Rabbis Affirm Choice
Reform rabbis support autonomy in
decisions of same gender ceremonies.
SHELLI LIEBMAN DORFMAN
Staff Writer
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The Resolution
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A
n overwhelming majority
vote by members of the
Central Conference of
American Rabbis passed a
resolution Wednesday regarding offici-
ation at same-gender ceremonies.
The voice vote took place in
Greensboro, N.C., at the annual conven-
tion of CCAR, the representative organi-
zation of North America's 1,800 Reform
rabbis. There are approximately 1.5 mil-
lion Reform Jews in North Arnei-ica.
Stating "that the relationship of a
Jewish, same-gender couple is worthy
of affirmation through appropriate
Jewish ritual," the resolution calls for
recognition of the diversity of opinions
among the Reform rabbis on the issue.
Approval of the resolution marks
the official sanction by the Reform
rabbinate of the individual choice of
each rabbi as to such officiation.
The resolution states support for "the
decision of those who choose to offici-
ate at rituals of union for same-gender
couples ... and of those who do not."
In not suggesting use of the word
"marriages," the resolution also leaves
the decision of terminology to the
individual rabbis.
In addition, there is a call to devel-
op sample ceremonies or liturgy for
those who choose to officiate.
The resolution was developed and' '-
proposed in March 1999 by the
Women's Rabbinic Network of the
CCAR, an o:rgaril izatiqn of 275 man
rabbis. Rabbi -Shira-Sterfi" of South
River, N.J., cO:president of the WRN
said, "This is Much a civil-rights issue •
as it is a religious issue and we believe
that passing this resolution does a great
deal towards strengthening Jewish fami-
lies by recognizing the sacred relation-
ship between two Jews, whether they be
homosexual or heterosexual."
Rabbi Denise Eger of West
Hollywood, Calif, one of the co-
chairs of the CCAR's Gay and Lesbian
Rabbinic Network, said the resolution
will "create the opportunity for spiri-
tual fullness for gay couples." Eger,
who underwent a Jewish commitment
ceremony with her lesbian partner
under a chuppa several years ago, also
said the vote would "send a message of
hope" to Jewish gays and lesbians,
their friends and families.
Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff of
Westfield, N.J., president of the New
York-based CCAR, was pleased with
the results. Applauding the member-
ship, he said the vote "demonstrates
CCAR's continuing religious leadership
by reaffirming that gay and lesbian
Jews, and the committed relationships
they form with their partners, deserve
the recognition and respect due to peo-
ple created in the image of God."
Even before the resolution, many
Reform rabbis, as well as Secular
Humanistic and Reconstructionist
ones, were officiating at such cere-
monies.
According to the handful of rabbis
who voted against the resolution and
even some Cho voted in favor, the
move may harm Reform Judaism's cred-
ibility among more traditional streams
of Judaism and, possibly, Israelis. ED-
248 • 559 *1969
(Appointment Only)
rY
WHEREAS:justice-and human dignity are cherished Jewish values, and WHEREAS ; in March of
1999 the Women's Rabbinic Network passed a resolution urging the Central Conference of
•
American Rabbis to bring the issue of honoring, ceremonies between two Jews of the same gender-
to the floor of the convention plenum, and WHEREAS, the institutions of Reform JUdaismrhave a
long history of support for civil and equal rights for gays andrlesbians, and WHEREAS, North
American organizations of the Reform Movement haVe paised resdurioniin support of civil mar-
riage for gays and lesbians, therefore WE DO HEREBY RESOLVE, that the relationship of a
Jewish, same-gender couple is worthy, of affirmation through appropriate Jewish ritual, and FUR-
THER RESOLVED, that we recognize the diversity of opinions Within our ranks on this issue. We
support the decision of those who choose to officiate at rituals of union fOr same-gender couples,
and we support the decision of those who do not, and FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon
the CCAR to support all colleagues in their choices in this matter, and FURTHER RESOLVED,
that we also call upon the CCAR to develop both educational and liturgical resources in this area.