityTransgender Day of Remembrance Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Kadin Henningsen | Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryParshat Beshallach; Exodus 13:17-17:16August 29, 2007 | Rabbi Denise Eger In this sermon, Reform Rabbi Denise Eger draws parallels between the Hebrews’ and gays’ and lesbians’ respective fights for liberation.… Download |
Rabbi Denise Eger | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryParshat Kedoshim; Leviticus 18:1-20:27May 5, 2005 | Rabbi Denise Eger In this sermon, Reform Rabbi Denise explores the Biblical prohibitions against homosexuality and argues that the Torah addressing non-consensual sexual behavior.… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Rabbi Denise Eger | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or Document, Teaching GuidelinesParshat Miketz/5771December 4, 2010 | Rabbi Robin Fryer Bodzin A sermon connecting the Torah portion with bullying. Joseph is first bullied by his brother and then, in turn, becomes the bully himself. The author draws on many of her own personal experiences to illustrate her points. Concludes with Keshet’s… Bullying or Harassment Download |
Bullying or Harassment | Rabbi Robin Fryer Bodzin | Article or Document, Teaching Guidelines | ||
Torah CommentaryParshat Yitro: A Love StoryJanuary 28, 2011 | Joy Ladin In this d’var Torah, Professor Joy Ladin tells the story of Parashat Yitro as a love story between God and the people of Israel.… Orthodox Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Orthodox Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Joy Ladin | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentPastoral Issues for Marriage and Premarital CounselingRabbi Ayelet Cohen Working with a couple on a wedding ceremony and ketubah has a pastoral as well as a ritual purpose. Rabbi Cohen, who served an LGBT congregation for ten years, looks at pastoral issues that might emerge as couples prepare for their wedding. She… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Ayelet Cohen | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryPeople of the Question (Parashat Ki Tissa)March 5, 2010 | Cynthia Hoffman The author reframes the Jewish people not as “People of the Book” but as “People of the Question,” highlighting the questions in this Torah portion, and stressing that Judaism is a religion that encourages us to… Download |
Cynthia Hoffman | Torah Commentary | |||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesPesach and ChametzElana Brochin This DIY event is an opportunity for participants to learn about (and experience) the traditional search for chametz and to discuss the ways in which this tradition is meaningful to us individually and communally.… DIY LGBT Jewish EventsPassover Download |
DIY LGBT Jewish Events | Passover | Elana Brochin | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | |
Torah CommentaryPesach Sheni and Gay Marriage? (Parashat Beha'alotcha)June 11, 2011 | Amy Soule The author draws an analogy between the celebration Pesach Sheni (second Passover) and the allowance of gay marriage. Pesach Sheni allowed for Passover observance a month later than the commanded date because of ritual impurity or travel.… Marriage and WeddingsPassover Download |
Marriage and Weddings | Passover | Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | |
Article or DocumentPlacing Homosexual Rabbis in CongregationsMay 19, 1993 | Rabbi Kassel Abelson The author argues that since the intent of the “Consensus Statement on Homosexuality” (1992) was to not ordain gay and lesbian rabbis and cantors, and not to permit their admission into professional organizations, the Joint… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Kassel Abelson | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentPlacing Homosexual Rabbis in CongregationsMay 19, 1993 | Rabbi Arnold M. Goodman The author offers an alternative to Rabbi Abelson’s resolution by stating that given the silence on the issue of placement in the “Consensus Statement on Homosexuality” (1992), the Joint Placement Committee should… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Arnold M. Goodman | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentPlacing Homosexual Rabbis in Congregations (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)May 19, 1993 | Rabbi Kassel Abelson Rabbi Abelson argues that since the intent of the “Consensus Statement on Homosexuality” (1992) was to not ordain gay and lesbian rabbis and cantors, and not to permit their admission into professional organizations, the Joint… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Kassel Abelson | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentPlacing Homosexual Rabbis in Congregations (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)May 19, 1993 | Rabbi Arnold M. Goodman In this position paper, Rabbi Arnold Goodman argues that denying job placement privileges to gay and lesbian rabbis is a grave injustice, despite the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards having passed a consensus statement that avowed homosexuals… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Arnold M. Goodman | Article or Document | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesPluralism in Action
This role play debate gives students the opportunity to examine what pluralism looks like in action. Students take on the roles of members of a religious policy committee at a new school to discuss, debate, and determine school policy on three… Download |
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | High School, Middle School | |||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesPluralism Is Jewish: The Houses of Hillel and Shammai
In this activity, students examine a text about the differences between the rabbinic schools of Hillel and Shammai. This activity helps students understand the meaning of pluralism both in action and as a value in Judaism.… Download |
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | High School, Middle School | |||
RitualPrayer for Transgender Day of RemembranceNovember 1, 2006 | Rabbi Reuben Zellman Prayer in English by Rabbi Reuben Zellman (Reform) on the occasion of Transgender Day of remembrance.… Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender IdentityTransgender Day of Remembrance Download |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Ritual | |
Article or Document, RitualPre-marital Counseling for Same-sex Couples: Highlights for Rabbis and CantorsMarch 1, 2000 | Rabbi Nancy H. Wiener Guidelines and a model for pre-marital counseling for Jewish same-sex couples.… Lifecycle Events | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Lifecycle Events, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Nancy H. Wiener | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryPRIDE!June 17, 2009 | Kadin Henningsen A commentary on responsibility, as Jews and as queers. The author argues that one of our responsibilities is to heal hearts and minds by telling stories and stitching them together.… Transgender and Gender IdentityPride Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Pride | Kadin Henningsen | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | |
Article or DocumentPromoting Equal Employment and Leadership Opportunities for Lesbians and Gays in the Reform MovementDecember 3, 1995 | Union for Reform Judaism Resolution of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in matters relating to the employment of rabbis, cantors, educators, executives, administrators or other staff.… Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Union for Reform Judaism | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryProtecting Marriage – Really!October 14, 2008 | Rabbi David M. Frank In this sermon, Reform Rabbi David Frank discusses Reform Judaism’s thoughts on homosexuality, his synagogue’s progression on this issue, and his personal experience officiating at a lesbian wedding.… Marriage and Weddings | Reform MovementRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Reform Movement | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Rabbi David M. Frank | Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryPurim 5770/2010: Queering the Already QueerFebruary 19, 2010 | Rabbi James Greene In this sermon, Reconstructionist Rabbi James Greene writes about the connections between the book of Esther, read on Purim, and coming out.… Coming OutPurim Download |
Coming Out | Purim | Rabbi James Greene | Torah Commentary | |
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryPurim Inside OutRabbi Steven Greenberg The author argues that Purim is about movement from the covert to the overt, that each character has something to hide and later to reveal. The turn in the plot occurs when Mordecai is forced to choose between his inner and outer identities. The… Coming OutPurim Download |
Coming Out | Purim | Rabbi Steven Greenberg | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | |
Posters, Promotional MaterialPut the Y in EqualityApril 6, 2011 | 14th St. Y Flier for an event by the 14th Street Y in New York City for an event to discuss how to make the community more friendly to LGBT people. The event was spurred by Keshet’s “Do Not Stand Idly By” pledge.… Bullying or Harassment | Policies and Best Practices | Youth Download |
Bullying or Harassment, Policies and Best Practices, Youth | 14th St. Y | Posters, Promotional Material | ||
Torah CommentaryQ-Ushpizin (Sukkot)October 7, 2006 | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) Among the customs associated with Sukkot is the invitation of the Ushpizin, the sacred guests from our heritage. According to kabbalistic belief, each night of Sukkot all of the Sacred Guests are said to descend from the Garden of Eden/heaven… Sukkot Download |
Sukkot | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryQueer Authority (Parashat Nitzavim)September 24, 2010 | Amy Soule … Download |
Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | |||
BooksQueer JewsJune 28, 2002 | Caryn Aviv, David Shneer 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… Coming Out | Dating and Relationships | Jewish Law | Lifecycle Events | Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Coming Out, Dating and Relationships, Jewish Law, Lifecycle Events, Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Caryn Aviv, David Shneer | Books | ||
Torah CommentaryQueer Nazir and the Twelve Identical Gifts (Parashat Naso)May 22, 2009 | Darren Lipman The author explains that this portion’s three events form a cohesive cycle beginning with exclusion and ending with inclusion. He compares LGBT people to nazirites, who set themselves apart from the mainstream. He also discusses… Download |
Darren Lipman | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryQueering the Rebellion: Bringing in the Faith (Parashat Korach)June 16, 2007 | Sasha T. Goldberg The author writes that Jews are wrestlers–we wrestle with God, and we wrestle with other Jews, and we wrestle with ourselves. In this Torah portion, Korach and his followers become restless in figuring out their new-found freedom.… Download |
Sasha T. Goldberg | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, Educational Tool, WebsiteQueerly CreatedRabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman Examining the creation of humanity in Jewish sacred texts from the Bible until today, Queerly Created is the first section of Jewish Mosaic’s TransTexts section.… Transgender and Gender Identity |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Article or Document, Educational Tool, Website | ||
VideosRabbi Joseph Berman speaks out 4 Trans Rights
… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Transgender and Gender Identity | Videos | |||
Article or DocumentRabbi Saks’ D’rasha on Conservative Judaism’s Law Committee and HomosexualsJanuary 12, 2007 | Rabbi Robert J. Saks A review and critique of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standard’s (CJLS) teshuvot about homosexuality.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Robert J. Saks | Article or Document | ||
Rabbi Stephanie Kolin @vigil for GLBT Center
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Rabbi Toba Spitzer @ vigil for Tel Aviv GLBT Center
