News and Updates from the Community

Greetings Friends,

I look forward to next Shabbat (October 12-13), Parashat Noach, when our synagogue will host Eshel - an organization devoted to creating community and fostering acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Jews and their families within Orthodox communities. The weekend will include discussions led by Dr. Michelle Sarna, Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, Miryam Kabakov (Eshel Executive Director), Rabbi Steve Greenberg (Eshel’s Founding Director), and other guests as they present and explore a variety of topics, including:

• Are Yeshiva day schools changing? Eshel’s High School Pledge Project
• Lessons learned from Parshat Noach
• The Religious and Cultural Implications of LGBTQ Inclusion within Orthodox communities

A full schedule of services, meals, and study sessions will be made available shortly.

I concede that these sorts of discussions are complicated, and often polarizing, especially within an Orthodox Jewish context. That said, I promise that this Shabbaton will be consistent with my general public duties, especially the curation of thoughtful dialogue, the preservation of Torah fidelity, the promise of safety, the extension of hospitality, and the offer of fun.

There is limited space for our Friday night dinner. If you would like to attend, please contact me ASAP.

Blessings, GZB