Shabbat Dinner for the LGBTQI community, May 18, 2018

We chose this date for our event as the closest Shabbat to May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

This booklet is dedicated to Dr Magnus Hirschfeld on the anniversary of his birth 150 years ago this week, on May 14, 1868. Dr Hirschfeld was a German-Jewish pioneer advocate for sexual minorities and the understanding of human sexuality. On May 15, 1897 in Berlin, Dr Hirschfeld founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee to campaign for the social recognition of gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, and against their legal persecution. His organisation is considered the very first LGBT rights organisation in history.

Contents

1. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Motion on Marriage Equality

2. Australian Jewish News “NSW Jewish Board of Deputies support same-sex marriage”

3. JWire “Australia ready for Same Sex Marriage equality”

4. “After the Postal Survey: What Next?” by Rabbi Benjamin Elton

5. Australian Jewish News “Marriage rites are rights for all”

6. Justice Stephen Rothman AM Letter to the Editor of the Australian Jewish News

7. Australian Jewish News “Emanuel makes history with same-sex wedding”

8. Star Observer “Sydney synagogue hosts first legal Jewish same-sex wedding”

9. About Dayenu, Sydney’s Jewish GLBTI group

10. Australian Jewish News “Mardi Gras ‘the biggest ever’”

11. About Rosh Pina, an independent, affirming Orthodox Jewish network

12. Visit the Sydney Jewish Museum

13. Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial

14. Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) LGBTIQ Commemoration

15. Incomplete list of famous Jewish LGBTQI individuals

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Motion on Marriage Equality, passed overwhelmingly at the Board’s Plenum meeting on September 19, 2017

This meeting of the Plenum of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies:

STRONGLY ASSERTS that Rabbis must continue to be able to conduct marriage ceremonies in accordance with Jewish Law as they see fit

REJECTS any attempt to impose a belief or value system on the Rabbinate or observant Jews or prescribe to them requirements that are in conflict with Jewish Law

OBJECTS to any attempt to silence or stifle legitimate and fair minded debate on the issue of marriage equality regardless of the position taken.

REAFFIRMS its commitment to freedom of religious practice and religious education in Australia.

ACKNOWLEDGES that that as a matter of Orthodox Jewish law (halacha), same sex marriage is not permitted

NOTES THAT:

 The question before Australia at the upcoming postal plebiscite is one relating to civil, not religious, marriage.  Australian law and society has long allowed for same sex relationships between consenting adults.  Many Jewish people are already in marriages that are recognised as such under Australian law yet are not recognised in Jewish Law.  Current laws prohibit persons, other than religious organisations, from discriminating on the basis of homosexuality or gender.  The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies represents the whole Jewish Community in NSW, including those who are LGBTI and their families, friends and loved ones.  Many couples in our community who are in committed, loving relationships are unable to have their relationship recognised by the state as a marriage in the same way that committed, loving relationships between heterosexual couples may legally be recognised.  The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies is committed to fighting all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, homosexuality, gender and disability and to supporting all members of our community as they strive for equality under the law.

AND RESOLVES

1. To call on the Federal Government to ensure protections for practice of religious freedom and religious education; 2. To support the elimination of discrimination against same sex couples under Australia’s civil law by extending legal recognition to marriages between same sex couples who choose to marry; and 3. To support equal treatment under Australian law to same sex couples who choose to marry.

https://www.jewishnews.net.au/nsw-jewish-board-deputies-support-sex-marriage/68749

THE NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) has overwhelmingly passed a motion calling for “equal treatment under Australian law to same-sex couples who choose to marry” at its monthly plenum tonight (Tuesday).

The motion, which only one person voted against in a room filled with more than 100 people, stated that the roof body of NSW Jewry “strongly asserts that rabbis must continue to be able to conduct marriage ceremonies in accordance with Jewish law as they see fit”, “rejects any attempts to impose a belief or value system on the rabbinate”, “reaffirms its commitment to freedom of religious practice and religious education in Australia”, “acknowledges that as a matter of Orthodox Jewish law, same-sex marriage is not permitted” but then noted that “the question before Australia at the upcoming postal plebiscite is one relating to civil, not religious, marriage”.

The motion also noted that the JBOD is “committed to fighting all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, homosexuality, gender and disability” and that it will support “all members of our community as they strive for equality under the law”.

And finally, it resolved, “To call on the Federal Government to ensure protections for practice of religious freedom and religious education; to support the elimination of discrimination against same-sex couples under Australia’s civil law by extending legal recognition to marriages between same-sex couples who choose to marry; and to support equal treatment under Australian law to same-sex couples who choose to marry.” Former JBOD president Justice Stephen Rothman said that he was proud to speak to the motion at the plenum tonight.

“Some members of our community consider same-sex relationships and morally repugnant, and that is dealt with in the motion,” Rothman said.

“We don’t have to approve same-sex relations, in order to approve same-sex marriage.