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Article or DocumentRabbinical Assembly Committee On Jewish Law and Standards Concludes Meeting On Issue of Homosexuality and HalakhaDecember 6, 2006 | Committee on Jewish Law and Standards Press release from the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) of the Rabbinical Assembly on a meeting at which five teshuvot (responsa) were discussed regarding homosexuality.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Committee on Jewish Law and Standards | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentRabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards Reaffirms Inclusive Approach to Gays in Conservative Jewish Life. Current Ruling on Sexual Behavior Still Binding. Halakhic Inquiry on Issue On-GoingApril 11, 2005 | Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly Press release from the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) of the Rabbinical Assembly reaffirming the existing stance of the Movement on gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies and ordination.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law | Policies and Best Practices Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law, Policies and Best Practices | Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentRabbinical Council of America and Union of Orthodox Congregations of America Oppose Same-Sex MarriageMarch 30, 2004 | Rabbinical Council of America and Union of Orthodox Congregations of America Joint statement by the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU) opposing the practice of same-sex marriage.… Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement Download |
Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Rabbinical Council of America and Union of Orthodox Congregations of America | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentRabbinical Council of America Condemns Reform Statement on Homosexual RelationshipsMarch 30, 2000 | Rabbinical Council of America Statement by the Rabbinical Council of America (Orthodox) condemning a Reform statement supporting gay relationships and affirmation through Jewish ritual.… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement | Reform Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement, Reform Movement | Rabbinical Council of America | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryRe(a)d Torah (Parashat Behar and Parashat Bechukotai)May 15, 2009 | Maggid Jhos Singer The author argues that this Torah portion contains an in-your-face radical economic construct–the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, where land lays fallow and community financial scores are set back to zero (respectively). He discusses… Download |
Maggid Jhos Singer | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryReading Joseph (Parashat Vayigash)January 2, 2009 | Rabbi Laurence Edwards The author examines Joseph’s moral character and asks whether he is a spoiled brat, favorite child of his father, a tease and a show-off, a goody-goody and a tattle-tale; or a genius, politically and psychologically astute and insightful?… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Rabbi Laurence Edwards | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryRebellion and Liberation (Parashat Shemot)December 25, 2010 | Rabbi James Greene The author argues that the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt represents the stories of all people who have faced oppression. He writes that we should take our cues from the Israelites, who rebelled, first against Pharaoh and then… Download |
Rabbi James Greene | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentRecognition for Lesbian and Gay PartnershipsOctober 23, 1993 | Union of American Hebrew Congregations Resolution of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations to call upon Federal, Provincial, State and local governments to adopt legislation for partner benefits, against discrimination against gays and lesbian parents, and in favor of… Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Union of American Hebrew Congregations | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryRedeeming a Holy Spark: Coming out of the darkness (Parshat Vayigash)December 25, 2009 | Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz The author describes the story of Joseph’s interactions with his brothers after he frames Benjamin for stealing a goblet. She offers an alternative translation for Judah’s plea with Joseph, “Bi Adoni,” as ‘God… Coming Out Download |
Coming Out | Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryReflecting on Ki Tavo (Parashat Ki Tavo)September 1, 2009 | Karen Lee Erlichman The author explores the commandment to blot out the memory of Amalek, but also to not forget. She asks, how do we blot out a memory and not forget at the same time? She also writes of the metaphorical significance of “every first fruit of… Download |
Karen Lee Erlichman | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, RitualReflections Upon Creating Innovative, Jewish Life-Cycle RitualDr. Debra Reed Blank Dr. Blank, a visiting scholar at Brandeis University’s Women’s Studies Research Center, examines wedding rituals and liturgies for same-sex couples by exploring how ritual innovation has happened in the past and inquiring… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Dr. Debra Reed Blank | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Article or DocumentReform Jewish Leader Applauds Introduction of Legislation Extending Equal Immigration Rights To Same-Sex CouplesJune 21, 2005 | Religious Action Center Reform Movement’s statement of support for the Uniting American Families Act (formerly the Permanent Partners Immigration Act) which extends to same-sex couples the same immigration rights and protections enjoyed by heterosexual… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Reform Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Reform Movement | Religious Action Center | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentReform Jewish Leader Responds to New York Court of Appeals Ruling on Same Sex MarriageJune 6, 2006 | Rabbi David Saperstein Reform Movement’s response of disappointment to New York State Court of Appeals’ rejection of gay and lesbian civil marriage.… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Reform Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Reform Movement | Rabbi David Saperstein | Article or Document | ||
Reform Jewish Movement Commends NYS Assembly Vote to Legalize Same-Sex MarriageFebruary 10, 2012 | Religious Action Center Statement by the Reform Movement in support of the New York State Assembly’s vote to mandate equal access to civil marriage for all New Yorkers.… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Reform Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Reform Movement | Religious Action Center | |||
Article or DocumentReform Jewish Movement Hails Senate Adoption of Anti-Hate Crimes MeasureJune 15, 2004 | Religious Action Center Statement by the Reform Movement in support of the US Senate’s decision to strengthen protections for victims of hate crimes.… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Legislation | Reform Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Legislation, Reform Movement | Religious Action Center | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentReform Jewish Movement Responds to Yesterday’s Gay Rights Ballot Questions in Texas and MaineNovember 9, 2005 | Religious Action Center Reform Movement’s response to two ballot initiatives concern gays and lesbians.… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Reform Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Reform Movement | Religious Action Center | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentReform Movement Endorses Jerusalem WorldPride 2005April 15, 2005 | Union for Reform Judaism Reform Movement’s endorsement of WorldPride 2005, which took place in Jerusalem, Israel.… Policies and Best Practices | Reform MovementPride Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Pride | Union for Reform Judaism | Article or Document | |
Article or DocumentReform’s Position On. . . HomosexualityOctober 12, 2003 | Union for Reform Judaism Traces the history of the Reform Movement’s stance on gay and lesbian identity, sexuality, and marriage rights from 1977 to the present.… Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Union for Reform Judaism | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentReimagining Taharat HaMishpachahJune 13, 2008 | Diane Klein Reimagines the laws of Taharat Mishpacha (family purity) with a modern framework. Addresses the possible connection between Taharat Mishpacha and the Biblical prohibition against anal sex.… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Diane Klein | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentReligious Action Center – Reform Movement Perspective on Gay & Lesbian Rights & Jewish ValuesReligious Action Center Summary of the Reform Movement’s positions on issues relating to Gay and Lesbian Rights and Jewish values. Covers positions on Biblical texts, thoughts on human dignity, gay marriage, and Boy Scouts of America. Also includes links… Reform Movement |
Reform Movement | Religious Action Center | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentReport of the Ad Hoc Committee on Homosexuality and the RabbinateJanuary 1, 1990 | Central Conference of American Rabbis Text of report, adopted by the CCAR, that summarizes the committee’s deliberations, conclusions and recommendations on homosexuality and the rabbinate. The report covers Concern for Gay and Lesbian Colleagues, Gay and Lesbian… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Central Conference of American Rabbis | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryReprint: The Way of Strange Fire (Parashat Shemini)April 2, 2010 | Maggid Jhos Singer The author explores the story of Nadav and Avihu and the Strange Fire, comparing their death to the senseless murders of LGBT people.… Bullying or Harassment Download |
Bullying or Harassment | Maggid Jhos Singer | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentResolution in Support of Civil Marriage For Same-Sex CouplesMarch 16, 2004 | Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Reconstructionist Movement’s resolution in support of civil marriage for same-sex couples.… Marriage and Weddings | Reconstructionist Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Reconstructionist Movement | Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association | Article or Document | ||
Resolution of the National Federation of Temple Youth 1991 — HomosexualityJanuary 1, 1991 | National Federation of Temple Youth This resolution adopted by the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) was in response to the 1990 Ad Hoc Committee on Homosexuality and the Rabbinate of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). The resolution commends the CCAR… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | National Federation of Temple Youth | |||
Article or DocumentResolution on Rights of HomosexualsJanuary 1, 1977 | Central Conference of American Rabbis Resolution of the Central Conference of American Rabbis to encourage legislation which decriminalizes homosexual acts between consenting Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Central Conference of American Rabbis | Article or Document | ||
Resolution on Transforming Congregations into Inclusive and Jewish Caring CommunitiesDecember 1, 1999 | Union for Reform Judaism A resolution by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) to assist all member congregations in developing Jewish Family Concerns Committees and programs that reflect the changing contemporary Jewish family in all its diversity,… Families and Parenting | Reform Movement Download |
Families and Parenting, Reform Movement | Union for Reform Judaism | |||
Resources for National Coming Out DayOctober 1, 2012 A compilation of resources to celebrate National Coming Out Day with your community.… Coming OutNational Coming Out Day |
Coming Out | National Coming Out Day | |||
WebsiteResources on Homosexuality and Orthodox Jewish Communities
List of resources on Homosexuality for Orthodox Jews from Eshel, whose mission is to “build community and understanding in the Orthodox community for gay and lesbian Jews.”… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Website | |||
Resources to Mark Trans Day of RemembranceNovember 1, 2012 From readings to videos to personal essays, here are some ways your Jewish community can mark Transgender Day of Remembrance.… Transgender and Gender IdentityTransgender Day of Remembrance |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Transgender Day of Remembrance | |||
Article or Document, RitualResponding in Prayer and Practice to Same-Sex MarriagesAugust 5, 2003 | Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Rabbi Phyllis Berman Three addenda to marriage rituals by rabbis Phyllis Berman and Arthur Waskow.… Marriage and Weddings | Renewal Movement | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Renewal Movement, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Rabbi Phyllis Berman | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Article or DocumentResponse to Rabbinical Assembly’s Decisions Regarding Ordination of Gays and Lesbians, and "Commitment Ceremonies"December 7, 2006 | Rabbinical Council of America Statement from the Rabbinical Council of America reacting negatively to the Conservative Movement’s ordination of gays and lesbians as rabbis and cantors and giving permission to Conservative rabbis to officiate at same-sex commitment… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Rabbinical Council of America | Article or Document | ||
