Pride... and Prejudice in the Holy Land: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie

What does it mean to be proudly queer, deeply Jewish, and connected to Israel in a time of growing polarization?In this episode of The Pluralist Podcast, Orly Erez-Likhovski and Rabbi Josh Weinberg speak with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie—an Israeli-born rabbi, storyteller, queer Jewish leader, and co-founding spiritual leader of Lab/Shul in New York.Raised in one of Israel’s most prominent Orthodox rabbinic families, Amichai became the first openly queer rabbi in 39 generations of his family. His remarkable journey is also at the center of the award-winning documentary Sabbath Queen.Together, they discuss:Growing up queer in a prominent Orthodox rabbinic family and the journey to Progressive Judaism in New YorkThe connection between LGBTQ+ equality, democracy, and human rightsThe progress and remaining prejudice facing LGBTQ+ people in IsraelWhether Judaism can become not only more accepting, but a place where LGBTQ+ Jews can fully belong and thriveRabbi Benny Lau’s outspoken support for LGBTQ+ and the critical importance of family support and allyship in helping LGBTQ+ people live openly, authentically, and safelyThe role of religious leaders, legal advocacy, and community partnerships in creating changeThe challenge of being queer, Jewish, Israeli, and Zionist in progressive spaces after October 7This is a conversation about Pride and prejudice, progress and backlash, and the kind of Judaism—and Israel—we still have the power to build.Subscribe to The Pluralist Podcast and share this episode to help amplify liberal Jewish values, equality, religious freedom, and democracy in Israel and beyond.