“In my view, in the case of members of the same-sex community they should be free to enjoy their commitment to each other in the same way that other can.”

Rothman also noted that although same-sex marriage is not legal in Israel, the Jewish homeland does recognise same-sex marriages that take place in America or other countries were same-sex marriage is legal.

“If it’s good enough for the Jewish state, it’s good enough for Australia.”

Jack Pinczewski, who stepped down from the JBOD executive last month, spoke in support of the motion.

“We owe it to our friends and families to take a stance on this matter,” he said.

“It’s a matter of fairness, and a matter of separation between church and state.”

The motion was drafted by JBOD president Jeremy Spinak, however his wife is in hospital expecting twins so he was not in attendance.

In a written message, Spinak said the JBOD was obliged to act in what it considered the best interests of the community, which was to support marriage equality.

“This is about vital members of our community being recognised,” Spinak wrote.

“They have every night to be recognised as married.

“It’s about standing for gay families, so that even if they would not be accepted halachically, they would be accepted in the community in which they live.”

However, he reiterated that he respected rabbis and members of the community who took a different view and had a right to be heard, without being labelled as homophobic or derided for their opinions.

Only one person spoke against the motion at the meeting. He claimed that people who are gay are “not equal”.

As noted in the Guardian (Nov, 2017), “Only one religion, Judaism, had a positive correlation with a yes vote.”

61.6% of Australians who voted in the same sex marriage survey have voted YES to legislate marriage equality. Almost 80% of eligible voters registered their view.

There has been a quick response from Jewish leaders.

Anton Block President of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry Anton Block: “The government cannot ignore the high response rate to the survey on same sex marriage, even though participation was voluntary, and the fact that a strong majority has expressed a view in favour of such marriages being recognised in Australia’s civil law. We expect that an amendment to the definition of marriage in the Marriage Act will be enacted in the near future. This does not affect religious marriages. Members of the clergy will continue to have the right to refuse to perform or participate in any marriage ceremony at their discretion. We also expect that religious institutions and religious schools will continue to have the right to teach and preach their religious beliefs, including their beliefs about the institution of marriage being between a man and a woman.

I do not believe there is a compelling case to permit individuals to conscientiously object to providing goods, services and facilities in relation to the solemnisation of a same-sex marriage. In matters of ordinary trade and commerce, as distinct from matters of religious practice, all people are entitled to be protected from discrimination on arbitrary grounds.”

Rabbi Ben Elton Rabbi Dr Ben Elton of Sydney’s The Great Synagogue added: “Now that the issue of same sex marriage has been democratically determined, Rabbis and other faith leaders should turn to promoting the positive values that underpin strong families: fidelity, mutual respect and support, love, stability and responsibility.

We also have to combat forces that disrupt families: alcohol, drug and gambling addiction, domestic violence and poverty. These are issues which all right minded people agree on, and after a divisive campaign we have to work together as a united community to promote the values we share.”

The following statement was issued by Rabbi Kim Ettlinger (Chair of Progressive Rabbis of Australian Rabbis) and Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins – Chair of Masorti [Conservative] Rabbis of Australia.

“The Council of Progressive Rabbis of Australia, along with the Council of Masorti Rabbis of Australia, rejoice that the plebiscite has endorsed marriage equality to be part of Australian law. We urge the Parliament to adopt legislation as soon as possible to implement the will of the Australian people for marriage equality, without undermining current anti-discrimination law.”

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) is delighted that the same sex marriage plebiscite is now completed and that the people of Australia have shown that they are clearly in support of equality. We hope that Parliament moves quickly to pass legislation that reflects the outcome of the plebiscite and the spirit of the message inherent within in it – support for equal rights, empathy and respect. We expect that religious freedoms will be protected, and equally that current protections against discrimination and intolerance are not watered down.

President of the JCCV, Jennifer Huppert stated, “We are concerned that the LGBTIQ members of our community and their families may face mental health concerns over the coming weeks, as the proposed same sex marriage Bills are debated. We again call for all debate to be respectful, and that anyone with or seeing others facing mental health challenges seek expert advice or support, such as through the LGBTI Switchboard, Beyond Blue, Headspace or Jewish Care Victoria. Service options and contact details can be found in the JCCV LGBTI Service Directory.” Rabbi Chaim Ingram Honorary Secretary of the The Rabbinical Council of NSW said: “The result of the SSM survey is not overwhelming. Within a corporate structure, a two-thirds majority would be required for major change to take effect.

It is vitally important that when drafting any legislation to recognise same-sex marriages, the sensitivities of those who conscientiously object to same-sex marriage – not only ministers of religion but also religious civil celebrants, caterers, hoteliers, restauranteurs, bakers, florists, photographers and the like – be respected and their right to refuse to service a same-sex celebration be enshrined in law. It will also be vital for government to recognise the rights of parents to withdraw their children from what they may regard as inappropriate sex-education lessons at school.”

