Solidarity

My friend, Rabbi Joshua Lesser of Congregation Bet Haverim in Atlanta wrote the above referenced piece, "'Conflicting identities’ and a lesson in forgiveness,"
last week as part of his response to the recent announcement of the dates for the 2011 Atlanta Pride festivities October 8-9, which directly conflicts with one of the most important Jewish holidays of the year, Yom Kippur, which begins at sundown on October 7 and ends at sundown on October 8 this year.
Though I find myself in the minority when it comes to being a part of the LGBTQ community in our culture, I find myself in the majority in a host of other ways, including religious tradition. I too was saddened to learn of the oversight by the Atlanta Pride Committee in scheduling but was filled with respect and gratitude at Rabbi Lesser's response which examines the deeper meaning of Yom Kippur and calls all stakeholders in the situation to a truer sense of relationship with each other and creating Beloved Community together.
Yom Kippur focuses on the themes of atonement, forgiveness and repentance. Rabbi Lesser states that "Yom Kippur dictates us to:

• Ask for forgiveness
• Forgive in the face of true remorse
• Cultivate humility and gratitude
• Be honest
• Seek restoration and healing
• Let compassion and mercy temper justice
• Do not give into temptation
• Aspire to be one’s best self"

What beautiful words in the face of disappointment and pain. I know I have a lot to learn fom Rabbi Lesser's example. May we all seek out opportunities apply these principles to our lives and to stand in solidarity with others as we continue our quest for Beloved Community.