Double the love

On the 15 June Rabbi Steven Greenberg came to talk to the Year 9s and the Year 11s, who are currently studying gender and sexuality in Judaism, about his life being an openly gay, Orthodox Jew.  He began life as a Conservative Jew living a normal, teenage life in the US, which was forever changed by a voluntary trip to an Orthodox synagogue for a Shabbat service. After the service, he was offered a seat at the Rabbi’s table for lunch. After just one meal together, the Rabbi took an interest in him and requested he join him for study every week. Each week as he studied with the Rabbi, his interest and knowledge in Judaism grew, until he ultimately decided to be a Rabbi himself.  

He always knew he was gay, but had not admitted it to himself or anyone.  When he finally came out, it was to one Chassidic Rabbi who did not reject him or suggest he change himself. All he said was, “You have double the love”. Rabbi Greenberg came out to the world after deciding to appear in the movie, “Trembling before God”, and after fighting through discrimination and hatred, wrote a book called, “Wrestling with God and Men: Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition” where he talks about the relations between homosexuality and Judaism. 

Currently, Rabbi Steven Greenberg is married to his husband, also named Steve, and they have a 6-year-old daughter, Amalia. He is currently giving lectures all around the world, talking about how he learned to accept his sexuality, whilst remaining Orthodox. He has also started an organisation, ESHEL, in order to have a place where young observant Jewish LBGTQI+ members can express their concerns and feel safe within a protected environment.

Rabbi Greenberg is a most inspiring and dynamic speaker. His love of Judaism and his self-acceptance were an inspiration to our students.

Cade Collins – Year 9