Vic Alhadeff, CEO of The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, said: “We are not making a comment, just standing by our September resolution which passed 99-1 supporting SSM.”

Kim Gottlieb from Dayenu told J-Wire: “Today is a wonderful day in Australia. It is a glorious day for queer folk who now know for sure that the majority of Australians want their lesbian and gay brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and colleagues to enjoy equal rights to celebrate their relationships, under the law. It is a great day for Australian Jews around the country who were called upon to make a distinction between the code of Jewish law and the moral imperative to “love your neighbour as yourself”. And it is an important day in the history of Australia, when we realise that our democratic system, though flawed, can sometime rise to the occasion and ensure that the wishes of the people are heard by our politicians. It remains to be seen how they will respond. It is possible that a bill to allow same sex marriage will be passed before the end of the year, but our work is not done until it is. Dayenu is deeply grateful to everyone who voted YES.

We are grateful to everyone who started a conversation or made a phone call, which may have influenced friends or relatives. We are profoundly grateful to the Jewish Board of Deputies, Emanuel Synagogue and North Shore Temple Emanuel for their active engagement in this campaign. And we are grateful to members of other Jewish congregations and organisations, who may have worked more subtly but also did their bit to move Australia toward this milestone event. This means a great deal to members of Dayenu, to gay folk across the country, and to the spirit of hope it inspires in us all, towards a world of Tikkun Olam – a world repaired and made whole, through acts of loving kindness, care for one another and a vision for peace and unity.”

Michael Barnett added: “Aleph Melbourne welcomes the result of the “Same-Sex Marriage” Postal Survey and looks forward to seeing marriage equality enacted under law in Australia without additional restrictions or degradation of dignity to LGBTIQ people.

We acknowledge that the mechanism the government used to gauge the sentiment of the population was unnecessary and hurtful to LGBTIQ people and hoped that the government would have simply voted on the legislation up-front, as they are elected to do.

We commend the Jewish Community Council of Victoria for their positive contribution to the welfare of LGBTIQ people and look forward to their further support of vulnerable members of the community over coming days and weeks. We also commend the support from the growing number of congregations and community organisations that have been instrumental in advocating for equality, both the stalwarts and the newly supportive.

It is our hope that before long we will be seeing members of the Jewish community in gender-diverse and same-sex relationships celebrating their marriages, with the affirmation of their families, friends and community. We know that such inclusion and celebration will bring families together, reduce the levels of mental health problems in young people and even save lives. Lastly, we are deeply grateful to those in the community, and also to those beyond, who voted Yes. Whilst the temptation to stick to old traditions may be enticing, the prospect of making new traditions will be incredibly rewarding, beyond expectations. Thank you.”

J-Wire asked Rabbi Moshe Gutnick, Rabbi Levi Wolff and Rabbi Yaakov Glasman for statements. None responded.

After the Postal Survey: What Next?

By Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton, Chief Minister of The Great Synagogue, November 2017

After many weeks of intense debate we now know the result. With a turnout of 79.5%, 61.6% voted in favour of civil marriage between people of the same sex, against 38.4% who voted ‘no’. That level of participation and the strength of support for the ‘yes’ option, makes it sure that Parliament will enact same sex marriage and settle the matter once and for all. That means that the time has come to talk about what we do next: as members of Australian society and as Jews.

First, I believe we have to be very careful about any sort of quid pro quo in exchange for same sex marriage. There are proposals to amend anti-discrimination legislation, for example to make it legal to refuse to sell a cake or provide flowers for a same sex wedding, for those who find such a ceremony morally objectionable. We all agree that it is essential that basic religious freedoms are protected. Same sex marriage does not exist in Jewish Law, and any attempt to force Orthodox Rabbis to marry two men or two women would have to be resisted. But there is absolutely no indication that is going to happen. One reason I do not think it will or could happen, is that like every other Rabbi, I already have an absolute right under Australian law to marry only in accordance with Jewish Law. I cannot be forced to marry a Jew to a non-Jew or someone who has been divorced in Australian law but does not have religious divorce, or a Cohen to a convert. It was no surprise to find that in Senator Dean Smith’s Bill there is explicit protection for Ministers of Religion and religious institutions.

So we are left with the case of cakes and carnations. In my view, it would be outrageous to deny goods or services to those acting within the law, simply because we might not not agree with their course of action. It goes without saying that I am opposed to mixed marriages, but I would also be appalled if some anti-Semitic baker refused to sell a cake to a couple because they did not approve of Jews marrying non-Jews. If we would not accept discrimination in cases like that, I don’t think we can support it in the case of same sex couples.

