An important aspect of immigration from Iran to the United States is adapting to a new society, new ideas, and new movements in American culture. Starting in the 1990s, VBS decided to make a new policy of welcoming Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals and couples into the synagogue and the school. At VBS, this minority group is given equal status and opportunities in relation to straight families. VBS does not yet officiate LGBTQ marriages, but it welcomes LGBTQ families in ceremonies, membership and admission to the school.

In an interview Rabbi Feinstein says, “We recognized that gay people are people, they are Jews, our sisters and brothers and our friends.” At first, Iranian families had a difficulty adapting to this idea. Their tradition, beliefs, and interpretation of Torah pertaining to LGBTQ issues were not aligned with new developments in modern society. At first some members decided to leave the synagogue over this issue; however, over the past 25 years, there has been a major transformation in prevailing beliefs and ideas and a great strides have been made among Iranian Jews in terms of accepting LGBTQ individuals as part of the community at VBS. Now, most Iranian families, especially those born in the United States, recognize that this community is part of our world and have become more comfortable with it.

Homosexuality is not a correct term to use when referring to LGBTQ individuals. At VBS, LGBTQ are people, human beings who have families, homes and a community of friends. They are individuals who want to live a beautiful, committed, responsible life with their partner and are expected to follow the same ethics and standards of living as straight families. VBS wants to embrace all lives and relationships by accepting all people as equal and welcoming all LGBTQ members to the Jewish community.

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