Rabbis and lay leaders from the St. Louis Jewish community came together tonight for a panel discussion on same-sex marriage.
The panelists pooled their collective knowledge to help each other answer particularly difficult questions, such as student Woty Regan’s question to Rabbi Thomas Alpert about the possible justification of polygamy under Reform theology. Orthodox Rabbi Hyim Shafner and Conservative Rabbi Ryan Dulkin aided Alpert, using their understanding of Reform theology to explain how polygamy could not be justified.
Despite the clear cooperation of panelists, there were instances of measured tension as panelists made assertions about their movements. The cordial tone of the night was preserved, however, by the balanced presentations and the opportunities for rebuttal.
Any tension was quickly cleared by the banter between panelists, which led to self-deprecating humor like Rabbi Shafner’s labeling himself a “Constructionist Jew.”
The event drew more than 35 students to Ursa’s Fireside and highlighted each movement’s evolving stance on gay relationships.
Despite differences on their understandings of Jewish law, each movement’s representative highlighted the importance of welcoming GLBTQA congregants into the community and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
“I think this conversation is occurring too late. We need to start to take steps towards a transgender understanding of Judaism,” said Rabbi Alpert.
After the opening remarks, members of the audience asked questions and contributed to the debate. In the open forum, topics ranged from acceptance of gays into congregations to the recent controversy over Israel’s Gay Pride Parade.
“As a civil society, Israel is much further along than we are [in terms of gay rights],” St. Louis resident David Kaplan commented.
The event proved to be such a success that David Roberts, the treasurer of the United Jewish Communities who served as the Reconstructionist panelist, offered funding for any further “creative” Keshet programming.
“Programs like this are part of your education as young, concerned Jews,” said Roberts. “If you are ever trying to run a program and dollars are a problem, give me a call and we’ll see what we can do.”

Photo Caption From left-to-right, panelists Rabbi Thomas Alpert, Rabbi Ryan Dulkin, David Roberts, and Rabbi Hyim Shafner during tonight’s discussion.