Colin Beavan aka No Impact Man, and former Green Party of NY Congressional candidates writes... _________ Can you help? Just by clicking share so this post appears on your own page you will be doing so: You may remember Rabbi Steven Goldberg from my book No Impact Man. He is the first openly gay Orthodox rabbi. Despite his fear, he publicly came out some years ago because he realized that no faith could embrace all people if not all people were letting the faith know their stories. Now, he co-directs a non-profit called Eshel which helps Orthodox LGBT youth and their families tell their stories in their own community so that it can learn to better embrace all of its members. We all know the stories of gay teenagers committing suicide or living in intense emotional pain. (Not being gay and not being Jewish I am choosing my language carefully but apologies if I flub the dub). Next week, for example, Steven will be hosting a conference call with 20 rabbis to help them understand the plight of a young transgender woman whose rabbi will not let her into shul because he doesnt believe she should sit with either the men or the women. I love Steven and when he tells me his stories and those of the people he works with I am both heartbroken and exalted. Through Stevens experience, and because he is one of my spiritual advisers, I have come to care deeply about this issue. The thought of being rejected by a community you love--and which may even have once loved you--because the truths of your life seem unacceptable brings me so much sadness. Yet the courage shown by people who, rejected by their community still refuse to reject it, also gives me so much hope. Please will you help? Even if you dont connect with the issue, please can you help if only because you care or respect or have been at some time helped by me or my work? You may not be gay and you may not be Jewish but that is all the more reason to help. Because this is a question of people everywhere being empowered to be their true, good, honest selves. Eshel needs to raise money, about $100,00, at the moment. If you can give a small amount, please go to the website and do so (even a few dollars). But if you feel you might like to help more substantially, please message me and I will put you in touch with Steven. And at the very least, please remember to click share so that more people can see this post and possibly help. With love, Colin
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 22:55:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015