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Loading ...First woman tapped for no. 2 spot in gay-friendly reform Jewish movement
08.28.2008 10:49am EDT
(New York City) The Union for Reform Judaism, the largest synagogue movement in North America, has named its first female vice president.
The appointment of Rabbi Stacy Offner, the longtime leader of Shir Tikvah Congregation in Minnesota, was announced last week.The liberal Union for Reform Judaism, led by Rabbi Eric Yoffie, represents more than 900 congregations in the United States and Canada.
Offner is the founding rabbi emeritus of Shir Tikvah Congregation, which was established in 1988 in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
She taught Jewish ethics at Hamline University in St. Paul and was the first rabbi to serve as chaplain of the Minnesota State Senate.
A magna cum laude graduate of Kenyon College, Offner received her master’s degree in Hebrew literature in 1982 and her rabbinic ordination in 1984 from Hebrew Union College in New York.
Reform Judaism admits openly gay and lesbian rabbis and has been outspoken in its support for LGBT issues.
Mazel Tov to Rabbi Offner. The Reform Jewish movement is the most accepting, wonderful, organized religion that not only promotes the Jewish faith and values it also promotes American values. Equality, liberty and justice. My love for the Jewish religion has only grown as I have aged within it.
Mazel Tov to rabbi Stacy and her partner Nancy!
Mazel tov to Rabbi Stacy, and to her wonderful partner Nancy!