Another concern that has been raised relates to teaching in schools, and the ability to withdraw children from classes that conflict with Jewish values. We would certainly object to a school lesson that said that Judaism or Jewish Law was wrong or offensive, and we would not allow Jewish children to attend. But, there is no likelihood of that happening. I expect that schools will teach that same sex marriage is valid in civil law, and that will merely be a statement of fact, which it would be dishonest to deny. Nevertheless, that information can be accompanied by teaching the Jewish view that marriage is between a man and a woman. We should all support schools telling their students that all people should be treated equally under the law regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, religion or by any other criteria. So, while we should remain attentive to the situation in schools, there is no need for panic or special measures at the moment.

The second area of concern is how we rebuild bridges with those who might want to enter a same sex marriage. The public debate included language, from both sides that was insulting and hurtful and it shone a light, again, on what Orthodoxy could not endorse. Orthodox Rabbis can never disguise or distort Jewish teachings, but at the same time, focusing on this single issue once more and for several weeks was not helpful. Everyone knows the Orthodox position and repeating points with which we are all familiar was alienating to LGBTQI Jews. Now we need to reach out to them again, with love and inclusion. How many seats in our shules are empty because LGBTQI Jews feel rejected and unwelcome? How many relatives and friends of those Jews feel the same way? We will not change Jewish Law and we do not need to go a long way towards making those people feel more included and bringing them back to our synagogues and our communities; that is now our urgent task.

The third and final area of activity which we should now turn ourselves, is to reinforce the religious principles, especially concerning the family, which wider society needs to hear. These are values that are important for all relationships: love, respect, mutual support, safety, responsibility, fidelity, honesty, patience, compassion and reliability. Speaking up for those elements in marriage and society will do much more to promote good and happy marriages than a great deal of the recent activity. So would tackling the forces which are destructive of marriage and stable relationships: addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling; domestic violence; poverty and homelessness. These are the pressing issues that should be our overwhelming concern if we want a strong society based on successful marriages and families.

There has been enough fighting over the issue of same sex marriage. It is now time to turn to constructive activity, to turn aside from throwing stones and towards building them up. I hope that now, as Jews and as members of Australian society, we can dedicate ourselves to exclusive and unrelenting positive activity, to create the marriages, families and community we all wish to see.

Hon Stephen Rothman AM

Some sections of the community have opposed amendments to the Marriage Act to include same sex marriage. At the same time, those persons criticise the decision in Germany to render circumcision illegal. The common issue is: the nature of minority rights.

Current opposition to same sex marriage is fundamentally undemocratic; even more than the circumcision decision. The community supports multiculturalism, but multiculturalism is a species of equal justice.

Equal justice requires that like should be treated alike and that the difference in treatment of different people should be rational. Equal justice is fundamental to the exercise of judicial power and also fundamental to the exercise of legislative power. In the US, it is guaranteed by Constitution. In Canada it is implemented through the Charter of Rights.

The principle can be traced to the Aristotelian principle of formal equality: “things that are alike should be treated alike, while things that are unalike should be treated unalike in proportion to their unalikeness”.

The concept of equal justice, and adherence to it, defines the strength of the democracy that implements it. Democracy is not simply the rule of the majority. Democracy requires, amongst other things, that the majority

 The author is not writing in his capacity as, nor representing the view of any, judge, the legal profession or the Jewish community. The author does not discuss the only justiciable issue, being the constitutional validity of any amendment to the Marriage Act. not discriminate against a minority or prohibit it from conduct that is not inconsistent with the values of the overall society, and causes no reduction in the rights of other members of society.

It matters not what the nature of the minority is. While the majority has rights, so too do members of the minority group. Discrimination against minorities is undemocratic and contrary to the rule of law, regardless of whether the minority discriminated against is based on gender, race, colour, religion or sexuality.

Yet each of the major religions has opposed the amendments to the Marriage Act to include same sex relationships. Why?

Is it because the Mosaic laws describe lying with man as with woman as an abomination? If so, it joins adultery, idolatry, breaking the Sabbath and eating non-kosher food; hardly a compelling group for a basis to discriminate against a minority in secular society. Do we discriminate against prawn eaters?

Australia does not prohibit same sex relationships. What about another Act to recognise civil unions, which would include same sex relationships. The Marriage Act currently recognises civil unions, albeit restricted to heterosexual relationships, and the couple avoids the more ambiguous tests necessary to establish a de facto relationship and also truncates the time period that may be necessary to achieve recognition.

The Marriage Act does not affect religious observance and does not implement religious practice. Each of Christianity, Islam and Judaism do not accept all marriages recognised by the Marriage Act; even now. Likewise, the Marriage Act does not recognise all religious marriages.

One only has to instance the Roman Catholic prohibition on divorce and the need for divorce or annulment in Judaism and Islam to understand that there are many marriages that religion considers are continuing and valid, that the civil law does not recognise.

Likewise, there are many marriages that the civil law recognises that these religions will not, e.g. a second marriage of such a person, or any non-religious marriage conducted by a Celebrant.

So the recognition of a relationship under the Marriage Act does not impact upon the religious observance of any person in Australia or the recognition of the relationship by any religion.

