Dear all,
I share the following interaction from my recent trip to Israel:
“Are you here with your wife?”
Yes, that’s what the orthodox shopkeeper asked as I perused her store in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Even now, 27 years post my official “coming out,” I still pause before responding.
Should my answer be any different whether I am in West Hollywood, Dallas, Kuala Lumpur, or Jerusalem?
Should my answer be any different whether I am speaking to a religious or a secular person?
Should my answer be any different if I am alone or with a group?
Yes – these thoughts continue to stir.
But in this particular moment in time, I took a deep breath and shared:
“I’m here with my husband.”
“Oh,” she continued, “Please invite him in, as it’s always better to shop as a couple!”
I left her shop with a smile rather than a sense of conflict. It’s amazing how truth opens doors of possibilities.
With love and shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
