Jewish Community Response To the Amendment

[sharon]

I was filled with pride when I read the following in an email from my synagogue!

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Minnesota Rabbinical Association Says Vote No to Proposed Marriage Amendment:

The Minnesota Rabbinical Association (MRA), made up of 35 rabbis and 15 synagogues and institutions representing the majority of the Jewish population of the state of Minnesota, adopted a statement on January 18, 2012, opposing the proposed amendment to the Minnesota constitution which would recognize marriage only as a union between a man and a woman. The amendment initiative is slated to be on the ballot on November 6, 2012.
The MRA’s decision to oppose this amendment is based on two principles within Jewish text: Kavod HaBriyot and Lo taamod al dam reiecha. Kavod HaBriyot is the concept of individual honor or human dignity. As rabbis, we believe that all human beings are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
The Minnesota state constitution attempts to protect the rights of our citizens rather than to deny them. By contrast, the proposed marriage amendment seeks to continue the practice of leaving individual families within the LGBT community vulnerable and unprotected by the law. To honor an individual is to fight against discrimination in society for any reason, including race, religion, natural origin, gender, age or sexual orientation. Throughout history the Jewish community has faced discrimination, and therefore we will not stand by while others are targeted.
As it says in Lev. 19:16 Lo ta-amod al dam rei-echa: Do not stand idly by as your neighbor
bleeds. The MRA cannot condone using the constitution to deny civil rights. As rabbis, we embrace the diversity of God’s creation. The MRA unanimously opposes this amendment and urges all Minnesotans of conscience and faith to Vote No on November 6, 2012.
Final Statement Confirmed 1-30-2012

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It made me so proud to be Jewish and so proud of the Jewish leadership of our state!

[irish]

Wonderful!

[deannemdm]

It is sad that more more "religions" cannot see the irony of using the Bible to condone discrimination while preaching love

[sharon]

I actually think many do. It's just the ones that misuse it that way tend to be very loud and get a lot of press.

[sharon]

(I would bet this doesn't make the papers or the news)

[deannemdm]

I would agree with you on that

[dara1012]

Yay! So glad that your religious leaders are open to all human beings as people of God who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

I think you are right that there are a number of religions and denominations within protestantism that believe in the dignity and respect of all people and are open to families in all their different and wonderful ways. Unfortunately it is the minority who spend the most money and speak the loudest to discriminate. My church just announced that they are coordinating with some other churches to host a phone "bank" where callers will place calls to educate and inform in opposition of the amendment. I have always been proud to be a part of a church that supports equality for all genders, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, etc.

[sharon]

That's great Dara! I know a LOT of churches have gotten involved in Minnesotans United For All Families. I'm so glad for that. Ian has NO sense of equating Christians with bigotry as some do, and I really want to keep it that way.

[dara1012]

I grew up that way too, it wasn't until I was in high school that I realized that there were people who were calling themselves Christian and were doing exactly the opposite of what I was taught to do as a Christian. I was shocked by the judgment, bigotry and prejudice that I saw and heard from people using the church and Bible as their guide. It certainly goes against everything I believe as a Christian. DS started Sunday School this fall and so far he only knows the positive blessings of religion. As I look around our church during worship I am reaffirmed in our choice of congregations as DS has been exposed to a lot of diversity in our church.

I am glad that Ian doesn't view Christians in a negative light, most of us are very kind and loving.

[sharon]

I have had to work on that a couple of times, but not about this issue. He's had a couple of negative interactions with people who were rude about pushing their religion. It wasn't related to homophobia though. I did have to challenge him because kids do generalize, so he right away started into "Christians are rude." But I challenged him by asking him if he grandmother was rude. And if his aunt was rude. And when the answer was no then I could say "that MAN was being rude. Let's not blame every Christian on earth for his bad behavior."

I have seen it make him more cautious in some situations, which makes me sad. But we are careful about generalizations and I do think that has sunk in mostly.

[dara1012]

Ian is a very blessed little boy to have two moms who are so good about teaching him important life lessons. If everyone remembered to be careful about generalizations and stereotypes we would all be a lot more understanding and open to other people and ideas.

[sharon]

Thank you very much.

[ReneeW]

My church is Lutheran and hasn't made an "official vote no" statement, but from what our pastors regularly talk about in their sermons to me it's obvious they're sending a message of "vote no." As the election nears it'll be interesting if they have an official stance. But I appreciate my church being a typical "Minnesota Lutheran" church -- but one that is consistently talking about NOT judging others, being open and loving and accepting of all different walks of life, wanting equality for all, etc. ... and I feel like I am absolutely following the Bible and Jesus's teachings when I go and vote against that horribly discriminatory amendment!!!

[ReneeW]

And, yay for your synagogue for its stance!!!!

[sharon]

The wonderful thing is that it's not my synagogue it's the state! This is the leadership organization of Minnesota rabbis.