Rabbi talks gays and Judaism

Temple Emanuel, led by Senior Rabbi Joseph Black, is one of the more prominent Reform Jewish communities in Denver. Black shed some light on Orthodox and Reform Judaism, specifically concerning homosexuality in an effort to educate and offer a new and inclusive view of Judaism for the LGBT community.

What are some fundamental differences between Reform Judaism and Orthodox Judaism, particularly concerning homosexuality?
Orthodoxy, by definition, is a system that says there is a right way and a wrong way. That’s determined by tradition and sacred text. The ability to make decisions and judgments in Orthodox Judaism is limited by precedents of the past and the current religious authorities who interpret sacred text.

Reform and Reconstructionist traditions look at homosexuality in the framework of the modern world. Each supports the individual’s ability to make informed decisions in light of society and his or her own conscience. Each recognizes the individual as God’s own creation. The Reform movement has been very much in support of homosexuals and homosexual marriage.

Does that community acceptance extend to ordained members of the Reform Jewish community?
Absolutely. Though it wasn’t always that way. When I was in rabbinical school some 30 years ago, if someone had said, “I am an openly gay man or woman,” they would have been denied admission. I did have classmates who were gay, but they didn’t let anyone know. Later, they came out to the community and are now widely accepted. It was an evolutionary process for Reform Judaism. Over the last 20 years, we’ve learned a great deal. The Central Conference of American Rabbis, The Union for Reform Judaism, and The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion have all affirmed not only admission, but ordination of LGBT individuals. Actually, we ordained our first transgendered rabbi a few years ago.

As a rabbi in Denver, have you found there is acceptance of the LGBT community within local Jewish communities?
There’s an adage that says, “If you have two Jews, you have three opinions.” Sure, I would say this is a welcoming community. Would every Jewish community accept LGBT members? No. But overall, I would say acceptance is prominent – there are open LGBT members of Temple Emanuel, and there are gay clergy in town.

What steps could be taken by the worldwide Reform Jewish movement to further LGBT acceptance?
I think it’s one thing to pass a policy, but it’s another thing to make it a reality. Do we need to be proactive in reaching out to the LGBT community? Of course we do. Nobody has ever come to me saying they’re not welcome at Temple Emanuel, but I’m sure that there are some people who might feel that way.

How have you offered support to the greater LGBT community in Denver?
I was very involved in the legislature this past year, advocating for the civil union bill. I think at this point, we’re just trying  to establish Temple Emanuel as an open and welcoming congregation. I think we’re doing everything we can to make homosexuality normative. For example, I have not yet officiated at a same-sex ceremony here in Denver (I have officiated at other communities in the past), but I would if asked, using the same criteria in deciding whether or not to officiate as I would for a heterosexual couple.