Books by Jan Wilkens
This publication examines the foundation and institutional integration of the first gay-lesbian s... more This publication examines the foundation and institutional integration of the first gay-lesbian synagogue Beth Chayim Chadashim, which was founded in Los Angeles in 1972. As early as June 1974, the synagogue was admitted to the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the umbrella organization of the Reform congregations in the United States. Previously, the potential acceptance of a congregation by and for homosexual Jews triggered an intense and broad debate within Reform Judaism. The work asks how it was possible to successfully establish a gay-lesbian synagogue at a time when homosexual acts were considered unnatural and contrary to tradition by almost the entire Jewish community. The starting point of the argumentation is, in addition to general changes in American synagogues after World War II, the assumption that Los Angeles was the most suitable place for this foundation. Los Angeles has an impressive queer history and the Jewish community was more open, tolerant and innovative here than its counterpart on the East Coast. The Metropolitan Community Church was also founded in the city, and as the largest religious institution for homosexual Christians, it also served as the birthplace of queer synagogues.
Reform Judaism was chosen as the place of institutional integration of the community because a relative openness for such an endeavor was only seen here. Responsa written in response to a potential admission of Beth Chayim Chadashim can be used to understand the arguments and positions of rabbis and psychologists regarding homosexuality and communities for homosexual Jews in the early 1970s.
Ultimately, the commitment and dedication of the congregation and its heterosexual supporters convinced the decision-makers in Reform Judaism. The decisive impulse to question the situation of homosexual Jews in Judaism came from Los Angeles. With its analysis, the publication contributes to the understanding of Queer Jewish History in general and queer synagogues in particular.
Papers by Jan Wilkens
Medaon - Magazin für jüdisches Leben in Bildung und Forschung, 2022
Das neue Forschungsfeld der Queer Jewish Studies formiert sich durch eine steigende Zahl an Publi... more Das neue Forschungsfeld der Queer Jewish Studies formiert sich durch eine steigende Zahl an Publikationen, die das queere, das heißt nichtheteronormative, Kategorien brechende und disruptive Potenzial in den Jüdischen Studien berücksichtigen. Ausgehend von den Anfängen in den 1980er Jahren, in denen queere Juden*Jüdinnen versuchten, sich Gehör zu verschaffen, liefert dieser Artikel einen Überblick über die bereits erbrachten Leistungen in diesem Feld. Ferner verweist er darauf, wie die Jewish Studies weiter wachsen und eine bessere Version ihrer selbst werden können, wenn sie intersektionale und vielfältigere Perspektiven einnehmen.
The new research field Queer Jewish Studies is being formed by an increasing number of publications that deal with the queer, meaning non- heteronormative, category-breaking, and disruptive potential in Jewish Studies. Starting with the 1980s in which queer Jews tried to make themselves heard, this article provides an overview of what has already been achieved in this field. It also points out how Jewish Studies can continue to grow and become a better version of itself by adopting intersectional and more diverse perspectives.
Conference Presentations by Jan Wilkens
In the last five decades, since the Stonewall protests in 1969, the awareness of homosexuality in... more In the last five decades, since the Stonewall protests in 1969, the awareness of homosexuality in Western society and the commitment of the LGBTQ+ movement has become more intense. Judaism couldn’t remain unaffected: Homosexual Jews expressed their needs more clearly in the various movements of Judaism. They demanded recognition and equal treatment in the Jewish community. In contrast, negative connotation of homosexual actions in the Jewish tradition exists. The aim of the presentation is to approach the topic of homosexuality in contemporary Judaism: The discussions in the different movements of Judaism about homosexuality will be presented historically and the current positions will be reflected. On the one hand, Orthodoxy is the guardian of tradition, on the other hand Reconstructionism, which gave up the reservations about same- sex relationships first, as well as Reform Judaism embrace homosexual Jews in their congregations. The position of Conservative Judaism is more complex because of its mediatory position between tradition and reform.
Workshop and Conference Organisation by Jan Wilkens
Workshop organized by the research group "Gender/Queer and Jewish Studies" at the Selma Stern Cen... more Workshop organized by the research group "Gender/Queer and Jewish Studies" at the Selma Stern Center for Jewish Studies Berlin-Brandenburg in cooperation with the Association for Jewish Studies in Germany
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Books by Jan Wilkens
Reform Judaism was chosen as the place of institutional integration of the community because a relative openness for such an endeavor was only seen here. Responsa written in response to a potential admission of Beth Chayim Chadashim can be used to understand the arguments and positions of rabbis and psychologists regarding homosexuality and communities for homosexual Jews in the early 1970s.
Ultimately, the commitment and dedication of the congregation and its heterosexual supporters convinced the decision-makers in Reform Judaism. The decisive impulse to question the situation of homosexual Jews in Judaism came from Los Angeles. With its analysis, the publication contributes to the understanding of Queer Jewish History in general and queer synagogues in particular.
Papers by Jan Wilkens
The new research field Queer Jewish Studies is being formed by an increasing number of publications that deal with the queer, meaning non- heteronormative, category-breaking, and disruptive potential in Jewish Studies. Starting with the 1980s in which queer Jews tried to make themselves heard, this article provides an overview of what has already been achieved in this field. It also points out how Jewish Studies can continue to grow and become a better version of itself by adopting intersectional and more diverse perspectives.
Conference Presentations by Jan Wilkens
Workshop and Conference Organisation by Jan Wilkens
Reform Judaism was chosen as the place of institutional integration of the community because a relative openness for such an endeavor was only seen here. Responsa written in response to a potential admission of Beth Chayim Chadashim can be used to understand the arguments and positions of rabbis and psychologists regarding homosexuality and communities for homosexual Jews in the early 1970s.
Ultimately, the commitment and dedication of the congregation and its heterosexual supporters convinced the decision-makers in Reform Judaism. The decisive impulse to question the situation of homosexual Jews in Judaism came from Los Angeles. With its analysis, the publication contributes to the understanding of Queer Jewish History in general and queer synagogues in particular.
The new research field Queer Jewish Studies is being formed by an increasing number of publications that deal with the queer, meaning non- heteronormative, category-breaking, and disruptive potential in Jewish Studies. Starting with the 1980s in which queer Jews tried to make themselves heard, this article provides an overview of what has already been achieved in this field. It also points out how Jewish Studies can continue to grow and become a better version of itself by adopting intersectional and more diverse perspectives.