(Jewish Group) This Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi Says His Holiest Moment Was Becoming Public LGBTQ Ally

[Behind the Aegis]

(THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP! RESPECT!!)

There's a widespread perception that fundamentalist faiths are incompatible with the LGBTQ identity. And for the most part, that's true — with a few exceptions.

Rabbi Mike Moskowitz is one of the few ultra-Orthodox Jewish rabbis who not only support, but actively advocate for, LGBTQ individuals. He tells Here & Now's Robin Young that despite his stand on these issues costing him his congregation and his job at Columbia University, he's proud of the work he now does with New York's Congregation Beit Simchat Torah.

"The rabbinic voice I don't think has been loud enough in creating a safe space," Moskowitz says. "That a sanctuary should be a sacred space, a sanctuary, from persecution. And unfortunately, religion now often excludes people."

Interview Highlights

On calling his choice to become an LGBTQ advocate a "holy decision"

"I think we're all put in this world for a specific purpose, and for me, I've found clarity in the invitation to kind of expand the space that religion I think is meant to provide, as a container to help support relationships with God. There's just a huge segment of society that is being told, 'There's no room for you here,' and as a fundamentalist, I believe that God is everywhere, all the time. We need some restorative religion to heal for some of the trauma that has been meted out by those who want to constrict the space that God occupies.

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[AJT]

1. I think he forgot that religion is often the persecutor.

Moskowitz says. "That a sanctuary should be a sacred space, a sanctuary, from persecution. And unfortunately, religion now often excludes people."

[TwistOneUp]

2. He's making an effort!

I say give him some space and let's see how much of an asset to our community he really is. If he is.

In the past, I've had gay couples tell me they get invited to this kind of stuff from Chasadim men, dinner et al, and then the fundraising pitch.

[Gothmog]

3. Thanks for posting this

I am a member of a Reform Congregation. This makes me happy

[JudyM]

4. I appreciate his courage in willing to be shunned for his convictions.