Responsibility of an "AIDS" CarrierJuly 1, 1987 | Central Conference of American Rabbis Deals with the question of whether Judaism would consider a person with AIDS a danger to society or if married, to his wife, and whether Judaism would label his transmission of AIDS as murder?… Jewish Law | Reform Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Reform Movement | Central Conference of American Rabbis | |||
Torah CommentaryReturning to Mitzrayim (Parashat Acharei Mot)April 19, 2008 | Rachel Barenblat The author explains that this Torah portion is read twice during the yearly cycle, the first time during Yom Kippur and the second during Passover. She asks, what is the link between Yom Kippur and Passover? She then reinterprets the verses… Passover | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Rachel Barenblat | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryRevolution is the Easy Part (Parashat Mishpatim)February 1, 2008 | Kerrick Lucker The author argues that in this Torah portion, Moses and the People of Israel are learning to build up a community of shared liberation. The author compares the Israelites to his LGBT community in Berkeley and the conflicts around shared goals… Download |
Kerrick Lucker | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryRitual Impurity: Signposts for Boundary Crossers (Parashat Tazria and Parashat Metzora)April 24, 2009 | Rabbi Amber Powers The author explores the concept of ritual impurity in this commentary. She describes the isolation forced on people suffering from tzara’at, comparing it to the social isolation faced by queer people.… Download |
Rabbi Amber Powers | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentRituals and Documents of Marriage and Divorce for Same-Sex CouplesMay 31, 2012 | Rabbi Avram Reisner, Rabbi Daniel Nevins, Rabbi Elliot Dorff Six years after approving three different teshuvah about homosexuality and gay and lesbian people, the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly approved these rituals and documents developed by Rabbis Dorff, Nevins, and Reisner.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Avram Reisner, Rabbi Daniel Nevins, Rabbi Elliot Dorff | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentRituals and Documents of Marriage and Divorce for Same-Sex CouplesRabbi Aaron Alexander … Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Aaron Alexander | Article or Document | ||
Ritual, WebsiteRitualwell.orgKolot: The Center for Jewish Women’s and Gender Studies of RRC, Ma'yan, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College Resource library where users can find, create and share Jewish ritual of all kinds. Blending tradition and innovation, Ritualwell can help in discovering and design rituals that will enhance Jewish life. Users can offer comments on existing… Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Kolot: The Center for Jewish Women’s and Gender Studies of RRC, Ma'yan, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College | Ritual, Website | ||
RitualRitualwell: Gender Transitioning
A series of Jewish rituals created to celebrate gender transitions.… Lifecycle Events | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Lifecycle Events, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Ritual | |||
Torah CommentaryRosh Hashanah Evening 5768September 14, 2007 | Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld In this sermon, the author discusses the concept of ger (stranger) in Biblical literature, gay and lesbian inclusion, and how his own synagogue, Temple Beth Zion, has moves with the times.… Reform MovementRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Reform Movement | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld | Torah Commentary | |
Article or Document, InterviewSacred Sexuality: An Interview with Jay MichaelsonFebruary 20, 2007 | Cole Krawitz, Jay Michaelson The author interviews writer Jay Michaelson about his latest book, God in Your Body; the organization Michaelson founded, Nehirim; gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer identity, and Rabbinic literature.… Download |
Cole Krawitz, Jay Michaelson | Article or Document, Interview | |||
Torah CommentarySacred Spaces: The Tabernacle, Women’s Work, and the Body as Sanctuary (Parashat Naso)June 6, 2008 | Ri J. Turner Commentary on the building the Holy Tabernacle. The author asks, what does it mean to create holy space? One point of creating physical sacred spaces is to help our bodies and minds to become sacred spaces themselves. The importance of creating… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Ri J. Turner | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentSame Gender OfficiationMarch 29, 2000 | Rabbi Eric Yoffie A statement by Rabbi Eric Yoffie following the Central Conference of American Rabbis’ (CCAR) decision to affirm the relationships of Jewish same gender couples through “appropriate Jewish ritual.”… Marriage and Weddings | Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Rabbi Eric Yoffie | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentSame-Sex Attraction and Halakhah (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)December 6, 2006 | Rabbi Leonard Levy This responsa explores issues of sexual activity, whether any student should be admitted to rabbinical or cantorial if they intend to violate the sexual prohibitions regularly, and opportunities for counseling, public education, and… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Leonard Levy | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentSame-sex Marriage and the LawMarch 1, 2000 | Rebecca Alpert In this article, Reconstructionist Rabbi Rebecca Alpert argues why religious denominations should play a role in the public policy debate about same-sex marriage.… Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Reconstructionist Movement | Renewal Movement Download |
Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Reconstructionist Movement, Renewal Movement | Rebecca Alpert | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentSame-Sex Marriage: The Evolving BibleDecember 16, 2008 | Rabbi Arthur Waskow Renewal Rabbi Arthur Waskow wrestles with the Biblical text from Leviticus prohibiting gay sex, arguing that we need to think about the Torah as not only a living wisdom for the future but an echo of real life from the past.… Jewish Law | Renewal Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Renewal Movement | Rabbi Arthur Waskow | Article or Document | ||
Educational ToolSample Agenda for Integrated Gender Diversity & Sexual Orientation Workshop
To be used in conjunction with Keshet’s Curriculum Resource Guide. Sample workshop (group of curricula) for half day on gender diversity and sexual orientation.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Educational Tool | College and Adult, High School | ||
Torah CommentarySaving Our Youth From the Crocodiles (Parashat Shemot)January 8, 2010 | Martin Rawlings-Fein The author summarizes the story of Moses being sent down the Nile and rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter. The author asks what kind of parents would send a 3-month old child down a river, and compares this to parents who reject their queer children.… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Martin Rawlings-Fein | Torah Commentary | ||
Educational Tool, PostersSeven Jewish Values for Inclusive CommunityKeshet Buy the poster» |
Keshet | Educational Tool, Posters | College and Adult, Elementary, High School, Middle School | ||
Article or DocumentSex and the Seminary – Preparing Ministers for Sexual Health and JusticeJune 19, 2013 | Dr. Kate M. Ott Summarizes the findings of a survey by the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing and Union Theological Seminary on an investigation of the sexuality education of religious professionals and clergy. The survey explored… Policies and Best Practices Download |
Policies and Best Practices | Dr. Kate M. Ott | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryShabbat Commemorating Transgender Day of RemembranceNovember 21, 2008 | Rabbi SaraLeya Schley Using a piece of text from the Zohar, Renewal Rabbi SaraLeya Schley reminds us that each of us has a unique soul-journey to discern and follow. The path of transgender people is one of learning the deepest lessons about how to find your truth and… Transgender and Gender IdentityTransgender Day of Remembrance Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Rabbi SaraLeya Schley | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | |
Shabbat Keynote SpeechJuly 29, 2000 | Rabbi Alexander Schindler In his keynote speech at the 2000 World Congress of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Jewish Organizations, Rabbi Alexander Schindler discusses the history of gay and lesbian inclusion in the US Jewish community. In order to move forward, he argues… Download |
Rabbi Alexander Schindler | ||||
Torah CommentaryShavuot: A Marginal Holiday (Shavuot) (Book of Ruth)June 2, 2006 | Rabbi Joshua Lesser A drash on the book of Ruth and its teachings about the spiritual nature of Shavuot. Ruth’s pledge of mutuality and shared destiny to Naomi in the face of the unknown enables what is clearly a path of despair and hopelessness to be transformed… LesbianShavuot Download |
Lesbian | Shavuot | Rabbi Joshua Lesser | Torah Commentary | |
RitualSheva Brachot1-2012 Text from the Sheva Brachot of the wedding of Court and Bex, Portland, OR. The wedding took place summer 2011. Includes excerpts from John Cameron Mitchell’s song “The Origin of Love” from “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Ritual | |||
Shulamit at the Hineini DVD release party
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Books, RitualSiddur B'chol L'vav'cha (The CBST Siddur)
Classical prayers re-crafted to reflect contemporary concerns. Translations are faithful to the Hebrew text, yet poetic in their interpretations of Jewish tradition. Has many transliterated prayers. Reflects the joy of the CBST community,… Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Books, Ritual | |||
Books, RitualSiddur Sha'ar Zahav
The first LGBT Prayer Book. Includes Reform liturgy with educational commentaries, egalitarian LGBT-inclusive translations, readings reflective of contemporary Jewish life, Hebrew, English, and transliterations of every prayer,… Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Books, Ritual | |||
Torah CommentarySilencing Abominable Language (Parashat Re’eh)August 11, 2007 | Rabbi Seth Goren The author explores the concept of ritually unclean animals in this Torah portion. The word used to describe an unclean animal is “abomination,” the same word used to describe homosexuality. Contemporary people who use the… Download |
Rabbi Seth Goren | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentarySin of Sodom: Looking at a similar story in Judges 19 (Parashat Vayera)October 23, 2010 | Amy Soule In this essay, Amy Soule compares two stories, one from Parashat Vayera about Sodom, and one from the book of Judges, both about men seeking sex with men, and are offered women to rape instead. In the Sodom story, the men eventually have sex with… Download |
Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, Torah CommentarySinging for Our Lives (Parashat Be’Ha’alotekha)June 16, 2008 | Gregg Drinkwater The author explores the story of Miriam and Aaron challenging Moses’ authority as a prophet and speak “against Moses regarding the Cushite woman he had married.” For this, God punishes Miriam by afflicting her with tzaaras, a skin condition… Download |
Gregg Drinkwater | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentarySinking into Compassion (Yom Kippur) (Book of Jonah)October 2, 2006 | Julia Watts Belser The author summarizes the story of Jonah, highlighting Jonah’s attachment to judgment. As queer folk, many of us carry deep wounds around judgment. Unlike human hearts, which have a hard time expressing love at the same time that they… Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Julia Watts Belser | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentarySisterhood Through the Lens of Rachel and Leah (Parashat Vayeitzei)November 27, 2009 | Amy Soule The author explores the deception of the sister-swap of Rachel and Leah and compares it to the accusations on LGBT people of deceiving our relatives when we come out and live honestly, as God intended us to live.… Download |
Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | |||
VideosSiWi AZA, We Stand Up for Each Other!
