The Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday that the Schechter Rabbinical School in Jerusalem, the Israeli seminary of the Conservative Movement, opposes the American Conservative movement’s decision to ordain Gay and Lesbian Rabbis and Cantors. This week, 35 American Rabbinical students wanted to celebrate the one year anniversary of the movement’s decision. But Machon Schechter wouldn’t allow it unless they also discussed the opposing view, the other teshuva that maintained the status quo.

I had the pleasure of speaking at Machon Schechter about 8 years ago, and though the students brought me, they weren’t allowed to make it an official event, or even use the space. We did it on their lunch hour outside on the lawn. It was a beautiful day, but that’s not the point.

So things have come a long way, and there’s still a long way to go.

This week also saw an official day of celebration and learning at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. It was the work of some dedicated students, most notably Aaron Weininger, one of the first 2 Queer students to enter the seminary for rabbinical school. I’ll try to get some photos and video to post about that great event.

Here’s the original article on the Jerusalem Post and the post on Queerty

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I had a meeting this morning with a woman from Young Judea that’s working on their upcoming “Pride In Israel” program. I have to say, the trip sounds great. It’s a quickie (10 days) full of a lot of the usual stuff (Climbing Massada, visiting a Bedouin tent, Jerusalem, etc.) but also lots of LGBTQ specific events, including meeting activists, discussing LGBTQ issues with members of the Knesset, and partying in Tel Aviv. And it’s all in four star hotels. It sounds like more of a packed organized vacation package.

There’s some info at their site.

Here’s their FaceBook page.

And here are the two events on the GayGevalt calendar: June 16th, 2008 and August 11th, 2008

If you’re thinking of going, tell us why. And if not, why not?

Let’s start by getting something straight: It’s about Marriage equality, not some special same-sex marriage.

Now, on to the story:

The Jewish Daly Forward is reporting that more than a dozen Conservative Rabbis that previously would not sign a statement supporting equal rights for LGBTQ civil marriages, have now signed. The change is reportedly due to the movement’s recent decision to allow for Gay and Lesbian clergy and same-sex marriage.

This is, of course, a good thing. But the sad part is in this statement by Rabbi Denise Eger, of the reform Gay and Lesbian shul in West Hollywood, Kol Ami:

“Conservative rabbis might have been privately supportive of same-sex marriage, but they hadn’t been willing to step out.”

It’s unfortunate enough that these rabbi’s didn’t see the light before the decision, but such is the process of learning and growth. But the idea that they DID see the light, but didn’t speak up because of the Conservative Movement, is just sad. To be a leader is to step up - and all we’re talking about is signing a letter.

Read the article in the forward here.

If your Rabbi or Cantor did sign the agreement. Thank them. Whether they just signed now or in 2005, show them your support for their leadership. And if they didn’t sign, ask them why not - and then convince them otherwise.

The 2009 World Outgames are being held in Copenhagen, and as when any captive audience gathers, tourism boards from around the world want their attention.

This year, prompted by Copenhagen mayor Ritt Bjerregaard, Tel Aviv will be erecting a Tel Aviv tourism “compound” to attract visitors. Itai Pinkas and Adir Steiner are managing the project and will be recreating a little bit of the Tel Aviv beach for visitors to play on, dance on, and well, do toher things that are known to happen on Tel Aviv beaches.

Found on Queerty

More info at Ynet News