Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary

LGBTQ+ Jewish Thinking

About This Course

This course aims to provide an overview of LGBTQ+ Jewish thinking to prepare pluralistic rabbinical students to understand both traditional and progressive approaches to working with LGBTQ+ Jews, and to begin to formulate their own theology and rabbinical approach. We will discuss Torah and rabbinic sources, along with contemporary queer theory, before addressing perspectives of current Jewish scholars, rabbis and organizations. An overview of pastoral dynamics and ritual considerations will also be explored, in order to prepare students to identify their own rabbinic approach and perspective.

This course is 1 credit towards smicha

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain common pastoral concerns facing LGBTQ+ Jews and their loved ones
  • Identify contemporary social justice concerns facing LGBTQ+ Jews and their loved ones
  • Identify the traditional Torah and rabbinic texts relevant to LGBTQ+ Jewish thinking
  • Identify several queer-positive approaches to understanding these traditional texts
  • Define relevant terms and concepts from contemporary queer theory
  • Identify halachic responses to LGBTQ+ contemporary concerns
  • Identify progressive Jewish responses to LGBTQ+ contemporary concerns
  • Identify community resources and approaches to ritual that can help LGBTQ+ Jews and their loved ones
  • Begin to articulate one’s own rabbinic approach to dealing with the unique pastoral needs of LGBTQ+ Jews and their families

Readings and Texts

You will need to purchase these texts in order to take the course.

Address, R. F., Kushner, J. L. & Mitelman, G. (2007) Kulanu: All of Us- A Program and Resources Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and transgender Inclusion, A Handbook for UAHC Congregations, UAHC Task Force on Lesbian and Gay Inclusion

Balka, C. & Rose, A. Eds. (1989): Twice Blessed: On Being Lesbian, Gay and Jewish

Barker, M. J., & Scheele, J. (2016). Queer, A Graphic History. Icon Books Ltd.: London, UK

Kaufman, G. (1996) Coming out of Shame: Transforming Gay and Lesbian Lives, Doubleday press

Plaskow, J (2010) ‘Dismantling the Gender Binary within Judaism’ in Balancing on the Mechitzah

Gluck, R. (1993) Homosexuality and Judaism: A Reconstructionist Workshop Series, http://www.jrf.org/pub/cat-papers.html

Plaskow’s The Coming of Lilith is also recommended, but not required.

lgbtq-jewish-thinking-syllabus-1Download

About Your Instructor

Rabbi Nachshon Siritsky
Originally from Montreal, Canada, Rabbi Siritsky spent time living in France, Cuba and Israel before moving to the United States in 1997. He studied at several Orthodox yeshivas, including Pardes in Jerusalem, prior to beginning his studies as a Reform rabbi at Hebrew Union College. For Rabbi Siritsky, studying Judaism from traditional perspectives was important because "it was important to understand what we were reforming". Rabbi Siritsky believes in making educated choices from the rich set of resources provided by Jewish tradition, in order to ensure that every ritual and prayer is meaningful. Rabbi Siritsky was a founding board member of the Society of Classical Reform Judaism, due to his unwavering commitment to advocacy for interfaith families and the creation of inclusive Jewish communities that are unconditionally welcoming of all spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious background, relationship status, identity or Hebrew speaking ability. In addition to nearly a decade working in synagogues, teaching, counseling and participating in life cycle events, he is also trained as an interfaith chaplain, and worked with the American Red Cross after 9/11, providing counseling and support at the family assistance center, Ground Zero and the morgue. This led Rabbi Siritsky to get a second Masters in Social Work, and to spend several years working as a psychotherapist, social worker, counselor and chaplain in multiple settings including hospice, palliative care.Smicha, MHL, Hebrew Union College MSW, Louisville Kent School of Social Work

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Ratings and Reviews

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What's your experience? We'd love to know!
Madison Meljac
Posted 9 months ago
Great Course for everyone especially new Rabbis

In addition to understanding issues important to the queen community this class is packed with Rabbinical insight. Reminders about hermunetic principles, approaching board, practical applications at the Synegogue management level. Very knowledgeable Rabbi in all senses of the word.

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Barbara Dershowitz
Posted 12 months ago
I learned a lot

This was an important course for me as a friend and advocate of the LGBTQ+ community. I learned a great deal and have a heightened awareness. Thank you.

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