The position outlined here is not one that either supports or opposes homosexual relationships.

An amendment to the Marriage Act would not prevent any Rabbi berating congregants on the “evils” of homosexuality. It would not stop the Cardinal Archbishop doing likewise; nor the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney.

Human kind, on the Jewish view, is created in the image of God. Our traits and characteristics are God-given. Our capacity to choose what is right or wrong is God-given. We were given the ability to make moral choices. It is for the individual to choose what s/he considers right or wrong. The Government has no role in prescribing advantages for some people over others, based on other than conduct.

There is no prohibition on same sex relationships. Therefore, excluding same sex relationships from the Marriage Act does not implement any beneficial purpose consistent with the regulation of society. It simply discriminates, not on the basis of conduct, to deny rights to some that are available to all others

Whether one supports or opposes same sex relationships is irrelevant. We are not affected in the enjoyment of our rights in society by the existence of same sex relationships; nor by the recognition by the law of those same sex relationships.

If otherwise observant Jews engage in same sex relationships, it is a matter for their conscience and between them and God. For our community to oppose the recognition of same sex relationships for all, even atheists, is wholly hypocritical.

The foregoing is not a form of post modernism. All values are not equal or worthy of argument. Those viewpoints encouraging illegal conduct or that intimidate or insult minorities to the point where those minorities are constrained from enjoying all of the privileges that flow with the democratic society in which they live ought not be allowed.

But we, as a group, would oppose, quite properly, any prohibition on male circumcision, because male circumcision is fundamental to our religious beliefs and our existence as a minority. There is no suggestion, or evidence, that male circumcision adversely affects the child. Yet, it is quite conceivable that a majoritarian view would see the mutilation of a child at a time when s/he is incapable of giving informed consent as a moral question. That is the position adopted in Germany.

The arguments against female circumcision are fundamentally different, because of the purpose of female circumcision and the evidence that it injuriously affects the ”victim”.

Nevertheless “moral” prohibitions on otherwise legal conduct in a manner that discriminates against a minority, particularly in a way that affects its inherent characteristics or core values, is a course which is inconsistent with the true nature of democracy, because it is inconsistent with the notions of equal justice.

In the end, the issue is a simple one. Should the law recognise some civil unions and not others, where those that are not recognised are unions that are not illegal and do not affect the rights, life or liberty of other persons? We have the right to observe our religion; we do not have the right to force its teachings and observance on others.

Justice Stephen Rothman AM Letter to the Editor of the Australian Jewish News, October 30, 2012

Rabbis Gutnick (AJN 26.10.12) and Ingram (AJN 19.10.12) have very different approaches, but each does not deal with the fundamental issue. Rabbi Gutnick’s comment on the place of Judeo-Christian ethic in Australia is misplaced. The only mention of God in relation to the Australian Constitution is in the preamble to the Imperial (UK) Act, not in any operative provision of the Constitution, and the mention is that the people were “humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God”. So am I.

Australian democracy is quite different to most. Firstly, voting is compulsory. The majority in Australia is not silent; it votes. Secondly, voting is preferential. The person elected represents a consensus of the majority in the electorate.

The combination of those two factors forces political parties to the centre; to appeal to the majority and not sectarian interests, who may only turn out to vote on one or more issues of concern.

Thirdly, Australia, despite its history of bigotry, particularly to blacks, gays and new immigrant groups, is extremely tolerant: laissez-faire, not moralistic. It allows people to do what they like as long as it doesn’t interfere with them.

The best example is the Australian reaction to the AIDS epidemic. We did not suffer at the hands of religious bigotry. We educated and provided needle exchange; and Australia was the only major western country in which the incidence of AIDS fell in the gay community and was never an epidemic in the heterosexual community.

Australia owes much to the Judeo-Christian ethic, but only indirectly and we have significantly departed from it: e.g. stem cell research (inconsistent with Christian, but not Jewish, ethos); abortion; and same gender relationships. Democracy is not a product of the Judeo-Christian ethic.

Rabbi Gutnick threatens polygamy and incest as the possible result if marriage is broadened. Rabbi, read the Bible! Abraham had three wives and married his niece! Each act would be illegal in Australia.

The Judeo-Christian ethic (what Rabbi Ingram calls the conduct of Abraham, being over 6,000 years old) allowed and encouraged polygamy (at least one male with more than one wife); it allowed slavery (up to six years); and it permitted Abraham to marry his niece, Isaac his cousin, Esau his first cousin, and Jacob his two first cousins (through both his mother and father).

Australia has determined that same gender relationships should be legal – they can be recognised as de facto couples. If the Judeo-Christian ethos prevailed, as Rabbi Gutnick suggests, this would not have occurred.

Perhaps same gender marriages are not, in the view of Orthodox Rabbis, made in heaven. But the Jewish view does not prevail in Australia. We do not live, thank God, in a theocracy; we live in a democracy.

