CBI Blogs

In our first book of Torah, the creation story, we read:

וַיִּבְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים ׀ אֶת־הָֽאָדָם֙ בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בָּרָ֣א אֹת֑וֹ זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בָּרָ֥א אֹתָֽם׃

So God created the human beings in [the divine] image, creating [them] in the image of God, creating them male and female. (Genesis 1:27)

Being created in the image of God we are all holy creatures. As Reform Jews we believe that every person has the same rights, deserves the same respect, and should have the same quality of life. We all get one chance on this planet and what I have access to and can accomplish should be the same as any other human standing next to me – no matter the color of their skin, sexual orientation or identity.

This week is Transgender Awareness Week. A week to educate ourselves about our transgender neighbors. To bring their struggles and successes to the forefront of our hearts and our minds. To gain a better understanding of what this week is all about click here. For a Reform perspective, along with inspiring words from rabbinical student Ariel Tovlev click here.

Whether you are in a place of discovery or are celebrating the remarkable journey of feeling whole as a transgender person or you are doing the continuous work of becoming an ally, I hope that you have the opportunity to embrace this week.

As allies, our greater temple community continues to grow in its ability to make our spaces and words – including those found in our liturgy, meet the needs of our transgender members. If you have ideas for how we can do better be sure to reach out to either myself, Rabbi Levy or Rabbi Folberg.

Finally, this coming Saturday, November 20^th, is Transgender Day of Remembrance. In order to honor this somber occasion we will be including the words of A Transgender Day of Remembrance Yizkor (Prayer of Remembrance) by Ariel Tovlev, 2019, published in Mishkan Ga’avah: Where Pride Dwells.

Shabbat Shalom.