Mazal Tov Mr Ratburn!

Let me be the first Rabbi to bless Mr. Ratburn and his new husband a Mazal Tov on their simcha! 👨‍❤️‍👨❤️❤️ (I wonder where they're registered!)
In their honor, here are some beautiful stories about their wedding (the premier episode of Arthur, season 22 on PBS) and resources for celebrating love!
30 Children’s Books with LGBT Characters -- https://www.weareteachers.com/books-with-lgbt-characters/
21 CHILDREN’S BOOKS THAT CELEBRATE LGBT FAMILIES -- https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2015/06/21-childrens-books-that-celebrate-lgbt-families.html
via Keshet: "Two Jewish Children's Books with LGBT Characters: -- "The Purim Superhero" -- https://www.keshetonline.org/resources/thepurimsuperhero/ & "The Flower Girl Wore Celery" - https://www.keshetonline.org/resources/the-flower-girl-wore-celery/
A Rainbow Celebration: Gays & Lesbians in Books for Children -- https://sfpl.org/?pg=2000154901
via CNN: "'Arthur' character Mr. Ratburn came out as gay and got married in the season premiere and Twitter loved it" -- https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/14/us/mr-ratburn-gay-arthur-trnd/index.html
via YouTube: Arthur creator Marc Brown explains why he wanted a gay wedding to be part of the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9oQZ1k8peo
#lgbtq #loveisloveislove

Jewish Resources on Reproductive Freedom

Resources on Reproductive Freedom May 2019 - Iyyar 5779 The Rabbinical Assembly is deeply troubled by legislation limiting reproductive rights in various states. Here are resources that will help you have a nuanced discussion about reproductive rights and Jewish tradition:  Statement on Reproductive Freedom (2019) Related Statement:  Rabbinical Assembly Expresses Grave Concern over Hobby Lobby Decision (2014) Committee on Jewish Law and Standards Responsa: Avram Israel Reisner, "Ein Dohin Nefesh Mipnei Nefesh" (2001) Susan Grossman, "Partial Birth Abortion and the Question of When Life Begins" (2001) Miriam Berkowitz and Mark Popovsky, "Contraception" (2010) David M. Feldman, "Abortion: The Jewish View" (1983) Robert Gordis, "Abortion: Major Wrong or Basic Right?" (1983) Ben Zion Bokser and Kassel Abelson, "Statement on the Permissibility of Abortion" (1983) Kassel Abelson, "Prenatal Testing and Abortion" (1983) Isaac Klein, "A Teshuvah on Abortion" (1983) Resolutions: Resolution on Reproductive Freedom in the United States (2012) Resolution on Reproductive Freedom (2007) Resolution on Support for Informed Access to Reproductive Care (2005) Resolution in Support of Stem Cell Research and Education (2005) Resolution on The "Unborn Victims of Violence Act" (2000) Violence Against Abortion Clinics (1995) Reproductive Freedom (1993) The Politics and Halakhah of Abortion (1991) Abortion Rights (1990) Resolutions on Abortion (1985 and 1975)

Yehuda Amichai's "An Arab Shepherd is Searching for His Goat on Mount Zion" - in memory of 23,741 soldiers who have died in defense of the State of Israel and the Jewish People. #YomHaZikaron

Being Family or "Achi" (Acharei Mot)

We rise as one. #ManyVoicesOnePrayer

Embarrassment as Comfort: Wisdom from Heschel for Today's American Shame