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Videos | ||||
Torah CommentarySo Many Ways Not To Be Counted (Parashat Bamidbar)May 14, 2010 | Abi Weissman In this Torah portion, the tribes take a census of their members. The author discusses who is counted in the census and who is excluded, comparing the exclusion of women to the current exclusion of many LGBTQ Jews in synagogues.… Download |
Abi Weissman | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentarySomething Queer in the Vineyards (Parashat Balak)Andrew Ramer The author discusses the case of the talking she-ass in this parsha as a “queer” biblical moment in which the boundaries of human/animal are crossed and we are for a moment linked back to primeval wholeness. In our modern world, it’s queers… Download |
Andrew Ramer | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentarySpeaking Truth in This World (Parashat Matot and Parashat Masei)July 21, 2006 | Rabbi Seth Goren The author discusses the difficulties faced by prophets, the challenges that God brings to them. Prophets are often directed to deliver a message of destruction to a group of people and at first resist this task. The author compares this to… Download |
Rabbi Seth Goren | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentSpeech at the JCPA Plenum2-24-04 | Rabbi Elissa Kohen Personal speech delivered at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs Plenum in 2004 about the importance of civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples from a Jewish perspective.… Marriage and Weddings Download |
Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Elissa Kohen | Article or Document | ||
VideosStacy, “I AM: Trans People Speak”
… Coming Out | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Coming Out, Transgender and Gender Identity | Videos | |||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesStand Up For Each Other: Rainbow of ToleranceBBYO Curriculum providing an educational, yet interactive way for people to learn about the Stand Up For Each Other campaign and the LGBT community.… Youth |
Youth | BBYO | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | High School, Middle School | |
Torah CommentaryStanding on the Other Side (Parashat Devarim)August 8, 2008 | Debora A. Larry Kearney In this Torah portion, the Israelites have wandered in the desert for 38 years and are poised to enter the Promised Land. Similarly, argues the author, in 2008 (when this commentary was written), members of the Jewish and queer communities… Download |
Debora A. Larry Kearney | Torah Commentary | |||
Lesson Plan/Activities, Teaching GuidelinesStanding Together: A Social Justice Guide for ShavuotJanuary 1, 2005 | Religious Action Center A guide produced by the Religious Action Center of the Reform Movement focuses on four issues connected with Shavuot: economic justice, the environment, world Jewry and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) issues and advocacy.… Reform MovementShavuot Download |
Reform Movement | Shavuot | Religious Action Center | Lesson Plan/Activities, Teaching Guidelines | |
Article or DocumentStatement of Leaders of LGBT Jewish Synagogues & Organizations in Response to the Attack on the LGBT Youth Center in Tel Aviv on August 1, 2009August 7, 2009 | Asher Gellis, Gregg Di, Howard Solomon, Jay Michaelson, Joel Kushner, Nicole Nussbaum, Rabbi Benay Lappe, Rabbi Camille Shira Angel, Rabbi Denise Eger, Rabbi Joshua Lesser, Rabbi Laurence Edwards, Rabbi Lisa Edwards, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Rebecca Wax, Seth Krosner A statement by many leaders of US LGBT organizations condemning the violent attacks on an LGBT Youth Center in Tel Aviv in 2009.… Activism & Civil Rights | Bullying or Harassment | Youth Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Bullying or Harassment, Youth | Asher Gellis, Gregg Di, Howard Solomon, Jay Michaelson, Joel Kushner, Nicole Nussbaum, Rabbi Benay Lappe, Rabbi Camille Shira Angel, Rabbi Denise Eger, Rabbi Joshua Lesser, Rabbi Laurence Edwards, Rabbi Lisa Edwards, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Rebecca Wax, Seth Krosner | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentStatement on Homosexuality in the Cantorate Adopted at the 1991 Convention of the American Conference of CantorsJanuary 1, 1991 | American Conference of Cantors At their convention in 1991, members of the American Conference of Cantors (ACC) voted and approved a policy statement of acknowledgement that “there are members of the organization who are gay and lesbian, and they be accorded the… Policies and Best Practices | Reform MovementDay of Silence Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Day of Silence | American Conference of Cantors | Article or Document | |
Article or DocumentStatus of TranssexualsDecember 3, 2003 | Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz An official paper outlining the formal position of the Conservative movement on the status of transsexuals, this report is both extensive and well-founded in the relevant Rabbinic literature. Great sympathy for the people concerned is… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law, Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz | Article or Document | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesStep Into the Circle
Participants stand in a circle and are asked to step in if a statement applies to them. After all the statements are read, participants are asked if they want to share any reflections on what they noticed.… Download |
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | College and Adult, High School, Middle School | |||
VideosStephanie, “I AM: Trans People Speak”
… Coming Out | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Coming Out, Transgender and Gender Identity | Videos | |||
RitualStonewall Seder HagaddahJune 17, 2013 | B’nai Jeshurun Based on the Berkeley Queer Minyan’s “Queer Pride Seder” and adapted by Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. As the author writes, “This was not simply a gay and lesbian centric version of the Passover Haggadah. No, this… Activism & Civil Rights | Ritual/Liturgy/PrayerPassover Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Passover | B’nai Jeshurun | Ritual | |
Article or DocumentStop an Anti-marriage Constitutional AmendmentFebruary 20, 2004 | Rabbi Arthur Waskow Article by Renewal Rabbi Arthur Waskow urging Jews to oppose an anti-marriage constitutional amendment and to support gay marriage, with concrete steps.… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Renewal Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Renewal Movement | Rabbi Arthur Waskow | Article or Document | ||
Striving for Inclusion: LGBTQ Education at Residential Jewish Summer CampsMarch 1, 2009 | Mara Ellen Berde Academic paper exploring how camp professionals account for diversity and inclusion of LGBT campers and staff members, Policies and Best Practices | Youth Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Youth | Mara Ellen Berde | |||
Torah CommentarySukkot: Celebrating Unity Through Diversity (Sukkot)October 13, 2008 | Rabbi Andrew Sacks The author argues that there are more spiritually resonant symbols associated with the Festival of Sukkot than with any other major Jewish holiday. The sukkah, in its impermanence and frailty, that generates divine energy. The author explains… Sukkot Download |
Sukkot | Rabbi Andrew Sacks | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentSupport for Inclusion of Lesbian and Gay JewsNovember 1, 1987 | Union of American Hebrew Congregations Resolution of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations to urge its congregations and affiliates to encourage lesbian and gay Jews to participate in synagogue life, develop educational programs to promote understand for lesbian and gay… Policies and Best Practices | Reform Movement Download |
Policies and Best Practices, Reform Movement | Union of American Hebrew Congregations | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentarySurely God is in This Place: A d’var Torah for Transgender Day of Remembrance (Parashat Vayetzei)November 17, 2007 | Vanessa "Vinny" Prell In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, the author offers some insights into how we, as queer Jews and allies, can understand and connect with what it means to be transgender.In this Torah portion, Jacob takes on a new name, like many transgender… Transgender and Gender IdentityTransgender Day of Remembrance Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Vanessa "Vinny" Prell | Torah Commentary | |
VideosSuzie, “I AM: Trans People Speak”
… Coming Out | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Coming Out, Transgender and Gender Identity | Videos | |||
Article or DocumentSvara, Queers, and the Future of Rabbinic JudaismRabbi Benay Lappe Discusses the Rabbinic concept of svara: what your gut, and your intellect, and your experience of human nature and the world around you (which should be extensive), tell you about what’s right and what’s wrong. A person’s svara is a… Download |
Rabbi Benay Lappe | Article or Document | |||
Article or DocumentSynagogue Survey 2009 – Diversity and LGBT InclusionCaryn Aviv, Dr. Judith Veinstein, Dr. Stephen M. Cohen Results of a survey of over 3000 North American congregations comparing levels of diversity, focusing on inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community members and best practices for welcoming these members.… Policies and Best Practices Download |
Policies and Best Practices | Caryn Aviv, Dr. Judith Veinstein, Dr. Stephen M. Cohen | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryTaking Steps (Parashat Ekev)August 2, 2007 | Amos Lassen The author teaches that the word “eikev” (heel) in the context of Torah teaches us to make decisions that are in accordance with G-d and with the larger society — even more so when the larger society is unjust. LGBT people, like the children… Download |
Amos Lassen | Torah Commentary | |||
Talking Points for Clergy on Marriage EqualityJuly 15, 2005 Key points for clergy to keep in mind when meeting with a legislator about marriage equality.… Download |
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Torah CommentaryTazria-MetzoraMay 5, 2009 | Gregg Drinkwater Compares tzara’at, a skin condition discussed in the parsha, with AIDS. The author argues that much like people with tzara’at in the parsha, people living with HIV or AIDS have often been blamed for their disease, with their suffering… Download |
Gregg Drinkwater | Torah Commentary | |||
WebsiteTemicha
Temicha is a support group for Orthodox Jewish parents of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals run by Jewish Queer Youth. They provide a moderated discussion listserv. Families and Parenting | Orthodox Movement |
Families and Parenting, Orthodox Movement | Website | |||
Article or DocumentTen Women Tell… The Ways We AreNovember 1, 1976 | Batya Bauman A personal essay by a Jewish lesbian on coming out, family life, Israel, and Zionism.… Coming Out | Lesbian Download |
Coming Out, Lesbian | Batya Bauman | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentTestimony on ENDA and the Religious ExemptionSeptember 23, 2009 | Rabbi David Saperstein Testimony by Rabbi David Saperstein (Reform) given before the House Committee on Education and Labor. Uses religious reasoning and language to argue in support of the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and to oppose the religious exemption… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Reform Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Reform Movement | Rabbi David Saperstein | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentTesting My FaithNovember 30, 2012 | Matt Goodman Personal story of a formerly Orthodox gay man who looked to God and the Talmud for comfort as he waited for HIV test results.… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Matt Goodman | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryTextual Identity and the (Non)Genetic Code (Parashat Kedoshim)May 2, 2008 | Noach Dzmura The author argues that the Holiness Code described in this Torah portion established a lineage that was queer for its time, in that it was neither kin based, nor procreative. He also argues that the Rabbinic discourse on Jewish practice has… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe "Y’all Come Purim" in Berkeley, California (Purim)March 3, 2007 | Maggid Jhos Singer The author tells a personal story about Purim costumes and argues that the brilliance of Purim is that it understands how much of ourselves we hide, and that one way to reveal ourselves is to hide even further. The observance of Purim teaches… Purim Download |
Purim | Maggid Jhos Singer | Torah Commentary | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesThe Aleinu, Queer Peoplehood, and Chosen FamilyMay 26, 2012 | JP Payne, Monica Gomery Text and discussion questions examining the Aleinu prayer from a queer lens.… DIY LGBT Jewish Events | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
