The Jewish Theological Seminary accepted its first openly gay cantorial student. Congregation Beth Simchat Torah said in a release Tuesday that member Marisa James is the first openly gay cantorial student to be accepted into the JTS Cantorial School. JTS confirmed James’ acceptance. “This has been a long struggle, and we are very proud that one of our members will break this barrier,” said Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum of the New York City congregation. “This is a bold step toward justice for all.”
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