One of the greatest Jewish sages, Rabbi Hillel, famously stated the ‘Golden Rule’ of Jewish morality: “that which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” There is another Hillel, Rabbi Athias-Robles, who today continues this progressive and loving interpretation of Judaism.
In a groundbreaking article in the Guardian (read here), Rabbi Hillel Athias-Robles wrote that “transitioning from a conservative religion to an inclusive one is not easy. Yet the bliss felt by being at peace with oneself and being welcomed into an accepting community outweighs the cost.”
Fortunately, we live in a Jewish community where overt homophobia is not obvious. I consider this in big part to our education, liberalism and history of persecution. Yet we must not slip into apathy; UJS should continue to show leadership in our community on these issues.
One of my roles within UJS this year has been to further develop one of our key ‘liberation’ campaigns, BaGeLs. Unfortunately, amidst the rough and tumble of campus life, I have been unable to develop this campaign as it so deserves. And yet, over the past month, there have been some positive developments. I hope that after you read this blog, you will join the facebook page and offer support however and wherever you can.
After consultation, BaGeLs is being rebranded ‘BaGeLs+Tea’, thereby bringing our liberation campaign in line with the national and international LGBT movement. Moreover, we are looking to organise a re-launch before this academic year is out. Other developments include discussions regarding the creation of regional ‘BaGeLs+Tea’ networks, and the (likely) possibility that the campaign will be represented at the NUS LGBT Conference. If any of this sounds interesting, feel free to get involved – contact bagels@ujs.org.uk (all emails are treated in the strictest confidence).
The importance of ‘BaGeLs+Tea’ cannot be underestimated; as a progressive organisation, we must take a lead in the community on these issues. They are undoubtedly controversial for some, and may in fact be divisive, but this campaign has enabled many students to get involved in Jewish campus life who otherwise perhaps would have avoided it. It is vital to ensuring that our Union remains welcoming to all, regardless of sexual or gender identity.
Furthermore, those of us who are trying to revitalize BaGeLs+Tea hope that it might become a forum for greater understanding and integration, whilst offering LGBT Jewish students a ‘safe-space’ to build friendships and talk openly about these issues.
I hope that people will embrace and engage in this project. It is a project that defines us as an organisation and impacts our members as individuals. We must break new ground and forge ahead with creating a society based on ideas of mutual respect and inclusion. Please do get involved in this and watch this space for further developments.
