Being Black and Jewish has given me the strength to walk proudly. I have been asked on many occasions how I could be Jewish. I always respond to these questions because I believe that asking questions is a profound way to grow and learn.
Rabbi Hillel famously taught, “What is hateful to you, do not do to others. That is the whole Torah. The rest is commentary. Now go and study.” So what does it really mean?
Not knowing if I would be shunned or accepted, I decided to give my religion another chance. I was not prepared for the warm and welcoming atmosphere I found at temple, where being gay was as acceptable as having brown hair.
While all Jewish holidays serve as great opportunities to practice audacious hospitality, Sukkot has always stood out to me as the most audaciously hospitable of Jewish holidays.