CBST and JTA move quickly when they sense something’s up… I’m just glad I knew it was coming so I had time to give notice at work!

JTS accepts gay cantorial student

The Jewish Theological Seminary accepted its first openly gay cantorial student.

Congregation Beth Simchat Torah said in a release Tuesday that member Marisa James is the first openly gay cantorial student to be accepted into the JTS Cantorial School. JTS confirmed James’ acceptance.

“This has been a long struggle, and we are very proud that one of our members will break this barrier,” said Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum of the New York City congregation. “This is a bold step toward justice for all.”

It’s also a bold step towards haftorah cantillation and weekday nusach for me!