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        Learn about the Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation Books, articles, internet sites and multimedia organized by categories and topics Answers to frequently asked questions about sexual orientation, glossary and guide to other Q&A sites Ideas and resources for using dialogue to enhance understanding about sexual orientation Vignettes and interviews to study and analyze real-life situations Selected ceremonies, prayers, and discussions for a range of lifecycle events Classic Jewish texts on homosexuality and lesbianism with study guides and teaching units
       

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Featured Resource
Why Union Ceremonies for Lesbian and Gay Jews
By Rabbi Yoel Kahn, PhD
From his manual, Kiddushin: Union Ceremonies for Lesbian and Gay Jews (1989)

“The meaning of the ceremony is similar yet different for gay and lesbian people than for non-gay couples. In my experience, the couple is usually seeking the following experiences; Ritual affirmation of the change in their status; Giving of blessing; God's blessing; Witnessing; Link to the covenant/Jewish people/Jewish history; Link to the community.”

Click to read the full text (PDF).
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Rabbi Richard Levy
Reflections on Liturgy, Ritual Texts and Innovations
Our rituals and liturgy reach to the heart of our Jewish practice. Owing a debt of gratitude to the Jewish Feminists of the 1970s who began to write new liturgies and evolve the old, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews are now engaging in the same process. Rabbi Richard Levy, a Reform Movement leader and author of A Vision of Holiness was excited to review these new liturgies and rituals and share his reflections on them. He looks at the power of ritual, offers thoughtful insights on the liturgy themselves as well as considering the larger implications of these new works. Click to read his full text (PDF).
Liturgy/Ritual Resources
  This section offers liturgy, ritual and prayer specifically for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Jews and those that love them to highlight and celebrate the kedusha (holiness) in small everyday life events as well as the larger celebrated lifecycle events. The section has been divided according to the topic and type of resource. At this time, some categories have several entries while others may only have one. As more resources are written and collected, we will be posting additional material.
  * Resources On New Liturgical Forms
    As people grow, so too does their need for rituals and ceremonies to mark those experiences. Here are some reflections on the process of new liturgical innovation in general and in the LGBT community.
  Adoption
  Brit Milah
  Coming Out
  HIV/AIDS
  Prayers/Readings for Services and Holidays
  Pride
    Drash for June Freedom Shabbat by Rabbi Reuben Zellman Speech/Sermon
    “I Have Seen The Promised Land” – Parsha Shelach Lecha - Pride Sermon Speech/Sermon
    Shabbat Supplement in Celebration of Lesbian and Gay Pride Liturgy/Ritual
  Same Gender Weddings/Commitment
  Separation
  Transgender
   




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