Recently the Union for Reform Judaism published a new edition of Kulanu (All of Us), a resource guide for LGBT inclusion in Reform services and ritual. Notable are two prayers that can be recited on the occassion of undergoing a sex-change, written by Rabbi Elliot Kukla.
Kukla, who was known as Eliza when ordained in 2006 by the movement’s New York seminary, originally wrote the blessings for a friend who wanted to mark each time he received testosterone therapy. Still, Kukla believes they are appropriate for multiple moments in the sex-change process, including “moments of medical transitions.” (MORE)
I have no problems at all with this addition and think the URJ does an outstanding job of catering to the needs of minorities in Judaism who may feel unwelcome other places. My only question is about the length of the book: 500 pages.
Seriously. What’s in it? It seems that by providing so much specialized information, singling out a group of people, it could lead to more separation. I imagine it would be in the best interests and the wishes of the community to eventually merge this material with “regular” ritual guides, to show real inclusion.
