Open Orthodoxy

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Saturday, September 30, 2006

Coming out of the closet for Purim!

Rabbi Avi Katz Orlow (YCT class of 2004) analogized the story of Esther into a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) coming-out-of-the closet narrative:

… two years ago Keshet members handed out hamentashen to students on campus. The message was to "come out for Purim." Rabbi Orlow explains, "Esther was a young Jewish woman who closeted her Jewish identity to keep a favored position with the Persian king. When she learned of Haman's plot she revealed her identity and saved her people. It was a very courageous act." The moral: "Take a risk and share your identity and speak truth to power," Rabbi Orlow says. "It was a wonderful moment any student could join in. Who would think the hamentashen could be a traditional yet current articulation of Jewish life?" He says Keshet members are planning to repeat the event next Purim.
- Some find things have changed, but challenges remain St. Louis Jewish Light

Is this how Tanach should be interpreted?

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