DIY LGBT Jewish Events, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | JP Payne, Monica Gomery | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Audacity of Rain (Parashat Be’Ha’alotecha)June 5, 2009 | Noach Dzmura The author connects our modern problems of water scarcity with those in the Torah portion and from it gleans valuable lessons in avoiding water scarcity.… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, Educational ToolThe Berman Jewish Policy Archive – LGBT Section
Open access to a growing library of 14,000+ policy-relevant documents from leading authors, journals, and organizations. LGBT section contains over 150 policies.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement | Policies and Best Practices | Reconstructionist Movement | Reform Movement |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement, Policies and Best Practices, Reconstructionist Movement, Reform Movement | Article or Document, Educational Tool | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Bumpy Road to High-Drama Holiness (Parashat Miketz)December 7, 2007 | Maggid Jhos Singer The author discusses the myriad characters in this Torah portion and the twists and turns that their stories take. Everyone in this story goes through radical transformation based in spiritual binaries and contradictions. He compares this… Download |
Maggid Jhos Singer | Torah Commentary | |||
RitualThe Children of Noah: A Wedding or Covenanting CeremonyDecember 20, 2008 | The Shalom Center A resource created by the Shalom Center with alternative texts and poems to use at a gay or lesbian wedding ceremony.… Marriage and Weddings | Renewal Movement | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Renewal Movement, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | The Shalom Center | Ritual | ||
BooksThe Choosing: A Rabbi’s Journey from Silent Nights to High Holy DaysApril 1, 2011 | Rabbi Andrea Myers A young Lutheran girl grows up on Long Island, New York. She aspires to be a doctor, and is on the fast track to marriage and the conventional happily-ever-after. But, as the Yiddish saying goes, “Man plans, and God laughs.” Meet… Coming Out | Interfaith Download |
Coming Out, Interfaith | Rabbi Andrea Myers | Books | ||
Article or DocumentThe Conservative Movement and Homosexuality: Finding a Middle PathOctober 1, 2006 | Rabbi Aaron Mackler In this article in the United Synagogue Review, the author makes the case for outlawing anal intercourse between men, but relaxing other restrictions.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Aaron Mackler | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentThe Conservative Movement and Homosexuality: Settled Law in Unsettling TimesOctober 1, 2006 | Rabbi Joseph Prouser This United Synagogue Review article reviews some of the discussions about homosexuality in the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS). The author argues that Conservative Judaism reflects American… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Joseph Prouser | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentThe Conservative Movement’s Responses to Homosexual RelationsRabbi Elliot Dorff On December 6, 2006, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) of Judaism’s Conservative Movement adopted a rabbinic ruling that permits rabbis to perform commitment ceremonies to join gays or lesbians and seminaries to ordain… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Elliot Dorff | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Deuteronomy Dinner Party – As Many Chairs as We Need (Parashat Ki Tavo)August 31, 2007 | Marisa Elana James In this Torah portion, we read about the punishments that will come if we do not follow the laws of the Torah exactly. We’re also given a few instructions about being thankful, part of which is about sharing our blessings with others. The… Download |
Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Fear of God and the Guru Principle (Parashat Va’etchanan)July 31, 2009 | Ri J. Turner The author discusses the concept of fearing God in this Torah portion, arguing that particularly those of us who are queer, who have believed or have been told that we are “going against God’s will,” may not be able to relate to a God who… Download |
Ri J. Turner | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Fifth Commandment (Parashat Yitro)February 14, 2009 | David Katzenelson The author explores the two version of the Ten Commandments, discussing the differences between the two versions of the Fifth Commandment, and the difficulty LGBT people may be faced with by abiding by this commandment. It is very difficult… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | David Katzenelson | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentThe Fight for EqualityApril 27, 2004 | Rabbi Michael Namath The author argues that the fight for equality is uniquely tied to the history of this nation, and that while not all religions should have to recognize same-sex religious marriage, the government must give equal protection to all its citizens… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Michael Namath | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryThe First Commandment Revisited (Parashat Yitro)January 26, 2008 | Rabbi Seth Goren The author describes the event of the giving of the Ten Commandments and explains that the first commandment actually occurs at the beginning of the Torah: “be fruitful and multiple.” He explores the common push in Jewish communities… Download |
Rabbi Seth Goren | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Former Rain and the Latter Rain: A Queer Jew in Diaspora Wrestling with Tradition and Progress (Parashat Ekev)August 22, 2008 | Ri J. Turner In this commentary, the author discusses their personal experience of the changing text of the siddur, specifically its translation of the V’Ahavta prayer.… Download |
Ri J. Turner | Torah Commentary | |||
BlogThe Gay MomCarrie Kaufman Author Carrie Kaufman examines the challenges of her life as a gay, single mom of twin daughters in this blog.… Lesbian |
Lesbian | Carrie Kaufman | Blog | ||
Article or DocumentThe Gay Orthodox UndergroundJanuary 1, 2001 | Naomi Grossman Article about gay and lesbians in the Orthodox community. Many gay and lesbian individuals and couples say that they are neither “advertising” their identities and lifestyles, nor are they keeping them a secret.… Orthodox Movement Download |
Orthodox Movement | Naomi Grossman | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentThe Gay Placement QuestionMay 18, 1993 | Rabbi Ben Zion Bergman Paper deals with the question of whether gay members of the Rabbinical Assembly should be able to use the services of the Placement Commission to obtain jobs.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Ben Zion Bergman | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Gift of Safe Space (Parashat Terumah)February 24, 2007 | Y. Gavriel A. Levi Ansara The authors asks why the construction of the Mishkan (the Holy Tabernacle) occurs during a period of strife and disaffection, and what motivating force drives the desire to give offering to God at the height of exile. He argues that it is the… Download |
Y. Gavriel A. Levi Ansara | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Gift of the Wilderness (Parashat B’midbar)May 30, 2008 | Alex Carter The author argues that God brought the children into the wilderness in order to create a people. Wilderness can be a creative, expressive space, where the noise and confusion of “civilization” fades. We must honor that creative wild space,… Download |
Alex Carter | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe God of the Spirits of All Flesh (Parashat Korach)June 11, 2010 | Rabbi Rick Brody The author explains that in this Torah portion, God is given the name “the God of the Spirits of All Flesh,” which can be instructive for our own understanding of the Divine and its influence in our lives, particularly in terms of… Download |
Rabbi Rick Brody | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentThe Halakhah of Same-Sex Relations in a New Context (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)December 6, 2006 | Rabbi David Fine, Rabbi Myron Geller, Rabbi Robert Fine This responsum argues that gay and lesbian relationships “are permitted within the context of a recognizable consecrated relationships,” that rabbis and cantors may officiate gay and lesbian marriage ceremonies, and gay… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi David Fine, Rabbi Myron Geller, Rabbi Robert Fine | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentThe Hillel LGBTQ Resource GuideD’ror Chankin-Gould, Josh Furman, Miriam Ignatoff, Noah Branman, Rabbi Bruce Bromberg Seltzer, Rabbi Jason Klein, Rabbi Leslie Bergson, Rabbi Lina Zerbarini, Rabbi Michael Rothbaum, Rabbi Mychal Copeland, Rabbi Seth Goren, Rabbi Sharon Stiefel, S. Bear Bergman A resource guide designed for Hillel professionals with articles by different authors on a variety of topics, including inclusive vocabulary, Jewish LGBTQ history, skill-building towards inclusiveness, rituals, and more.… Jews of Color | Policies and Best Practices | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Support & Helplines | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Jews of Color, Policies and Best Practices, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Support & Helplines, Transgender and Gender Identity | D’ror Chankin-Gould, Josh Furman, Miriam Ignatoff, Noah Branman, Rabbi Bruce Bromberg Seltzer, Rabbi Jason Klein, Rabbi Leslie Bergson, Rabbi Lina Zerbarini, Rabbi Michael Rothbaum, Rabbi Mychal Copeland, Rabbi Seth Goren, Rabbi Sharon Stiefel, S. Bear Bergman | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Holiness Code (Parashat Kedoshim)April 30, 2011 | Amy Soule The author explores the complicated verses in Leviticus traditionally interpreted as forbidding gay sex, surveying several interpretations that stray from the traditional approach to these verses.… Download |
Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Holiness of Judgment and the Power of Witnessing (Parashat Shof’tim)
This commentary is about the phrase “Baruch Dayan Emet” (blessed is the true judge) and the power and holiness of judgment. Jews in general, and queer Jews in particular, are acutely aware of the powerful impact that judgment… Download |
Torah Commentary | ||||
Article or DocumentThe Jewish Community's Stake in the Legalization of Lesbian and Gay MarriageJune 23, 1995 | Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig Details a short history of the organized Jewish community’s relationship its gay and lesbian leaders and members, focusing on the Reform and Conservative movements. Argues for Jews to support same-sex marriage.… Activism & Civil Rights | Conservative Movement | Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Reform MovementPride Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Conservative Movement, Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Reform Movement | Pride | Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig | Article or Document | |
Torah CommentaryThe Language of Blessings (Parashat Noach)October 31, 2008 | Marisa Elana James Commentary on the language of blessings and curses in this Torah portion through the lens of Noach’s family dynamics.… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Mothers of Redemption (Parashat Shemot)January 13, 2007 | Rabbi Laurence Edwards The author begins by arguing that the women of this portion are the heroes – the midwives Shifra and Puah as well as Pharaoh’s daughters Yocheved and Miriam. He discusses what it means for Harvey Fierstein, an out gay man, to play… Download |
Rabbi Laurence Edwards | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Peculiar Fiber in the Garment of Humanity (Parashat Shelach Lecha)June 9, 2007 | Maggid Jhos Singer The author writes of his personal experience in a marching band in high school, and tells a particular story of making the right move when the rest of the band did not. He relates this story to the Torah portion–how it felt to be right but… Download |
Maggid Jhos Singer | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Perfection of Imperfection (Parashat Chukat)June 23, 2007 | Rabbi Adina Lewittes This commentary focuses on the rite of purification after having come into contact with a corpse, the ritual of the Red Heifer. The animal must be completely perfect, blemish-free. The author argues that the details of this ritual defy rational… Download |
Rabbi Adina Lewittes | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Power of Embodied Love (Parashat Vayakhel and Parashat Pekudei)March 25, 2006 | Rabbi Jill Hammer The author argues that in this Torah portion, we find a different model for what it means to be a sacred community, one radically different than the model we see at Sinai, and one that tends toward acknowledging people as bodies as well as ideas.… Download |
Rabbi Jill Hammer | Torah Commentary | |||
BooksThe Purim SuperheroJanuary 1, 2013 | Elisabeth Kushner The Purim Superhero is a children’s book about conviction, courage, space aliens, and a Jewish family with two dads. YouthPurim |
Youth | Purim | Elisabeth Kushner | Books | Early Childhood, Elementary |
VideosThe Purim Superhero Trailer
… Purim |
