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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 16, 2002)
angusti fi, PfífíP J m > i l j n rTTTlTIWTTlnetus R ainbow C onnection Counselors form social group for sexual minority Jews by N a d ia C an n o n avid Molko and Laney Kibel knew { months ago with his partner of 28 years, Jerry Freidman, believes a spirituality he never has that sexual minority Jews in Portland felt disconnected, but they didn’t experienced is in its nascence. He says he left realize the extent of it when they organized religion when he first came out of the closet “because 1 was handling my new lifestyle decided to form Keshet, a social on my own. I was hiding from G od.” group for this segment of the queer community. It all started in m May, when they brought several peo ple together for a screening o f the acclaimed documen tary Trembling Before G 'd . T he film opened a gate, and the two blazed right through it. One month later, about 30 people came to a dinner on a Fri day night. The partic ipants were amazed to find a spiritual com munity where they didn’t have to hide their sexuality. Many left that night feeling renewed and deter mined to keep the David Molko and Laney Kibel have ambitious Keshet group going. Streitfeld’s gratitude is jubilant. “1 am begin Keshet, which is Hebrew for rainbow, has ning to feel more a part of the world again. 1 feel attracted an array of members ranging in age more support. 1 feel like I belong, I have a voice. from 18 to 70 and in religious fervor from lax “cultural” Jews to Orthodox. The less tradition Once more, I am a participant in life, not mere al Jews have found a spirituality they were miss ly a spectator.” Caplan is more observant than many other ing, while Orthodox Jews finally have located a Keshet members. She belongs to a Modem community that can accept them both as gay Orthodox religious group, where she says her and Jewish. A total of 23 people gathered at the home of sexuality isn’t an issue. “I have many Orthodox friends who just don’t really care, or pretend that Paul Davis, a Love Makes a Family intern, for the it doesn’t matter in my presence.” second meeting of the group June 30. The For Caplan, Judaism is a more central part of evening began with a drash, or short commentary her identity than her lesbianism. But for other about the Torah. Liz Caplan offered her words: Orthodox members of Keshet, their observance “A project like ours will help others to come.” A theme throughout the meeting was that of proves thorny. The Torah, the guiding book in Judaism, has choice. Many previously had been forced to a passage that can be interpreted to prohibit decide between their identities: gay or Jewish. homosexuality. But Rabbi Gary Schoenberg of Keshet helps them avoid the choice altogether. P’nai Or says it must be viewed in context: Kibel and Molko— who work with adults, “Judaism is a religion that holds the celebration adolescents, couples and groups as counselors at Jewish Family &. Child Service— are expe and value of life at its center...anyone who riencing a spiritual renaissance as a result of forces G LB T people into the closet runs the risk of being complicitous in death.” the social group. Both have been somewhat Keshet will celebrate Sukkot, a September distant from religion in their adult lives and harvest festival, by building a Sukkah, a small are thrilled to be participating in a Jewish tent made of wood, branches and decorations. community again. Although it will be a new experience for Molko Molko has felt since he was young that it and Kibel, the theme of rebuilding is a common “was not cool to be gay in a Jewish context.” Although Kibel herself did not suffer because of one, and both are accustomed to the struggle. Kibel is ambitious about Keshet’s future; she her Judaism, she noted that the convergence of has visions of using the Internet to create a the two is a “double whammy” for many. Ira Streitfeld, who moved to Portland 10 resource hub for sexual minority Jews. She and Molko already are looking ahead to Passover next spring. Their personal and professional goals are 'hese are some o f the congregations and spir- itual organizations that openly support sex- j clear: Keep reaching out to include people who have felt alone in the past, Keshet is indeed ual minority Jews: becoming a queer family. JH1 • Reconstructionist: Havurah Shalom. • Reform: Beth Israel. KESHET’S next Shabbat dinner will be held • Conservative: Nevah Shalom. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16. For location call David • Traditional: Shaarie Torah. • Gesher: This Jewish outreach program is Molko at 503-226-7079, ext. 14. dedicated to serving those who are not part of intern N a d ia CANNON will enter her junior year other congregations. 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