The only issue is whether a couple legally living together (or who want to) should have the choice of marriage. This change does not affect Orthodox Judaism, but it does effect true tolerance to those who are currently suffering discriminatory treatment.

In the end it’s about treating others as we would want to be treated (or not doing to them that which we would find hateful), everything else is just commentary.

Yours faithfully, Justice Stephen Rothman AM

https://www.jewishnews.net.au/emanuel-makes-history-sex-wedding/72849

JACKIE Stricker-Phelps had the Jewish wedding she always dreamed of last week when, for the first time since the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia, two women stood under a chuppah at the Emanuel Synagogue in Sydney. “It was pretty much what I wanted since I was a little girl,” Stricker-Phelps, who renewed her vows to wife Dr Kerryn Phelps, told The AJN.

“I always wanted to get married in a synagogue with a rabbi and that was what I grew up expecting would happen, until I realised that I was gay and I was obviously quite distressed when I realised that I could not get married.”

Sticker said being married by Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins surrounded by family and friends was the “closing of a circle”.

Her grandmother was a member of the shule, her parents were married there and other members of the family all celebrated simchas at Emanuel.

“I was the only family member that hadn’t had a ceremony there and it was incredibly meaningful to stand under the chuppah there.”

The landmark event came two decades after Stricker-Phelps and Phelps first had a Jewish wedding ceremony in a New York apartment, accompanied by just a rabbi and two friends. At the time, same- sex marriage was not legally recognised in New York.

“It was lovely, but I felt sad that I had to come back here [to Australia] and not be married in my own country,” Stricker-Phelps recalled.

“When we were first outed in 1998, it was the first time anyone had mentioned same-sex-marriage and the media coverage was historically unprecedented.”

In 2011, when same-sex marriage became legal in New York, the pioneering marriage equality campaigners returned to the city for a civil ceremony.

That meant that when the same-sex marriage legislation was passed in Australia at the end of last year, the pair were ¬considered legally married here as well.

Nonetheless, the couple wanted to renew their vows, and thank Rabbi Kamins and the congregation for their support, by having a ceremony 20 years after they first stood under a chuppah.

Rabbi Kamins told The AJN that after 20 years of fighting for marriage equality, and conducting many commitment ceremonies in accordance with Australian law, it was an “honour and a privilege” to officiate at the first Jewish same-sex marriage allowed under Australian law.

“As religious leaders, we do not see any contradiction between marriage equality and freedom of religion,” Rabbi Kamins said.

http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/new-south-wales-news/sydney-synagogue- wedding/168475

A Sydney couple married last night in what could be Australia’s first legal religious same-sex wedding.

Oscar Shub and Ilan Buchman were wed at Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra.

Hundreds of friends and well-wishers have congratulated the couple on the synagogue’s Facebook page.

“It is a great privilege for us to feature in the Star Observer and being able to reach out to all gay readers,” said Buchman.

“We were thrilled to make our small contribution to marriage equality and to the broader Jewish community with the hope that other religious groups will follow this historic event.”

The couple have been together for 47 years before finally being able to marry.

“I feel that after years of discrimination we have a duty to ease the passage for the young generation of LGBTI people who are coming out to be accepted by their communities,” said Shub.

Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins told the Star Observer he felt privileged to have conducted the ceremony.

“It was an incredible honour and privilege, on behalf of Emanuel Synagogue, to officiate at the first same-sex ceremony under the legislation,” he said.

“Emanuel Synagogue is a pluralist congregation, including the Masorti, Progressive and Renewal streams of Judaism, all of whom have advocated for marriage equality in Australia. “We’ve been advocating for marriage equality for decades, and we have the full support of our congregation.

“It’s an auspicious time in Australian history.

“We look forward to more ceremonies in the coming months.”

Rabbi Kamins said that Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, who was a strong long-term advocate for marriage equality, will conduct another same-sex marriage at the synagogue in June.

Earlier this year, Emanuel Synagogue also hosted the wedding vow renewal ceremony of Dr Kerryn Phelps and Jackie Stricker-Phelps, who had previously legally married overseas.

“It was pretty much what I wanted since I was a little girl,” Stricker-Phelps told The Australian Jewish News in January.

“I always wanted to get married in a synagogue with a rabbi and that was what I grew up expecting would happen, until I realised that I was gay and I was obviously quite distressed when I realised that I could not get married.”

Stricker-Phelps said it was “incredibly meaningful” to have been able to renew her vows at the synagogue, seven years after legally marrying in New York.

“As religious leaders, we do not see any contradiction between marriage equality and freedom of religion,” said Rabbi Kamins.

He added that the congregation—Australia’s largest—includes many LGBTI people, and all are welcome regardless of faith. “Celebration of diversity is behind our community growing,” Rabbi Kamins said. “We welcome people, whether they’re Jews or not Jews, who support our values and vision.”

