Unlike many other temples, Sinai Temple is proud to be one that supports same-sex marriage. Rabbi Wolpe said that for many years he has wanted to perform same-sex marriages because he knows how much it hurts to be not thought of as fully Jewish due to sexual orientation. The argument about gay marriage is a relatively new one, especially in the Persian Jewish community. Rabbi Wolpe expressed that as a community, it is way less accepting of gay marriage than, for example, the American Jewish community. In order for things to go over in the best possible manner, he had to wait until the right time to give his sermon on same-sex marriage. Once there were enough people in the Persian community who had come out as homosexual, he finally had enough references for homosexuals who were struggling to come out. This way, individuals who were struggling with this predicament had a support system where they can reach out for help.

Remarkably enough, the overwhelming majority of reactions the Rabbi received from the Persian community were positive, with some negative reactions. What happened was that he was now being told by people that, “I support you, but I want you to know that all my friends are upset.” Rabbi Wolpe continued to talk about his experience:

The only part that was really hard for me was that there were members, not only, but especially of the Persian community, whom I like, and esteem, and am close to who were hurt by the fact that I did this.

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