Kulanu
KULANU — ALL OF US
Kulanu is the Reform Jewish response to diversity and the changing landscape of Jewish family life in the 21st century. It is an inclusive and welcoming policy to all individuals who may feel they would not be welcome in our congregational family. It has a special emphasis on acknowledging gay and lesbian individuals and their extended families.
It is also intended to communicate the supportive aspects of our community and welcome individuals who may be conflicted about their identity.
Finally, it will serve as an outreach opportunity to bring more families to share our religious and community values and join us in membership.
The resolution approved by the Board states:
- Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek welcomes members from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our Congregation embraces the concept of Kulanu, meaning “all of us.” We welcome interfaith families, singles, non-traditional families, gays and lesbians.
- The Congregation affirms our support of the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) individuals for full civil and legal rights as any citizen of the United States.
- We as a Congregation affirm that the relationship of a same gender couple is worthy of sanctification through Jewish ritual.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The introduction above discusses the first item in detail. In the spirit of Kulanu, we will review and revise our application forms, bylaws, welcoming brochure, and website for gender neutrality.
The second item affirms the Congregation’s support of our various Reform Jewish organizations as they seek to promote civil and legal rights of the LGBT community.
Supporting and promoting equal justice and civil rights issues will encourage the Rabbi, as a member of the clergy, to speak out in support of LGBT legislation and against victimization and discrimination, with the legacy of the Reform Jewish movement behind him. It is meant to be supportive of issues and not organizations.
It does not authorize lending our name to any organization without review and approval by the Board and appropriate input from any concerned committee. In no instance will this support be granted to an organization that supports or endorses a candidate for elected office.
In approving the Resolution, the Board means that full civil and legal rights includes the right to civil marriage. Civil marriage is simply that – a secular recognition that offers two individuals the security and responsibility and the bundle of rights (over 1,000!) that are available to all couples whose marriage has been legally recognized.
The third item establishes a written policy that committed same-sex partners may have their relationship acknowledged, sanctified and celebrated as any life-cycle event in the community of the Congregation. Where children are present or born into the Congregation, they too, will be welcomed.
The resolution also means that it is the Congregation’s policy that the rabbi may sanctify same-sex relationships which may or may not be recognized by civil authorities as a legal marriage, but shall confer the same respect and participation within our religious community.
In developing this resolution, we read many materials. A Rabbi in South Carolina made a particularly moving statement on his congregation’s resolution:
It means that, at a Shabbat Service, the congregation might see a same-sex couple ascend the bimah with their child for a Naming Ceremony or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, or for a 25th anniversary blessing.
It means that our Temple cares about all its members, about all Jews, is inclusive, celebratory, and forward-looking.
It means that we will all need to adjust to new and, for some, uncomfortable things. We are confident that, discomfort notwithstanding, we are all committed to equality and fairness.
In conclusion, the CBSRZ Board urges the acceptance of Kulanu as we welcome new families into our congregation and extend our reach into the Jewish community.
It is part of our continued growth, as well as the right thing and Jewish thing to do!