A great Gay Jew we know, went to Yeshiva of Flatbush, the well know and old Orthodox Yeshiva in, well, Flatbush (Thats Brooklyn, NY.) He graduated 10 years ago. Now he wants to go to the alumni party dressed up as himself, with his partner. They don’t recognize marriage for Same-Sex couples. They said he can come, but alone.

Here’s the story, in his own words:

Dear Friends-

I will not be attending the YOF ten year reunion this coming Motzei Shabbat. Despite an attempt on my part to RSVP for the event in a non-confronational manner and without raising political controversy, the administration has made it clear that my relationship of five years is a relationship that is either not significant enough to be seen in public, or that the Yeshivah’s halachic standards for attendance are so strict that I didn’t make the cut. In either case, despite never having disclosed the gender of my partner (or even using the word partner), I was politely asked to come alone to the event.

Unfortunately, that’s not good enough for me anymore. I’ve reached a point in my life where half of an invitation just isn’t enough. If I’m going to come to the event, I’m going to come as I am, without hiding anything; I’m proud of myself and my accomplishments. I’m not going to make a scene, but I’m also not going to show up knowing that a huge part of my life has been omitted.

I wish you all the best, and will be thinking of you on motzei shabbat. Please give my warmest regards to our classmates. Feel free to drop me a line and keep in touch with me at XXXXXXXXXX@XXXXXXXX.XXX

Shabbat Shalom. Enjoy the reunion!

>>>>
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXX,

The Director of our Alumni Association forwarded your request to bring your partner with you to the 10th anniversary reunion this coming Saturday night. As previously stated to you, we welcome your attendance and look forward to your participation.
However, your partner cannot attend.

The policy of the school and that is enforced is that only graduates and their spouses ( engagements are recognized ) are invited. We cannot acknowledge or define your partner relationship as one that falls under this policy.
We kindly ask you to respect and follow our Yeshivah’s policy and attend the reunion without your partner.

Congratulations on your 10th anniversary.

Dennis M. Eisenberg
Executive Vice President
Yeshivah of Flatbush

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