Jewish Exponent Running Gay Union Announcements

Just wanted to share some of this article, also about Sukkot (although the holiday has unfortunately ended) that the Jewish Exponent, a Philly Jewish newspaper, put out regarding its new policy on running gay union announcements:

The holiday of Sukkot is rich with many rituals, but none is more symbolic than the sukkah itself, the makeshift hut we build to welcome our family, friends and other guests. Exposed to both the elements and the stars, it reminds us simultaneously of the fragile nature of our existence and the joy we find when we join together to celebrate Jewish tradition.

So perhaps it's fitting that as we approach this most welcoming of holidays, the board of directors of the Jewish Publishing Group, which oversees the Jewish Exponent, has voted unanimously to include notices of gay and lesbian unions in the publication's life-cycles section. [...]

As Bennett L. Aaron, chairman of the Jewish Publishing Group board, has said: The newspaper's new policy reflects the "evolutionary process" of both the Exponent and society as a whole with regard to these issues. [...]

At a time when Jews are opting out of Jewish life in alarming numbers, the Jewish Exponent must reaffirm its commitment to be the venue where all Jews -- regardless of political, religious or sexual orientation -- feel welcome.

As the area's only Jewish newspaper, the role is to encourage communal conversation on issues that matter. By extension, it must also be the place where we embrace all who feel so committed to their Jewish identity that they want to share their simchas with the wider community.

Another important Sukkot tradition is to read Kohelet, which includes these eternal words of Ecclesiastes: "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens." This holiday season, the time has come to take one more step to widen our communal hut, to create a place where all who wish to share in the Jewish enterprise feel welcome and validated.

I want to keep working towards a more inclusive model of Judaism not just on issues of sexuality but also on defining who or what is "Jewish", etc. How do we try to make our communities open and welcoming to anyone interested in being there? How do we hold the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger a part of our daily Jewish practice? I think we're up to the challenge this year in AVODAH!