Purim | Videos | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Queer Community–Collectively–Comes Out (Parashat Nitzavim)September 25, 2008 | Cynthia Hoffman The author argues that this portion provides a model of repentance that provides a perfect time to come out to our communities in a more forthright way. The portion ends with an admonishment to grow and change; to return to our true selves as the… Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Cynthia Hoffman | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentThe Rabbi's View of Same-Gender RelationshipsJanuary 1, 2001 | Rabbi Shmuel Jablon A short article on some perspectives on gay and lesbian sex and identity in the Orthodox movement.… Jewish Law | Orthodox Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Shmuel Jablon | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentThe Rabbi's View of Same-Gender RelationshipsJanuary 1, 2001 | Rabbi Daniel Wolpe A short article on some perspectives on gay and lesbian sex and identity in the Conservative movement.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Daniel Wolpe | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentThe Rabbi’s View of Same-Gender RelationshipsJanuary 1, 2001 | Rabbi Jo David A short article on some perspectives on gay and lesbian sex and identity. The author is a Reform rabbi.… Reform Movement Download |
Reform Movement | Rabbi Jo David | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentThe Rabbi’s View of Same-Gender RelationshipsJanuary 1, 2001 | Rabbi Susan Gulack A short article on some perspectives on gay and lesbian sex and identity in the Conservative movement.… Conservative Movement Download |
Conservative Movement | Rabbi Susan Gulack | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Real Sin of Sodom (Parashat Vaera)November 11, 2006 | Rabbi Steven Greenberg The author argues that the real sin of the Sodomites in the Torah portion was unhospitality, not homosexuality.… Download |
Rabbi Steven Greenberg | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, RitualThe Ring: A Shabbat KavannahJanuary 7, 2009 | Rabbi Arthur Waskow Rabbi Arthur Waskow retells a Hasidic story about a man who fears abandonment by his wife as they remove their wedding rings each evening before washing and eating. The man’s rabbi responds by saying that he should do this once a week with… Marriage and Weddings Download |
Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Arthur Waskow | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Sea of Reeds as a Communal Mikvah (Parashat Beshellach)January 15, 2011 | Amy Soule The author discusses the events of the climactic moment of this parasha, the splitting of the Sea of Reeds, and the trauma that the Israelites brought with them with they reached the Sea to cross it. She draws parallels between a traumatic event… Download |
Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Soul of Each and Every Individual (Parashat Pinchas)July 7, 2007 | Rabbi Melissa B. Simon While the Torah portion begins with a census that broke down the people into groups and abstract numbers, the author teaches that Rashi’s understanding of the change of leadership suggests that ultimately each Israelite was seen as an individual. Too… Download |
Rabbi Melissa B. Simon | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentThe Status of Homosexuals in the Synagogue: A Concurring OpinionMay 18, 1992 | Rabbi Kassel Abelson Paper dealing with the halakhic implications of giving gay couples full recognition as alternative family units, sanctifying marriages, and arranging divorces, ultimately arguing that none of these should be given to gay couples.… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Kassel Abelson | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Telling Alone is Not Enough (Pesach)April 2, 2007 | Rabbi Laurence Edwards On Pesach, we are obligated to think of ourselves as having personally come out of Egypt. The author asks, how is this act of historical imagination supposed to work? One way is through telling and retelling of our own stories. Tradition expands… Passover Download |
Passover | Rabbi Laurence Edwards | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentThe Twisted Wick: Talmud Study as Spiritual Practice for Post-Modern JewsJuly 1, 2007 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla In this article, Rabbi Elliot Kukla argues for Talmud study as spiritual practice that is meaningful for postmodern Jews, explaining the difference between our modern notions of learning to a specific goal and Jewish learning for its own… Jewish Law Download |
Jewish Law | Rabbi Elliot Kukla | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryThe Unknown Path (Parashat Lech Lecha)October 16, 2010 | Rabbi James Greene … Download |
Rabbi James Greene | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or Document, Educational Tool, RitualThe Velveteen Rabbi’s Haggadah for PesachRachel Barenblat A free and open-source LGBT-inclusive haggadah for Passover which combines traditional texts with poetry and creative interpretations.… Ritual/Liturgy/PrayerPassover Download |
Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Passover | Rachel Barenblat | Article or Document, Educational Tool, Ritual | |
Torah CommentaryThe Way of Strange Fire (Parashat Shemini)April 22, 2006 | Maggid Jhos Singer The author explores the story of the “strange fire” brought by Nadav and Avihu in this portion. He argues that Jews and queers have always been accused of being different, alien and inferior, like the strange fire brought by Nadav… Download |
Maggid Jhos Singer | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryThe Wife of Moses, the Mother of Pinchas and Other Midianites (Parashat Pinchas)July 10, 2009 | David Katzenelson The author recounts the story of the Israelites’ forbidden worship of Moabite women, the praise given to Pinchas for murdering an Israelite man and the Moabite woman he has sex with. The author suggests that Pinchas acted out of rage… Download |
David Katzenelson | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentThe Wondering Jew: Judaism and Gender IdentityDecember 1, 2004 | Leah Koenig Summarizes some Jewish thoughts and opinions on transgender identity and acceptance of transgender people in the Jewish community.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Leah Koenig | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentThe Wreathed Chanukah Wand: Sukkot in DecemberDecember 17, 2008 | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) Compares the holidays of Hannukah and Christmas and discusses the issue of when Jesus was actually born, which was probably around Sukkot.… Hanukkah | Sukkot Download |
Hanukkah, Sukkot | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) | Article or Document | ||
BlogThings You Should Never Ask a Jew of ColorJune 28, 2011 | Erika Davis The author writes of her personal experiences as a Jew of color and lists a number of questions to never ask a Jew of color.… Jews of Color |
Jews of Color | Erika Davis | Blog | ||
Posters, Promotional MaterialThis Is Our Community5-2009 | Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco A poster of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. Photograph of a lesbian couple with their child, and several short paragraphs about the JCF’s LGBT programming and its work… Activism & Civil Rights | Families and Parenting Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Families and Parenting | Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco | Posters, Promotional Material | ||
Torah CommentaryThis Was Not the Year I Set Out to Have (Rosh Hashanah)September 16, 2009 | Meir Hoberman The author explores the story of Hagar and Ishmael being cast out into the wilderness and God opening Hagar’s eyes to the well that was before her. He then shares his own story of coming out and how unpredictable life can be.… Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Download |
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur | Meir Hoberman | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryThou Shalt Have No Other Gods (Parashat Ki Tisa)February 22, 2008 | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) The author summarizes the story of the Golden Calf in this commentary, focusing particularly on the Israelites’ desire to be close to God. He argues that there may be external factors that color our thinking about God’s role in the… Download |
Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentThree Days Until Pride: A Message From JerusalemJune 22, 2009 | Yonatan Gher On the heels of Pride 2009, Israeli author Yonatan Gher asks if the right to get married is our goal (or being acknowledged as common-law partners), or whether this “right” force us into the rules of the hetero-sexist society from which… Activism & Civil Rights | Marriage and WeddingsPride Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Marriage and Weddings | Pride | Yonatan Gher | Article or Document | |
BooksThrough the Door of LifeMarch 15, 2012 | Joy Ladin Professor Jay Ladin made headlines around the world when, after years of teaching literature at Yeshiva University, she returned to the Orthodox Jewish campus as a woman—Joy Ladin. In Through the Door of Life, Joy Ladin takes readers inside… Coming Out | Families and Parenting | Orthodox Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Coming Out, Families and Parenting, Orthodox Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Joy Ladin | Books | ||
Torah CommentaryThunder and Lightning on the Mountain: We begin to dream the God we cannot see (Parashat Yitro)February 10, 2007 | Marisa Elana James The author explores the commandment to not create objects with God’s likeness: we don’t need anything carved or sculpted to replace our understanding of God. Enough exists of God in the world for us to rely on. Similarly, we cannot… Download |
Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentThursday Evening ReceptionJuly 27, 2000 | Michal Eden In this article, Israeli author Michal Eden writes her personal story of coming out to her parents as a lesbian in 1990 and the painful experience of being rejected by them. She later ran for elected office and argues for increasing gay and lesbian… Activism & Civil Rights | Coming Out Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Coming Out | Michal Eden | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentTikkun – New Jewish High SchoolShulamit Izen A short personal essay by high school student Shulamit Izen about coming out and starting the first gay-straight alliance at a Jewish day school. Izen was also the subject the documentary “Hineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High School.”… Coming Out | Youth Download |
Coming Out, Youth | Shulamit Izen | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryTo Annul Patriarchy, One Verse at a Time (Parashat Matot)July 26, 2008 | Noach Dzmura The author explores the concepts of vows in this commentary, particularly vows made by women and what these laws say about patriarchal oppression and accountability.… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryTo Be Fed By Miracles (Parashat Be’har)May 16, 2008 | Noach Dzmura The author explains the Jubilee year described in the Torah portion, and the miracles God will provide during this fallow year. He expands our understanding of the opposites of “miracles” and “nature” when it comes… Download |
Noach Dzmura | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryTo Parent: A Verb (Parashat Toldot)November 28, 2008 | Igael Gurin-Malous The author pulls parenting questions and life lessons from this Torah portion, focusing on the story of Jacob and Esau.… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Igael Gurin-Malous | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryTo Speak Out Without Shaming the Other (Parshat Vayeshev)December 11, 2009 | Cynthia Hoffman The author frames the story of Tamar and Judah as an example of speaking out against injustice without shaming another person. Instead of publicly calling out Judah, Tamar takes a different route to teach Judah a lesson. As queers, the author… Download |
Cynthia Hoffman | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryTo Wear is Human, To Live — Divine (Parashat Ki Teitze)September 1, 2006 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman The authors examine the verses of Torah forbidding gender cross-dressing, discussing some Rabbinic interpretations of these verses. They argue that these verses teach that we must not misrepresent our true gender in order to cause harm.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Torah Commentary | ||
Books, Educational Tool, Torah Commentary, WebsiteTorah Queeries: Weekly Commentaries on the Hebrew BibleSeptember 1, 2009 | David Shneer, Gregg Drinkwater, Rabbi Joshua Lesser Buy the Torah Queeries book » |
David Shneer, Gregg Drinkwater, Rabbi Joshua Lesser | Books, Educational Tool, Torah Commentary, Website | College and Adult, High School | ||
Article or DocumentTorah, Rabbinic Interpretation and GrowthDecember 20, 2008 | Rabbi Arthur Waskow In this article, Rabbi Arthur Waskow discusses his assertion that we in the modern era, need occasionally out of our larger sense of Torah to nullify some of the parts of Torah that appear unethical to us. He does this in regard to same-sex sexual… Jewish Law | Renewal Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Renewal Movement | Rabbi Arthur Waskow | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentToward a New Jewish Sexual EthicMarch 1, 2000 | Rabbi Arthur Waskow In this article, Rabbi Arthur Waskow suggests a view that in our generation we are affirming a sexual ethic different from the one that is put forward in biblical and in rabbinic Judaism, an ethic deeply rooted in Torah. The author writes of his… Jewish Law | Renewal Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Renewal Movement | Rabbi Arthur Waskow | Article or Document | ||
