Acharei Mot and Kedoshim fall on Shabbat 30th April and 7th May this year . Masorti communities including Mosaic Masorti publicly acknowledge the hurt and pain that this text has caused so many in our community. The following words from Senior Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg will be read in shul this week and next.
“The Torah sections Acharei Mot and Kedoshim each contain a passage listing sexual transgressions. Both portions include a verse which has been understood as a general condemnation of homosexuality. This has caused great, often hidden, pain and profound suffering to many of us, and to numerous people over many generations.
We consider it unjust and cruel that homosexuality is included among the wrongs listed here.
We hold everyone to be equal and believe we are judged not by the chemistry of how God made us, but by how we conduct ourselves and how we treat one another, by the respect, faithfulness and loving-kindness we show in all, especially the most intimate, of our relationships.
We want to acknowledge the injury which has been caused and to welcome and celebrate everyone across all our communities.”
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg
Senior Rabbi, Masorti Judaism