About Dayenu Based in Sydney, Australia, Dayenu exists to meet the needs of Jewish gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals, trans and intersex people as well as their friends, families, partners and other supporters. We provide outreach through education, information, resources, social activities and other events. Email [email protected] for more information on any event.

History Dayenu was conceived in 1999 as a co-operation between the local lesbian and gay Jewish groups to enter a combined float in the 2000 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Shortly after the parade, the group formalised and agreed to operate in order to:

 Provide outreach and support;  Deliver educational information and public representation; and,  Organise social activities for Jewish Gays & Lesbians and their partners, friends and family.

Who runs Dayenu? Dayenu is run by volunteers. There is no paid staff, as the group runs on a not-for-profit basis.

What does Dayenu mean? The Hebrew word Dayenu is loosely translated as "enough". The word has numerous applications, but as is written in the article, we use it to capture our reaction to the ignorance, denial, narrow- mindedness and mistreatment that has constantly vexed Jewish gays and lesbians and their families.

What outreach and support is provided? Some Dayenu members are trained counsellors and psychologists. All Dayenu members have experienced the pain of the struggle of coming out. We understand the unique challenges that being Jewish causes in this process. Complete confidentiality is provided. If you would like to contact one of our counsellors, please see your counselling page.

What social activities are there? The group organises events periodically. These range from pub nights, movie nights, going out for meals, ten-pin bowling, Shabbat dinners (including our huge annual Mardi Gras Shabbat Dinner), a Seder night during Pesach, etc.). Our activities are always a lot of fun. See our events page for more information.

How do I become a member? Anyone is welcome to become a member: whether Jewish or Gentile, lesbian, gay, bi- sexual, trans-gender, even straight! If you subscribe to our email list or befriend our Facebook group, you will be informed of our social activities.

My partner and friends aren't Jewish - can we join? Yes. Dayenu is very much about people who support Jewish Gays and Lesbians. You don't have to be Jewish to come to our events or participate in our Mardi Gras Float.

DAYENU is excited to announce that we will be hosting the global gathering of Jewish LGBT World Congress: Keshet Ga-avar (Rainbow Pride) in Sydney , 21-24 March 2019.

SYDNEY’S Jewish LGBT+ group, Dayenu, has a float full of flair, friendship and love ready to come out of the workshop and roll into the limelight at this weekend’s Mardi Gras parade.

In celebration of marriage equality in Australia and the 40th anniversary of Mardi Gras, it’s bound to be a big bash – in fact, “the biggest ever” – according to Kim Gotlieb, president of Dayenu.

“Saturday night sees the culmination of much work put into creating the Dayenu float,” commented Gotlieb. “Coordinated by David Skapinker, Matt Blatt are the major sponsor for this year’s entry which is themed to highlight Jewish icons who have supported the LGBT+ communities – namely, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and Fran Drescher (from The Nanny) who will all be represented, together with a decorated Star of David.”

Skapinker added that t-shirts are being made for those marching, which read, “Mazel Tov on your 40th”.

“I don’t think you can get more Jewish than that!” he said. “We’ve got them in different colours to mimic the rainbow.”

But while rainbow flags will be waving triumphantly, a complex host of issues rain on the parade.

Gotlieb remarked, “We cannot fully celebrate, without taking a moment to notice many issues which remain painful for LGBT+ folk in our midst,” referring to self-harm, suicidal ideation, loneliness and isolation, addiction, relationship challenges, among other issues, that affect the community. These are concerns which, he says, “are present within the broader community, but amplified through the lens of homophobia”.

In the lead up to this Saturday’s parade of gay pride, Dayenu has been a hive of activity during the Mardi Gras Festival in Sydney, which spans from Fair Day on February 16 through to the massive Oxford Street parade.

During this period, “Sydney comes alive with plays, films, concerts, performance, art exhibitions, talks and forums which showcase and explore an array of issues which relate to gender diversity and sexual orientation,” commented Gotlieb.

Tonight (Friday), Dayenu in association with Emanuel Synagogue will host the Mardi Gras Shabbat service and communal dinner led by Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins. All members of the community are encouraged to attend.

Reflecting on the great success of Dayenu’s stall at Fair Day, Gotlieb commented that the event presented “an opportunity to connect with Jewish LGBT+ folk who, for too many reasons, have fallen away from their religious affiliations”.

