Rabbi Joshua Lesser - Founder of SOJOURN & Rabbi Emeritus, Bet Haverim

In this episode, we hear from Rabbi Joshua Lesser, an LGBTQ+ activist and rabbi emeritus at Congregation Bet Haverim, a Reconstructionist synagogue founded by Jewish LGBTQ+ Atlantans that welcomes all Jews and their loved ones.

Joshua created SOJOURN, the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender & Sexual Diversity, and co-edited Torah Queeries, a weekly Torah commentary with an LGBTQ+ lens. Leading at the intersection of justice and spirituality, he is passionate about incorporating Jewish contemplative practice with a commitment to civil and human rights.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).
Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus, and Sam Landis
Edited by Rachel Garbus 
Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis
Project interns: Alyssa Zhang, Alex Campo, and Hunter Buchheit.

Podcast Music Information:
Intro Song: “Break the Mold” by Jack Pierce 
Supplemental Music from AudioJungle 

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history-lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

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