In response to the United States Supreme Court’s historic and groundbreaking decision today affirming the constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry, the Board and Staff of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, released the following statement:

It is with great joy and celebration that we enter the sacred space of Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, knowing that all Americans regardless of sexual orientation can marry. The Jewish Renewal Movement has long stood on fundamental principles of equality based on gender and sexual orientation, for each person is created equally b’tzelem Elohim (in the divine image). We are overjoyed that the U.S. Supreme Court today affirmed these key principles of equal justice under law. As we declare under the chuppah (wedding canopy) during the sheva brachot (seven blessings of marriage):

“שמח תשמח רעים האהובים, כשמחך יצירך בגן עדן מקדם”

“God, gladden the hearts of all beloveds committing themselves to each other in love, as You gladdened Your creations in paradise long ago.”

ALEPH celebrates with all couples who commit themselves to each other in love. We congratulate all who worked so valiantly to achieve this joyous day.

Today we celebrate the ruling on marriage equality. Tonight we may receive Shabbat with extra radiance, reflecting today’s joyful news. When the new week comes, may we put our shoulders to the wheel and keep working toward a world free of hatred, violence and bigotry. May that day come speedily and soon.