VideosTracks: Denver’s Oldest GLBT Nightclub
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Videos | ||||
Training for LGBT Inclusion
… Bullying or Harassment | Youth |
Bullying or Harassment, Youth | ||||
Article or Document, RitualTrans/Gender Queer Jewish Wedding ServiceJuly 1, 2006 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla Rabbi Elliot Kukla writes of his own experience officiating at the weddings of transgender and genderqueer people, highlighting some of the central differences. He stresses the need to ritually signify the gender identity of each member… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Article or DocumentTransformed Before God: Welcoming Transgendered Jews09-2005 | Charlie Anders Article on Judaism and transgender issues. Includes details of interviews with transgender Jews about their experiences transitioning and being active in Jewish life. Transgender and Gender Identity |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Charlie Anders | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesTransforming Beitecha – A Guide to Creating LGBTQ Ritual, Spiritual, and Pastoral HomesCongregation Beit Simchat Torah Produced by Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) in New York, the guide contains resources on pastoral care with elders, developing LGBTQ affirming liturgies, how to talk about both problematic and celebratory texts, glossary of terms,… Policies and Best Practices Download |
Policies and Best Practices | Congregation Beit Simchat Torah | Article or Document, Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | College and Adult | |
VideosTransforming Family
… Families and Parenting | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Families and Parenting, Transgender and Gender Identity | Videos | |||
FilmTransforming FamilyJune 19, 2013 | Jake Pyne Ten minute documentary that jumps directly into an ongoing conversation among trans people about parenting. Snapshot of current issues, struggles and strengths of transexual, transgender and gender fluid parents (and parents to be) in… Families and Parenting | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Families and Parenting, Transgender and Gender Identity | Jake Pyne | Film | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesTransgender 101: Gender Diversity in JudaismMarch 1, 2006 | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman This workshop is designed to introduce congregations to thinking about transgender issues. Main points taught: recognition that gender is complicated for everyone whether or not you are transgender or intersex; understanding some of… Activism & Civil Rights | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | ||
Article or DocumentTransgender and Bisexual RightsApril 25, 2003 | Women of Reform Judaism Article from Women of Reform Judaism Magazine reaffirming the Reform Movement’s support for bisexual and transgender individuals.… Reform Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Reform Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Women of Reform Judaism | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentTransgender Day of RemembranceNovember 19, 2009 | Kol Tzedek A short piece about the origins of Transgender Day of Remembrance and how the day is observed in the Jewish community.… Activism & Civil Rights | Transgender and Gender IdentityTransgender Day of Remembrance Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Transgender and Gender Identity | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Kol Tzedek | Article or Document | |
Article or DocumentTransgender Shabbat LiturgyNovember 18, 2011 | Virginia Spatz Shabbat services handout with liturgy, poems, and others readings from Occupy Washington DC’s Transgender Remembrance Shabbat. Activism & Civil Rights | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Transgender and Gender IdentityTransgender Day of Remembrance Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer, Transgender and Gender Identity | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Virginia Spatz | Article or Document | |
Educational ToolTransgender TerminologyBrett Genny Beemyn Glossary of terms about and relating to gender and transgender identity and issues.… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Brett Genny Beemyn | Educational Tool | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryTransgendered Hearts: Abraham, Sarah and IsaacNovember 1, 2012 | Joy Ladin In this d’var Torah, Professor Joy Ladin retells the biblical stories of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac through the lens of their gender and life transitions, sharing a new and creative way to understand the lives of these character and providing… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Joy Ladin | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | College and Adult, High School | |
Article or DocumentTransitioning: The Halakhic RamificationsOctober 3, 2008 | Olivia Wiznitzer An article in the Yeshiva University Observer about Orthodox halakhic (Jewish law) opinions on Sexual-Reassignment Surgery (SRS) for transgender people. With few exceptions, Orthodox halakha forbids SRS.… Jewish Law | Orthodox Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Jewish Law, Orthodox Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Olivia Wiznitzer | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentTransitioning: The Halakhic RamificationsOctober 3, 2008 | Olivia Wiznitzer This article from the Yeshiva University newspaper, “The Observer,” explores the halakhic ramifications of Orthodox Jewish transsexuals having sexual reassignment surgery, based on several resources, including “Contemporary… Jewish Law | Orthodox Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Jewish Law, Orthodox Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Olivia Wiznitzer | Article or Document | ||
BooksTransitions of the Heart: Stories of Love, Struggle and Acceptance by Mothers of Transgender and Gender Variant ChildrenMay 15, 2012 | Rachel Pepper Transitions of the Heart is the first collection to ever invite mothers of transgender and gender variant children of all ages to tell their own stories about their child’s gender transition. Often “transitioning” socially and… Families and Parenting | Transgender and Gender Identity |
Families and Parenting, Transgender and Gender Identity | Rachel Pepper | Books | ||
Article or DocumentTranssexual Professor at Stern College: Student PerspectivesOctober 3, 2008 | Olivia Wiznitzer An article in the Yeshiva University Observer with lengthy quotes from current students about the controversy surrounding Stern College professor Joy Ladin, who is transgender. Most of the quotes support Dr. Ladin and her continued employment… Orthodox Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Orthodox Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Olivia Wiznitzer | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentTranssexuals In the Frum Community Speak OutOctober 3, 2008 | Olivia Wiznitzer Article in the Yeshiva University Observer about transgender members of the Orthodox community, including a discussion of the Dina list, an online listserv for Orthodox transgender people.… Orthodox Movement | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Orthodox Movement, Transgender and Gender Identity | Olivia Wiznitzer | Article or Document | ||
Educational Tool, Torah Commentary, WebsiteTransTexts: Exploring Gender in Jewish Sacred TextsRabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman “What do Jewish texts have to say about gender in general, and about transgender and gender nonconforming experiences in particular?” Transgender and Gender Identity |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Rabbi Reuben Zellman | Educational Tool, Torah Commentary, Website | ||
FilmTrembling Before G-dOctober 21, 2003 | Sandi Simcha Dubowski Built around intimately-told personal stories of Hasidic and Orthodox Jews who are gay or lesbian, the film portrays a group of people who face a profound dilemma – how to reconcile their passionate love of Judaism and the Divine with… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Sandi Simcha Dubowski | Film | ||
Article or DocumentTrembling Before G-d: A new film examines the dichotomy of the Orthodox homosexualOctober 28, 2001 | Rabbi Shafran A review of Sandi Dubowski’s 2001 film “Trembling Before G-d” written by an Orthodox rabbi, who contends that while the film is a sensitive portrayal of its subjects, it does not include stories from individuals who have… Orthodox Movement Download |
Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Shafran | Article or Document | ||
FilmTreyfJanuary 1, 1998 | Alisa Lebow, Cynthia Madansky A film by Alisa Lebow and Cynthia Madansky 1998, 55 minutes, Color, VHS/16mm TREYF —”unkosher” in Yiddish— is an unorthodox documentary by and about two Jewish lesbians who met and fell in love at a Passover seder. With personal narration,… Lesbian | Orthodox Movement Download |
Lesbian, Orthodox Movement | Alisa Lebow, Cynthia Madansky | Film | ||
RitualTwo Lesbian Women and Their Pretty Straight WeddingNovember 1, 1997 | Susan Sapiro Article about two halakhically (Jewish law) observant lesbians planning their wedding rituals. Includes the text of their sheva brachot (seven blessings).… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Susan Sapiro | Ritual | ||
Article or Document, RitualTwo Prayers for Strength After the Passage of Proposition 8January 23, 2009 | Pacific Southwest Council Proposition 8 passed during the week of Parashat Lech Lecha. These prayers of courage and the pursuit of justice are derived from its Haftarah and Torah reading.… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Pacific Southwest Council | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Torah CommentaryUncovering Joseph’s Bones (Parashat Vayechi)January 6, 2007 | Rabbi Jill Hammer The author tracks the story of the burial of Joseph’s bones, arguing that the memory of the location of Joseph’s bones is crucial to the Exodus. She connects this to the importance of memory to queer identity, and how deeply the history… Download |
Rabbi Jill Hammer | Torah Commentary | |||
Educational Tool, Interview, Lesson Plan/Activities, Teaching Guidelines, WebsiteUnheard Voices: Stories of LGBT History
In response to the lack of representation of LGBT people in school curricula and disproportionate incidents of bullying and violence against LGBT youth, ADL, GLSEN and StoryCorps collaborated to create this oral history and curriculum… Youth |
Youth | Educational Tool, Interview, Lesson Plan/Activities, Teaching Guidelines, Website | |||
Article or DocumentUnion Of Orthodox Jewish Congregations Protests Massachusetts Court Recognition Of Same-Sex Marriages; Will Legislature Protect Religious Liberty?November 18, 2003 | Institute for Public Affairs This article, written by the Orthodox Union’s Institute for Public Affairs, announces the filing of an amicus curie brief in protest of the decision in Goodridge v. Mass. Department of Public Health, in which the Massachusetts Supreme… Activism & Civil Rights | Legislation | Marriage and Weddings | Orthodox Movement Download |
Activism & Civil Rights, Legislation, Marriage and Weddings, Orthodox Movement | Institute for Public Affairs | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryUshpizin, Shefa, and Choosing Openness Despite Having Been Forced Open (Sukkot)October 2, 2009 | Ri J. Turner The author explores the tradition of inviting ushpizin (sacred guests) into the Sukkah, and then relates this to Sukkot’s challenge to us to receive and to let in, acknowledging the difficulty this might cause people who have experienced… Sukkot Download |
Sukkot | Ri J. Turner | Torah Commentary | ||
VideosUSY President Comes Out in Moving Speech
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Videos | ||||
Torah CommentaryVeAhavta — And You Shall Love (Parashat Vaetchanan)July 28, 2007 | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) This commentary is about the nature of God and God’s love–is God a jealous, punishing deity who never forgets the sins of God’s enemies, the implacable parent in the sky, or is God pure and endless benevolence, compassion,… Fast Days Download |
Fast Days | Chaim Moshe haLevi (Marc Howard Landas) | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryVows and Thou (Parashat Matot and Parashat Masei)July 17, 2009 | Jo Ellen Green Kaiser A commentary on the different laws on vows depending on gender and marital status, focusing on the story of the daughters of Zelophehad (who had no male heirs). The case of Zelophehad’s daughters illuminates the constraints around women’s… Marriage and Weddings Download |
