This Is the Blessing: The “First Openly Gay Rabbi” Reminisces
This Is the Blessing: The “First Openly Gay Rabbi” Reminisces
Parashat Zot Ha’bracha (Deuteronomy 33:1–34:12)
This chapter describes the life of Moses in comparison to that of Allen Bennett— the first “openly” gay rabbi. Moses' life centers on oppression, liberation, and wandering, as well as conquest, settlement, and nation building. Similarly, the life of Allen Bennett personifies Moses' rebellion and leadership by being unconventional rabbi. Since any known gay student would have been quickly asked to leave, Allen had lived his student years “in the closet.” Allen was eventually ordained as a congregational rabbi while still hiding his identity. However, because of unprecedented circumstances, he was forced to admit his queerness, and fight for his status as a rabbi.
Keywords: Allen Bennett, Moses, gay rabbi, congregational rabbi, queerness
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