Celebrating Love and Equality at My Jewish, Irish, Same-Sex Wedding
The inscription inside the kippot (head coverings) shared on my wedding day read, "September 2, 2016, Marriage of Michael and MacDara."
Senate Committee Passes DOMA Repeal
The Defense of Marriage Act bars federal recognition of same-sex
Interfaith Sign-on Letter in Opposition of First Amendment Defense Act
In advance of tomorrow’s hearings on Religious Liberty and H.R. 2802, the ‘First Amendment Defense Act’ (FADA), the undersigned organizations, representing a diverse group of beliefs and faith traditions, write to express our opposition to this measure, (S. 1598/H.R. 2802), introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representative Raúl Labrador (R-ID). We would ask that this letter be included as part of the official hearings record.
Discrimination Begets Poverty
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 20% of homeless youth are LGBT (even though only 10
The Good Book: Writers Reflect on Favorite Bible Passages
The Bible continues to be the best-selling book in history, perhaps because each reader can identify with some aspect of its ancient text. It is this notion that informs the essays of the 24 novelists, poets, scholars, and journalists who answered Andrew Blauner’s call to write an essay centered on a Biblical book or passage with personal meaning to them.
A Legacy of Kindness, Generosity, and Love
Ironically, this week's Torah portion, Chayei Sarah ("Sarah lived"), is not about Sarah's life but about her legacy. Beginning with mention of her death and of Abraham's great mourning for her, the parashah primarily focuses on the Bible's first story of betrothal, namely that of Isaac to his cousin Rebekah. The relationship between their engagement and subsequent marriage, and Sarah's legacy becomes clear as the parashah unfolds.
Marching in Capital Pride as a Reform Jew
Welcoming by Example
In the Book of Leviticus, God commands the Jewish people, “v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha,” “love your neighbor as yourself.” Based on this teaching, I stand by the idea that, if an individual comes seeking refuge from his or her home country because he or she is prosecuted or marginalized fo
Economic Justice on the Ballot
With Election Day coming very soon, it’s important to keep in mind all the items on your ballot that you’ll be able to weigh in on. States ballot measures—sometimes known as referenda, propositions or amendments—are issues of importance that are left to voters to decide.