December 9, 2015. Last month the Union for Reform Judaism published a resolution on the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming people, asking its congregations to affirm their commitment to the full equality, inclusion, and acceptance of all gender identities and expressions.
For more than fifty years, Stephen Wise Temple has served as the preeminent sacred space for all denizens of Los Angeles who seek Judaism as a means to make meaning in their lives and to create lasting change in our world. Every corner of our Temple – from our uplifting prayer services, to our enriching educational programs and schools, to our inspiring community service efforts – is inspired by our sacred obligation, outlined in our holiest text, the Torah – v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha – to bestow upon others the same love that we show ourselves.
As such, Stephen Wise has always welcomed members of different races, ethnicities, origins, sexual orientations, and gender identities with open arms, with open minds, and with open hearts.
As we celebrate the triumph of our ancestors’ devotion to Torah during this season of Hanukkah, we demonstrate our devotion to Torah by reaffirming our commitment to the full equality, inclusion, and acceptance of all our members.
May this season be one of hope and meaning to us all, regardless of our gender. Hag Hanukkah sameach
