Temple Emunah’s Outreach (Keruv) Committee is sponsoring the program. The Keruv Committee’s goal is to make Temple Emunah welcoming and inclusive for all people wanting to participate in the Jewish community within the framework of Conservative Judaism.  

 

“We chose Joy because her story is compelling, “ said Denise Forbes, co-chairperson of the temple’s Keruv committee .  “We were interested in her personal journey, her journey with Judaism, and her journey in working for an Orthodox institution.  We are excited to have the chance to learn from her over the weekend.”

 

Dr. Ladin is a professor of English at Yeshiva University, the oldest and most comprehensive educational institution under Jewish authority in the United States.  The University is committed to blending ancient traditions of Jewish law and life with the heritage of Western civilization.

 

Dr. Ladin has published extensively, including “Through the Door of Life: a Jewish Journey Between Genders” (2012) and seven books of poetry.  

 

On Friday evening, 11/20, services welcoming the Sabbath will begin at 5:30 PM, followed by a Keruv community dinner (vegetarian and chicken options.)  Dr. Ladin will speak on God, Gender, and Me.   Dinner is $12.00 per person; please RSVP by Friday, November 13 by calling the temple office (781 861 0300) or emailing  office@templeemunah.org

 

Saturday services will begin at 9:30 and Dr. Ladin will deliver the sermon on How Does It Feel to Be a Problem?: Transgender in a Binary Jewish World.   Kiddush will follow the morning service.

 

Dr. Ladin is a professor of English and holds the David and Ruth Gottesman Chair in English. She received her PhD at Princeton, MFA in creative writing from U Mass Amherst, and BA from Sarah Lawrence College.  Among other honors, she was a finalist for the 2009 Lambda Literary Award, received an American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship and a Fulbright Scholarship.

 

Temple Emunah’s Keruv committee goal is to assure that the temple welcomes all Jewish men and women and their partners--whether Jewish or not -- without regard to marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, or disability.  “We work to identify issues and establish inclusive practices while maintaining Jewish law,” said  Ms. Forbes, “to raise community awareness, and provide a forum to address any issues relating to the Keruv Mission.

 

Located at 9 Piper Road in Lexington, Temple Emunah is handicapped accessible and offers a wide variety of religious, educational, and social opportunities for its members.  Temple Emunah is a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts. For more information please call (781) 861-0300 or visit our website at www.templeemunah.org .