This course earns 1 credit towards smicha
Course Overview
This 15-hour course will provide students with an overview of contemporary and denominational approaches to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Jewish community. It will enable pluralistic seminary students to understand the range of ways that they can serve this special population and create affirming Jewish communities.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course on Contemporary and Denominational Approaches to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Jewish Community, students will be able to identify and explain the following:
Rabbinic/leadership implications: What is an “affirming community”?
Denominational and Geographic Overview of “Minhagai Gay”
Queer Yiddish culture
Queer Secular Jewish Perspectives
Contemporary Halachic Responsa on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues
Denominational Approaches to 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion
Contemporary Jewish Community Resources for Queer Jews and those that love them
Contemporary 2SLGBTQIA+ Jewish leaders and organizations
Interfaith Community Considerations and Perspectives when working with Queer Jews
Ratings and Reviews
Susanna BluhmAnother well-planned, well-resourced, well-represented, engaging, accessible class from Rabbi Siritsky. Also significant: this is the only class so far that has mentioned the social/emotional/political aftermath of October 7 for Jews who are members of marginalized communities who usually find a safe home in the American political Left.
Madison MeljacTry these classes and you will definitely get something from them even if you think you may not need them. I am learning so much more about marginalized peoples, and applying this to the women's military struggle and it has been a great help. I also love each class greeting. I feel almost like I am a dear a student, IRL.
As Rabbi mentioned in this course "It is amazing how far we have come." I want to acknowledge Rabbi Siritsky's personal insights, caring delivery and generosity in putting together such a thorough course or content. Shoutout to their pep talks too and constantly challenging us to think about the types of rabbis we want to become.