The Brian Lehrer Show

Judaism has also become very much more accepting of diversity, specifically Lesbian and Gay Jews and their families. I was brought up as a Reform Jew and find it to be one of the most welcoming religious sects out there. In New York City, Congregation Beth Simchat Torah is a great example of a wonderful synagogue led by Rabbi Kleinbaum.

I'm a 27-year-old 'reformed' New York Jew. I consider myself Jewish in terms of ethnicity, culture, and tradition, and less in terms of a monotheistic religion. I'm so disconnected from the Jewish community that I did not even know about this new prayer book. But I am thrilled that that the opportunity is arising for someone like me to be more educated and more participatory in the culture. Also, I'm proud of the reformed leaders for their willingness to change with the times. For me, it validates the culture and tradition of American Judaism.

On God as "he" in Hebrew: Hebrew, like many languages, has grammatical gender. I understand the use of the masculine in Hebrew to refer to God as simply grammatical. I understand the description of the creation of human beings in Genesis as having a colon. "And God created the human race in his image: male and female he created them." Both are required to have a complete image of God, who is no more male than a table (shulchan) or a day (yom) or peace (shalom), all grammatically masculine in Hebrew.

I am looking for egalitarian service --reformed for the high holiday. Used to go to Hebrew Union College, which was just terrific but they don't conduct services anymore.

I'm interested in a service that would use a book like the new sedar, is inclusive, god optional.

Preferably Manhattan, but will travel.