Rosh Pina

Rosh Pinah is an independent, affirming Orthodox Jewish network for:

 people with same-gender loves and intimacies, regardless of relationship status  women and men of trans experience, regardless of your appearance or ID card  people with non-binary genders and/or who are non-gendered (agender)  people born with intersex embodiment

Our name comes from the Hebrew word for cornerstone, from the line in Tehillim (Psalms) 118:22, which translated into English means: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Many of us have been rejected by our loved ones and communities, yet we are the cornerstones who have inspired our religious and communal leaders to develop their compassion, moral courage, and halachic (religious legal) skill in finding livable solutions for communal inclusion. We are spiritual human beings who are essential partners in joining and healing our people. Rosh Pinah understands that ‘LGBTQI’ is not a synonym for ‘sexuality’ and the importance of addressing exclusions across each distinct but overlapping population within 'LGBTQI'. We also know that many Orthodox Jews feel uncomfortable with the identity-focused labels used in the secular world, preferring more holistic and spiritually focused language. We understand how important it is to have your own understanding of your loves, intimacies, gender experiences, and bodies treated as valid and worthwhile. In celebration of this diversity among Hashem’s creations, Rosh Pinah strives to meet each person where we find you. We know that your beautiful neshamah (soul) deserves more than a one-size-fits-all response based on someone else’s experience. Let us be your Rosh Pinah, your cornerstone in Torah living. Rabbis, lay leaders and educators, and community members: We invite you to come listen to us and value our lives. Contact Founding Coordinator Dr Gávi Ansara at [email protected] and check out our website at myroshpinah.org .

Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial

Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial is located at the Green Park in Darlinghurst, across from the Jewish Holocaust Museum.

The memorial commemorates all the homosexual men and women who were victims of persecution during the Holocaust and suffered under the Nazi regime. The artwork memorial uses pink triangle and black triangles, echoing the way homosexual men and lesbian women were identified in the Holocaust.

The two elements create a shattered Star of David. The prism is covered with images of people who were victims of the Holocaust, and of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp in Germany. The glass mirrors its surroundings during the daytime, and during the night the memorial lights up and glows, representing life and hope.

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) LGBTIQ Commemoration, April 11, 2018

This event is held in collaboration with Dayenu and the Pride History Group and remembers the homosexual victims of the Holocaust. In 2018 Rabbis Jaqueline Nino and Ben Elton lead the ceremony, which was followed by a panel discussion at the Museum with panellists Brandon Srot, Dr Gavi Ansara, Tina Dixson and Renee Dixson.

VERY INCOMPLETE list of Famous Jewish LGBTQI

Activists & politicians

Allen Ginsberg Leading figure of the Beat Generation and counterculture movement

Barney Frank First member of US Congress to voluntarily come out

Evan Wolfson Gay rights advocate considered the father of the same-sex marriage movement

Harvey Milk "The most famous open LGBT official ever elected in the United States"

Leslie Feinberg Writer and transgender activist

Magnus Hirschfeld Founder of the world's first gay and transgender rights organisation

Masha Gessen Russian-American journalist and LGBT rights activist

Susan Sontag Writer, filmmaker, teacher and political activist

Barbra Casbar First openly transgender member of the the Democratic National Committee Siperstein

David Nicola Cicilline First openly gay mayor of a US state capital

Marcia Freedman American-Israeli activist on behalf of peace, women's rights and gay rights

Nitzan Horowitz Israeli journalist and former Knesset member who ran for mayor of Tel Aviv

Roberta Achtenberg First openly gay federal public official confirmed by the US Senate

John Schlesinger Director of Midnight Cowboy

Miriam Margolyes Actress, famous for her portrayal of Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter series

Stephen Fry Actor, comedian and author

Businesspeople

Barry Diller Former Chairman & CEO of Paramount Pictures and of 20th Century Fox

Brian Epstein Manager of the Beatles

David Geffen Film executive and co-founder of Dreamworks

Michael Kors Fashion designer

Isaac Mizrachi Fashion designer Composers & Lyricists

Aaron Copland American classical music composer

Fred Ebb Lyricist for Chicago and Cabaret

Howard Ashman Lyricist for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, Aladdin

Leonard Bernstein Composer of West Side Story and conductor

Lorenz Hart Lyrical half of Broadway songwriting team Rodgers and Hart

Stephen Sondheim Composer and lyricist, winner of an Oscar, 8 Tonys and 8 Grammy awards

Vladimir Horowitz Composer and acclaimed pianist

Scientists & Doctors

Kerryn Phelps Formerly president of Australian Medical Association and Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney

Ludwig Wittgenstein Philosopher and author of the most important book of 20th century philosophy

Oliver Sacks Neurologist 20th century clinical writer

Allan David Bloom American philosopher, classicist and academic

Singers

Adam Lambert First openly gay singer to top US Billboard 200 album chart

Barry Manilow Singer-songwriter

Dana International Transgender Israeli winner of Eurovision 1998

Janis Ian Singer-songwriter

Lesley Gore Singer

Troye Sivan Australian singer, songwriter, actor and YouTube personality

Writers & Artists

Annie Liebovitz Acclaimed portrait photographer

Arthur Laurents Writer of West Side Story

Gertrude Stein Novelist, poet, playwright and art collector Religious figures

Deborah Kolodny Bisexual rights activist and congregational Rabbi

Lionel Blue Broadcaster and the first British Rabbi to publicly declare his homosexuality

Margaret Wenig American rabbi and instructior of liturgy

Stacy Offner First openly lesbian Rabbi in a traditional congregation