Remembering and “Blotting Out” Amalek

Many people have asked how I feel about the Chavin verdict. Whenever I struggle to find words, I’m grateful for the teachings in the Torah, and this week is no exception.

In 1992, the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Havurot released a report entitled Homosexuality And Judaism: The Reconstructionist Position, a document affirming the humanity and equality of gay and lesbian Jews and advocating for inclusion and welcome in all areas of Jewish life — a forthright stance that put Reconstructionism in the vanguard of religious organizations at that time.