orthodox

Beit Shemesh “flash mob” antagonistic and irrelevant

+972’s Ami Kaufman writes that he found “particularly heart-warming” the flashmob in Beit Shemesh, noting that it shows the ultra-Orthodox “who wears the pants in this town.” I’m guessing it’s obvious who wears the pants: the woman in the middle front row. I cannot identify her, but I think it is safe to guess…

By Roee Ruttenberg January 8, 2012

Israelis should self-reflect before criticizing Haredi segregation

Preface Before I begin, I would like to preface with a few points. First, I do not support the extremist religious elements in Beit Shemesh, as they have been recently discussed in the Israeli and international media. And yes, I would call those engaging in the behavior as covered by Israeli Channel 2 (and translated…

By Roee Ruttenberg December 30, 2011

Blessing of the couple at first-ever same-sex wedding officiated by Orthodox rabbi, Washington DC, 10 November 2011 (photo: Roee Ruttenberg)

Orthodox rabbi marries gay couple in historic wedding in DC

For the first time in history, Steve Greenberg, an openly-gay American rabbi ordained by the Orthodox movement, has officiated at a same-sex wedding ceremony. On Thursday night at Washington DC’s “Historic 6th and I Synagogue,” Greenberg stood under the chupah, a traditional Jewish wedding canopy, as newlyweds Yoni Bock and Ron Kaplan tied the knot…

By Roee Ruttenberg November 11, 2011

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Israeli walks with flag during Tel Aviv gay pride (photo: wanderlasss/Flickr cc)

Same-sex funerals in Israel fall outside scope of general activism

For Israel’s gay and lesbian citizens, the passing of a partner can expose existing limitations on rights and an entirely new set of frustrations with the status quo A while ago, I was in the US switching through the channels when I saw comedian-turned-daytime talk show personality Ellen DeGeneres hosting Dolly Parton. The former is…

By Roee Ruttenberg October 6, 2011