Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court decided that love is love, and same-sex couples deserve the same rights as opposite-sex couples. Not only was this a huge victory for people all over the country, but it was also a victory for the Crane Lake community. To celebrate, everyone dressed in a color of the rainbow and sat in color order at Shabbat services. The theme of this week’s Shabbat is btzelem Elohim, the idea that all people are created in God’s image, that we are all equal.

For services, various staff members read personal reflections and readings that we would like to share with you.

Sarah Lauing, Jewish Life Director

“One of the most important teachings of Torah is v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha, love your neighbor as yourself. There are no ifs ands or buts. We are commanded to love all members of the fabulous human family. In the creation account of the Book of Genesis, God creates us betzelem elohim, in God’s image. That means that all of us—no matter our race, religion, gender, gender identity, nationality, economic status, disability, or sexual orientation—are reflections of the Divine Being who created us all. Therefore, when we act with love and compassion toward one another, we become holy.

“Each one of us carries the divine spark within, and when these sparks come together, be they two sparks in marriage, or many more sparks in community, there is that much more godliness in the world. Pursuing justice means letting our sparks shine as bright as they can, for where there is light, there is hope, and justice penetrates the dark, Baruch atah adonai, elohaynu melech haolam, she’asanu betzelem elohim. Praised are you our God, ruler of the universe, who has made all of us in your image, as amazing, awesome, and wonderful creations” –Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser

The theme of this week’s Shabbat is btzelem Elohim, the idea that all people are created in God’s image, that we are all equal. As we celebrate this historic Supreme Court ruling this morning on marriage equality, we will reflect this Shabbat on the Jewish values of justice and love for all.”

Susan Klau, General Counselor

“As the sun sinks and the colors of the day turn, we offer a blessing for the twilight, for twilight is neither day nor night, but in-between. We are all twilight people. We can never be fully labeled or defined. We are many identities and loves, many genders and none. We are in between memory and destination, streaks of light and swirled together. We are neither day nor night. We are both, neither, and all.

“May the sacred in-between of this evening suspend our certainties, soften our judgment, and widen our vision. May this in-between light illuminate our way to the God who transcends all categories and definitions. May the in-between people who have come to pray be lifted up into the twilight. We cannot always define; we can always say a blessing. Blessed are You, God of all, who brings on the twilight” – Rabbi Reuben Zellman”

To conclude the service, our Director Debby, shared touching statements made by the United States Supreme Court, President Obama, and the Executive Director of The

Religious Action Center, Jonah Pesner. After Debby spoke, her daughter Molly shared moving words about her moms.

“I was there when my moms got married and now anyone can get married to anyone they want hashtag love is love”.

The Crane Lake community coming together to share this moment in history was truly an unbelievable sight.

By Lindsey Blackman, Communications Specialist