Reform Jews approve far-reaching transgender resolution

Orthodox Judaism remains staunchly opposed to homosexuality and views transgenderism as anathema to the innate and eternal gender characteristics based on Old Testament mythology, going all the way back to the legend of Adam and Eve.

Temples and synagogues affiliated with the nation’s largest Jewish movement should take specific steps to embrace transgender people, a US conference of Reform Jews urged on Thursday in approving a groundbreaking resolution.

The outcome of the Texas referendum “affirms the urgency of this resolution and how much work we have to do on a social level, on a public-policy level”, said Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

The motion said: “North American culture and society have, in general, become increasingly accepting of people who are gay, lesbian and bisexual – yet too often transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are forced to live as second-class citizens”.

The Union for Reform Judaism has been known for their inclusion before, passing a resolution in 1977 that affirmed the rights of gays and lesbians. Prayers, forms and other materials should use gender-neutral language where possible, and congregations should welcome transgender and gender-nonconforming members, the resolution states.

“That this passed without a “no” vote shows our overwhelming enthusiasm that we in Reform Judaism have”, she said by telephone from Florida.

Reform is seen as the most liberal of the various religious traditions practiced by Jews.

Reform Judaism congregations should advocate for the rights of transgender people. It suggests dividing kids by birth month rather than gender in youth programming, avoiding using gender titles such as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” on nametags or in emails and asking congregants by which pronouns they would prefer to be called.

In 2003, the movement admitted its first openly transgender person to rabbinical school and in 2015 required congregations to consider all candidates for rabbinical jobs, regardless of gender identity, according to the resolution. “But like any resolution, it won’t be impactful unless it’s backed up with serious efforts of implementation”. Orthodox Jews account for 10 percent of U.S. Jews, and Reconstructionist and other smaller movements make up 6 percent. None, however, go as far as the one offered by the Reform Jewish movement, which counts 1.5 million members.

“It has a real impact throughout the entire Jewish community…”

“Throughout the Reform Movement’s history, we have worked tirelessly to fight discrimination, support equality, and strengthen the rights of minorities and women”. “I hope this paves the way for other denominations to also make similar steps”.