08.13.07
New Jewish manual includes sex-change blessings
Halfway through a newly revised manual promoting inclusion for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Judaism’s Reform movement are two short blessings written by a rabbi who was raised Eliza and now goes by Elliot.
The prayers for Jews undergoing sex changes are included in the 500-page second edition of a guide called Kulanu, Hebrew for ”all of us,” published this week by the New York-based Union for Reform Judaism.
The union represents 900 Reform synagogues in North America.
The inclusion of the transgender blessings alongside a liturgy for same-sex union ceremonies and a divorce document for same-sex couples is in keeping with the Reform movement’s tradition of liberal positions on human sexuality.
The largest branch of Judaism in North America, Reform Judaism allows gay and lesbian rabbis and cantors.