Rabbi Greg Kanter, originally from St. Louis, has announced his new role at Temple B’rith Sholom in Springfield, after resigning from Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina. This move comes amid increasing discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in South Carolina.
Kanter, who is openly gay, has faced significant challenges due to the state’s hostile policies towards LGBTQ people. South Carolina has introduced laws targeting LGBTQ individuals, including bans on medical care for transgender youth. These measures have created a hostile environment, prompting Kanter to seek a more supportive community.
In his resignation letter, Kanter mentioned the legal challenges in South Carolina targeting LGBTQ individuals as a primary reason for his departure. “We find it necessary to take steps to move to a place that will not target us and our human rights,” he wrote. This decision highlights the broader issues faced by LGBTQ Jews in states with regressive policies.
Kanter joined the Charleston synagogue in 2017, having previously served at Temple Israel in Minneapolis. His tenure in Charleston saw significant contributions to the community, but increasing hostility towards LGBTQ rights made it untenable for him to stay.
The Jewish community in Charleston, with around 10,000 members, has been a significant hub of Southern Jewish life. However, recent legislative efforts have clashed with the community’s values of inclusivity. Brandon Fish, director of the city’s Jewish Community Relations Council, emphasized the negative impact of regressive policies on all communities.
