NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In just a few weeks, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of same-sex marriages. While the legal battle is happening in the courts, the ethical and moral discussions are happening in congregations and pulpits in local communities.
The West End Synagogue is taking sides.
“It's happening now in our congregation because it's the right time for our congregation,” Rabbi Joshua Kullock said.
After months of deliberation and interpretation of the sacred text, the synagogue has decided to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.
“In order to protect the dignity of the person in the context of the Jewish law; for that person to be included and fully part of the congregation, sometimes you can allow for some things that were technically forbidden,” Rabbi Kullock said.
“I think we in the Jewish community have been grappling with the issue of same-sex marriage just as every faith community is doing and has been doing,” Abigail Wolf, Spokesperson for the Jewish Federation of Middle Tennessee explained.
Conservative and Reform Movements, both denominations within Judaism, have allowed for the practice for nearly a decade.
“Then local synagogues may or may not begin the practice depending on its own, their own membership,” Wolf added.
Same-sex marriage is banned in Tennessee. Any of the ceremonies performed by the West End Synagogue will not be recognized by the state.
The blessings and the wording of the marriage contract will have to change in these ceremonies.
“But the canopy will be there, the rings will be there, the wine will be there,” Rabbi Kullock said.
He recognizes not everybody in his congregation is comfortable with the shift and he said that's okay. After all, his intention is to make this synagogue more inclusive and not push people away.
“It's great if we do that in kindness and love respecting different opinions,” Rabbi Kullock stressed. “Trying not to dehumanize people in the process because we don't agree.”
West End is the third synagogue in Nashville to perform same-sex marriages. So far, their first ceremony has not been scheduled.
