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
Holding Israel's Declaration of Independence Up to the Light of Day
Israel’s Declaration of Independence is the foundation of a state that is both Jewish and democratic. But does it accurately describe the Jewish State today?
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.
Who can sign our ketubah? How should we pick our witnesses?
Who can sign our wedding ketubah (Jewish marriage contract)? How should we pick our witnesses?In Reform Judaism, witnesses may be of any gender, above b’nei mitzvah age (13 or older), and customarily, identify as Jewish, although some clergy permit individuals from other backgrounds and faiths to serve as ketubah witnesses. Some clergy also will allow additional witnesses, so you can honor three or even four friends as witnesses.
Parents' Blessings on Your Wedding Day
I was asked to be a ketubah witness at my friend’s wedding. What do I need to know?
The wedding partners honor two friends by asking them to sign the document as witnesses. Usually, the witnesses are expected to sign their names in Hebrew. If you aren’t sure how to do that, ask the wedding couple for guidance and they can speak with their clergy about how to make that work.
Does my wedding ring have to be plain gold or can it be a diamond band instead?
If you have a wedding ring in mind that you’d like to use in lieu of a solid gold or silver band, you should speak with your officiant about choosing the type of ring (or rings) that best suit you, your relationship, and your custom.