Rabbi Jared H. Saks

RABBI JARED H. SAKS

TempleIsrael

Minneapolis, Minnesota

I am blessed to have grown up in a family that taught me to accept “all kinds, all colors,” as my father says.  I am blessed to have grown up at TempleShalom in Succasunna, New Jersey where my Confirmation program included a lesson on accepting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews.  I am blessed to have grown up in the Reform movement of Judaism towards the end of the 20th century when gay, lesbian, bisexual Jews have been able to have attended Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion at a time when the ordination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews is a reality.  I am blessed to serve as the Assistant Rabbi at TempleIsrael in Minneapolis, Minnesota where my homosexuality does not define my rabbinate, but rather enhances it.  I am blessed to be honored by this tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) and what it represents.  I am truly blessed.

This tallit (prayer shawl) was given in conjunction with One Voice Mixed Chorus' "Reclaiming Faith" concerts in January, 2007.

David Lohman
Faith Work Coordinator
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources
Home of the Shower of Stoles Project
2007