Mazel Tov, Jason!

Dear Friends,

Among the legendary figures in Jewish history is Nachshon ben Aminadav. According to midrash, when the Israelites reached the sea during the exodus from Egypt none of the tribes wanted to be the first to enter the water. With Pharoh’s army fast approaching, Nachshon, the leader of Judah, jumped into the sea setting an example for all of Israel. With time, the name Nachshon came to symbolize individuals who break new ground with acts of courage.

This week the world met a new Nachshon when NBA center Jason Collins announced that he is gay, making him the first openly gay active player in any of the four major professional sports leagues. Jason demonstrated that sexual orientation should not prevent anyone from achieving his or her goals, even at the highest level of professional sports. Given the importance of sport in our society, Jason’s openness is a powerful model for young people struggling with their own identity.

All corners of American society responded to his announcement with tremendous support. Collins called the response he received since coming out “incredible." Unfortunately, for many, the experience of coming out is not always so positive. Working together, let us strive to create a society in which all people feel “incredible” about the support they receive when sharing of themselves. Our young people in particular need role models and support as they struggle with issues of identity during the already challenging period of adolescence.

The outpouring of support for Collins also demonstrates the progress of society in accepting GLBT Americans. However, despite such signs of progress, much work remains in the fight for equality for all

This week Rhode Island joined nine other states and the District of Columbia which allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. However, marriage equality remains elusive in much of the country including here in New Jersey where Governor Christie vetoed gay marriage legislation last year.

Workplace discrimination also remains a major issue. Currently it is legal in 29 states to fire or discriminate against an employee because of his or her sexual orientation. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which was reintroduced this week in congress, would ensure fundamental fairness and equality in the workplace for all. I am proud that every year during our trip to Religious Action Center's L'Taken Social Justice Seminar to Washington, DC, our high school students from Temple Sinai choose to lobby for the passage of ENDA. You can learn more about the RAC’s position on this important issue at http://rac.org/advocacy/issues/issuegl/.

In Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of our Ancestors, Rabbi Tarfon teaches “Lo Alecha Hamlacha Ligmor, V’lo Atah Ben Chorin L’hibateyl Mimena,” it is not your responsibility to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.” Just as we join together to applaud our new Nachson, Jason Collins, for reminding us that no one should be afraid to be themselves, let us also come together to affirm that we are all created b’tselem Elohim, in the Divine image, with equal rights for all.

Shabbat Shalom,
Jonah Zinn
Rabbinic Intern