As the past president of Congregation Shir Hadash (Reconstructionist), I would like to respond to concerns expressed in a letter to the editor in the April issue regarding a perceived lack of a Jewish place for LGBT people in Milwaukee.
I am not familiar with the specific spiritual needs of the letter’s author. However, I would like to educate the Milwaukee Jewish community about the Reconstructionist movement’s stand on LGBT issues.
The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College was the first Jewish seminary to admit openly gay and lesbian students. In March in New Orleans, the movement’s rabbinic association election Rabbi Jason Klein, a Hillel Foundation rabbi at the University of Maryland, as its leader. He will be the first openly gay man to lead a national rabbinic association of one of the four largest Jewish religious movements in the U.S.
In Milwaukee, Shir Hadash has always been inclusive and welcoming to gay and lesbian congregants.
I joined Shir Hadash because it incorporates many of the Conservative movement’s synagogue practices with which I am familiar. It is a comfortable, meaningful and joyful place for me.
Its inclusive nature regarding women and those who might be labeled as “the others” in our society enriches my life experiences.
This congregation seems to be a “well-kept secret” in Milwaukee and is often off the radar screen because we are small and unique. I urge community members, including LGBT members, to attend our services and learn about who we are.
Mequon
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