Reform Marriage in Israel: Progress and Challenges
In Israel, marriage and divorce are under the jurisdiction of the officially sanctioned Orthodox chief rabbinate and its representatives. Where does this policy leave Reform Jews?
Senate Committee Passes DOMA Repeal
The Defense of Marriage Act bars federal recognition of same-sex
Faith and LGBT Equality in the News
In recent months, LGBT equality has come to the fore in a number of denominations.
Discrimination Begets Poverty
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 20% of homeless youth are LGBT (even though only 10
Gay Pride: Not Always a Cinch
The cake from Temple Beth El's Gay Pride Shabbat, held last month. Photo taken by Temple Beth El member Barbara Herman.
The author, John Hirsch (left), and Herb Leiman before their wedding at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, Great Neck, NY, 2012.
Shavuot: The Day God and the Jewish People Wed
The day the Israelites stood at the foot of Mount Sinai, preparing to encounter God, is understood in midrash as the day of marriage between God and the Jewish people.
Breaking the Glass
It’s wedding season and we are booked. Our weekends are filled witnessing couples walking down the aisle and standing together under the Chuppah.
Cause for Celebration in Israel: Tu B'Av, the Jewish Festival of Love
When I moved to Israel, it was easy for me to forgo some of the holidays that I grew up with in America that I knew had a distinctly non-Jewish origin. It was also a pleasant surprise to discover other holidays here that unite Israelis across the spectrum – such as Tu B’Av, also known as the festival of love.