Equal or Gay Marriage

I was touched by a comment made at last week’s (2/15) Hot Topics Shabbot. The topic of the evening was gay, or as stated there, equal, marriage rights. The drosh was a presentation on the legal history, complete with an explanation that the issue is more about, “equal” marriage rather than “gay” marriage, using some of the same arguments which are used in the “separate but equal” decision.

After services there was a panel discussion featuring two couples (one male, one female) who had been married at CBI. Just to be clear, these marriages are not valid under California law although I dislike the description of them as “illegal.” “Illegal” implies that they are in violation of the law and that someone can be punished for them. It is more accurate to say that they are not recognized by the law.

I’ve drifted off my point which was one little comment which came out of the Q&A portion of the panel discussion. A member of the audience pointed out that there are gay congregations in the Los Angeles area, as well as the San Francisco Bay area. If a gay congregation emerged in the Sacramento area would members of the panel be inclined to join it? Barbara B., a member of the panel, responded by talking about how much she enjoys being a part of a heterogeneous congregation. The panel proceeded to talk about how being gay in our congregation does not set one apart.

The panelists are members of our community who are known, respected, and loved for themselves rather then part of a group separated out, voluntarily or otherwise. They are part of our congregation family, as am I – a married, straight man (just to partake in full disclosure.) I am proud to be part of a family which includes so many, different and wonderful people.

Tom Lantos - A Brief Memorial

This week marked the passing of US Congressman Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo, CA). Congressman Lantos was a Hungarian born Jew who survived the holocaust. He never forgot the horrible experiences of his youth in the concentration camps and championed human rights in his many years in the House of Representatives.

When the “greatest generation” is discussed in this country I think we sometimes forget those who survived the war as well as those who fought it. I find it sad to see survivors of such horrors passing on. Lantos lived a long and fruitful life. His accomplishments were many. In the end mortality will catch up with us all, and cancer took Lantos at the age of 80.

We remember the holocaust to prevent its repetition. We also honor those who had their lives so brutally interrupted and then rose above their torturers with the mission of making life better for others.

Yom H’Shoah, the annual holocaust memorial, will be observed on May 1 this year. We should all take a minute to reflect on those who survived, and those who perished, and on those who contributed so much despite the intentions of their oppressors.

I know this goes beyond the original intention of this blog. At times I shall indulge myself by presenting other thoughts.

Diversity

I’m a dedicated listener to public radio. One of my favorite programs is Talk of the Nation (broadcast locally from 11-1 weekdays.) What caught my interest this time was a discussion on “Casting Beyond Color Lines” (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18706620.) Of special interest to us was talk about a Jewish play cast with all ethnic oriental actors. I suppose this would seem more unusual to those with the black-hat-and-side-locks stereotype of what is a Jew, but its certainly less surprising given the nature of our congregation.

We have such a fantastically diverse congregation. I must admit that it is predominately white, but there are so many other ethnic groups including Cantor (Hawaiian with some Chinese ethnic descent.) We have young, old, straight, LGBT, conservative, liberal, a celebration of the diversity of life that makes it so interesting.

I even get occasional opportunities to practice speaking Dutch (the language of The Netherlands, not a misspelling of the native name for the German language) with one of our congregants.

Introduction

This blog is an experiment in outreach on behalf of Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI), located in Sacramento, California. Specifically, I am Vice-President Membership (a volunteer position) serving the congregation.

I don’t plan to represent the entire congregation – we have a rabbi for that (or will have when she’s back from maternity leave). I am trying to provide yet another point of contact for two conversations. One conversation is how do those interested in CBI get more information. The other conversation is what questions and concerns do members have that they feel the board of trustees and the administration are not hearing.

Many years ago when I was in college I played around in campus radio One thing I learned in that experience is the feeling of talking to a microphone and hoping someone other than my mother was listening. I am in the same position here. I look forward to your feedback. I look forward to other suggestions for the use of this as another way to communicate.

A note on the comment about rabbi’s maternity leave – she gave birth today (1/22/08) to an 8 lb 11 oz boy.