Marriage and Weddings | Jo Ellen Green Kaiser | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryWalk in My Laws (Parashat Bechukotai)May 22, 2008 | Zvi Bellin The text of this portion tells us that if we follow God’s laws, we will be blessed, but if we disobey them, we will be cast out. The author argues that a literal interpretation of this can be used by fanatics to point a finger at people who do… Download |
Zvi Bellin | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryWe Are Family (Parashat Vayigash)January 2, 2009 | Jase Schwartz The author examines the concept of closetedness through the lens of the story of Joseph. He argues that Joseph and his brothers teach us the important lesson that within family we must look at how we can grow and how we can forgive.… Families and Parenting Download |
Families and Parenting | Jase Schwartz | Torah Commentary | ||
Torah CommentaryWe Are the Cherubim (Parashat Terumah)February 27, 2009 | Karen Lee Erlichman The author discusses the detailed gift requests from God, which will be used to construct the mishkan (Holy Tabernacle). Like the different gifts God requests, queer Jews are varied and diverse. She also describes the cherubim on the mishkan… Download |
Karen Lee Erlichman | Torah Commentary | |||
Article or DocumentWe Are YouJune 19, 2013 | Caryn Aviv, David Shneer, Gregg Drinkwater This study seeks to understand how LGBT Jews in Denver and Boulder experience the organized Jewish community in terms of being or becoming a place to express meaningful Jewish identity. The evaluation examines what tactics are currently… Policies and Best Practices Download |
Policies and Best Practices | Caryn Aviv, David Shneer, Gregg Drinkwater | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentWe Can’t Legitimate Homosexuality HalakhicallyApril 1, 2004 | Rabbi Joel Roth In a talk published in the United Synagogue Review, Rabbi Joel Roth, a member of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, writes about the Conservative Movement’s relationship to halakha (Jewish law) and what he sees as a clear Biblical… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Joel Roth | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryWearing Our Hearts on Our Sleeves: Aaron haKohen, the Fashionista (Parashat Tetzaveh)February 15, 2008 | Marisa Elana James The author explains that Aaron wears the names of the 12 tribes on his “shoulder-pieces for remembrance” and on his “breastpiece of judgment,” detailing the makeup of this breastpiece. The author imagines that Aaron is meant to wear… Download |
Marisa Elana James | Torah Commentary | |||
RitualWedding CeremonyRabbi David Lerner Rabbi David Lerner, president of the New England Rabbinical Assembly, created this a ceremony that includes a ring ceremony based on Dr. Rachel Adler’s Brit Ahuvim ritual and traditional sheva berakhot with minor changes in language.… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi David Lerner | Ritual | ||
RitualWedding Ceremony for Two MenRabbi Gordon Tucker Suggested ritual for a wedding ceremony for two men, including a rewritten Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings).… Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Gordon Tucker | Ritual | ||
Article or DocumentWedding Liturgy for a Same-sex MarriageMarch 1, 2000 | Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell Discusses traditional Jewish wedding liturgy and the ways that gay couples have adapted it for their own rituals, despite their unions not being approved of by many traditional rabbis.… Reform Movement | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Reform Movement, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell | Article or Document | ||
Article or DocumentWelcoming Lesbian and Gay Jews into Our SynagoguesRabbi Margaret Moers Wenig A questionnaire written by Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig that a synagogue or other religious institution might fill out to gauge how welcoming their institution is to gays and lesbians. There are questions on the topics of leadership, membership,… Download |
Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig | Article or Document | |||
Article or Document, Educational ToolWhat Does Gay Mean?: How to Talk with Kids about Sexual Orientation and PrejudiceDr. Lynn Ponton Published by Mental Health America (MHA), this pamphlet is designed to help parents have honest conversations with their kids about sexual orientation. Discusses the positive effects of having these conversations, followed by concrete… Bullying or Harassment | Youth Download |
Bullying or Harassment, Youth | Dr. Lynn Ponton | Article or Document, Educational Tool | ||
Article or DocumentWhat Does Healing Look Like?January 30, 2007 | Cole Krawitz Kravitz writes of the pain suffered by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Jews within the Jewish community and what healing from that pain would look like. Kravitz highlights the story of Rabbi Benay Lappe, who experienced having to… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Cole Krawitz | Article or Document | ||
Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/ActivitiesWhat Does It Mean to Be an Ally?
This activity begins with a short text study of Talmudic teachings about communal responsibility. Students then explore together the role of an “ally” in creating change. Students are asked to recall moments when they stood up for someone… Ally Download |
Ally | Educational Tool, Lesson Plan/Activities | High School, Middle School | ||
Educational ToolWhat To Do When a Friend Comes Out To You
Tips for what to do and say when a friend tell you they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.… Coming Out | Youth Download |
Coming Out, Youth | Educational Tool | |||
Article or Document, Educational ToolWhat to Do When a Teen Comes Out to YouKeshet A short list of concrete suggestions for responses and reactions for when a teenager comes out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer.… Coming Out | Youth Download |
Coming Out, Youth | Keshet | Article or Document, Educational Tool | ||
Educational ToolWhat to Do When a Teen Comes Out to You
Some concrete suggestions to consider when a teenager comes out to you.… Coming Out | Policies and Best Practices | Youth Download |
Coming Out, Policies and Best Practices, Youth | Educational Tool | |||
Article or DocumentWhat Was a Nice Jewish Girl Like Me Doing in a Man’s Body?June 19, 2013 | Joy Ladin Joy Ladin poetically documents her personal and emotional process of realizing that she was transgender and coming out to herself, God, and community.… Coming Out | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Coming Out, Transgender and Gender Identity | Joy Ladin | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Torah CommentaryWhat Was God Thinking?April 28, 2000 | Joe Hample The author discusses what God might have been thinking when toevah (transgression) was used in the verses now used to condemn gay sex.… Jewish Law | Reform Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Reform Movement | Joe Hample | Article or Document, Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentWhat’s Different about Gay Wedding Ceremonies?June 1, 2003 | Rabbi Miriam Jerris Discusses some of the differences and commonalities between gay and straight weddings, from a secular-humanist rabbi. Highlights the author’s experience conducting interfaith ceremonies.… Interfaith | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Interfaith, Marriage and Weddings | Rabbi Miriam Jerris | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, Blog, Torah CommentaryWhat’s Jewish about Gay Pride?June 2, 2012 | David Levy A sermon in honor of Gay Pride about the connections to be made between the Torah portion and Gay Pride. Includes personal stories and reflections from the author.… Activism & Civil RightsPride |
Activism & Civil Rights | Pride | David Levy | Article or Document, Blog, Torah Commentary | |
Torah CommentaryWhen Gender Varies: A Curious Case of Kree and Kteev (Parashat Chayei Sarah)November 2, 2007 | Rachel Brodie The author discusses the roles of the matriarchs in the Bible, focusing on Rebecca. Exploring a conundrum of Hebrew grammar, where the word na’ar (masculine gendered) is used to describe Rebecca, a woman, the author understands that an… Download |
Rachel Brodie | Torah Commentary | |||
Torah CommentaryWho Would Moses Marry? (Parashat Bo)January 30, 2009 | Amy Soule Based on an interpretation of this Torah portion, the author believes that Moses would be one of the LGBT community’s best allies if he were alive today. The author argues that this portion teaches that fighting for freedom is not easy… Marriage and Weddings Download |
Marriage and Weddings | Amy Soule | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentWhy We’re Not Getting MarriedSeptember 1, 2004 | Judith Plaskow, Martha Ackelsberg An argument from a Jewish lesbian couple against gay marriage, noting that marriage perpetuates a norm of coupledness in our society, which marginalizes those who are single, single parents, widowed, divorced, or otherwise living in non-traditional… Lesbian | Marriage and Weddings Download |
Lesbian, Marriage and Weddings | Judith Plaskow, Martha Ackelsberg | Article or Document | ||
Article or Document, RitualWords of CommitmentRabbi Simchah Roth Israeli-based Rabbi Simchah Roth introduces his wedding ceremony and Deed of Commitment with a commentary explaining his choice to replace kiddushin with a new ritual for the ring ceremony and replace the traditional ketubah with a Deed… Jewish Law | Marriage and Weddings | Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer Download |
Jewish Law, Marriage and Weddings, Ritual/Liturgy/Prayer | Rabbi Simchah Roth | Article or Document, Ritual | ||
Article or DocumentWresting with Steve GreenbergMay 1, 2004 | Jay Michaelson A dialogue between Jay Michaelson and Rabbi Steve Greenberg, noted gay Orthodox rabbi, together with a discussion of his book, Wrestling with God and Men.… Jewish Law | Orthodox Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Orthodox Movement | Jay Michaelson | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryWrestling Till Dawn (Parashat Vayishlach)December 4, 2009 | Joy Ladin The author compares her own personal story of wrestling with her gender identity to Jacob’s life stories and struggles.… Coming Out | Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Coming Out, Transgender and Gender Identity | Joy Ladin | Torah Commentary | ||
Educational Tool, Torah Commentary, WebsiteWrestling with God & Men: Homosexuality in Jewish TraditionRabbi Steven Greenberg Hosted by our partner, On1Foot.org, this is an interactive collection of over 160 classical Jewish texts curated by Rabbi Steve Greenberg. These are the primary source texts Rabbi Greenberg explored in depth in his groundbreaking book, Wrestling… Orthodox Movement |
Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Steven Greenberg | Educational Tool, Torah Commentary, Website | ||
BooksWrestling with God and Men: Homosexuality in the Jewish TraditionFebruary 24, 2005 | Rabbi Steven Greenberg Wrestling with God and Men is the product of Rabbi Steven Greenberg’s ten-year struggle to reconcile his homosexuality with Orthodox Judaism. Employing traditional rabbinic resources, Greenberg presents readers with surprising… Jewish Law | Orthodox Movement |
Jewish Law, Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Steven Greenberg | Books | ||
VideosY-Love Speaks Out for LGBT Inclusion
… Activism & Civil RightsHanukkah |
Activism & Civil Rights | Hanukkah | Videos | ||
Torah CommentaryYa’amdu… (Parashat Vayishlach)November 24, 2007 | Ari Lev Fornari The author writes of his personal experience as a transgender person attending a synagogue and being called up to the Torah for an aliyah. He also recounts the story from this Torah portion where Jacob wrestles with the angel, just as the author… Transgender and Gender Identity Download |
Transgender and Gender Identity | Ari Lev Fornari | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentYou Have Wrestled With God and Human and Prevailed: Homosexuality and Halakhah (Committee on Jewish Law and Standards)2-2007 | Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl The authors responds to several other papers written on this topic by other members of the law committee, arguing that the halakhic decriminalization of homosexuality would enable us to create a space for gays and lesbians, just as we do for… Conservative Movement | Jewish Law Download |
Conservative Movement, Jewish Law | Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl | Article or Document | ||
Torah CommentaryYou Shall Be Holy (Parashat Aharei Mot and Parashat Kedoshim)May 6, 2006 | Rabbi Steven Greenberg The author, a gay Orthodox rabbi, wrestles with the verses from Leviticus prohibiting gay sex. Jewish Law | Orthodox Movement Download |
Jewish Law, Orthodox Movement | Rabbi Steven Greenberg | Torah Commentary | ||
Article or DocumentZeek is not a Gay Magazine (but it is Out)January 1, 2007 | Jay Michaelson The author, editor of Zeek Magazine, ruminates on why Zeek is considered a “gay” publication despite its lack of gay content. In the queer theory world, it’s increasingly understood that Jewishness and queerness are… Download |
Jay Michaelson | Article or Document |
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