While the state of New York undoubtedly deserves the ultimate Monday Mazal for legalizing same sex simchas across the five boroughs, we at Jewcy thought we’d do what The New York Times did not do to celebrate this fine occasion and, for just one weekend, pretend that all other couples who wed this past weekend in our native New York do not exist. That’s right Jewcy readers, it’s a Monday Mazal – same-sex simchas edition!
It seemed the only Jewish same-sex couples publicizing their nuptials via my fine source for this here column (ahem, ahem, the New York Times) were that of the middle aged and senior set. It’s a good thing I find gay Jewish seniors the most endearing specimens on Earth, because the Simchas section was jam packed with their love, hand holding and newly legalized exchanging of rings. Let’s get down to business.
A legalized gay marriage seems all the more legal when it takes place between the commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs and the chief adviser on policy and strategic planning for the mayor’s office – at Gracie Mansion, officiated by Mayor Bloomberg. John Feinblatt, 60, and Jonathan Mintz, 47, were married this past weekend with their two daughters present to celebrate and bear witness. The couple’s wedding announcement may have read quite politically, listing their accomplishments and top-tier university accolades, but it seemed clear that the union of these darling politics industry gentlemen meant that much more to the city of New York by emphasizing that even they waited for this exciting day with bated breath. If that’s not making it legal, I don’t know what is.
The most endearing Jewish couple of the week by far was Phyllis Siegel, 76, and Connie Kopelov, 84, who were married in the city clerk’s office of Manhattan after being together for 23 years. Upon the clerk’s announcement of their being pronounced married, Siegel enthusiastically grabbed her wife’s face and kissed her on the left cheek. Mrs. Kopelov donned a grey walker for the occasion.
Mazal Tov to all the same-sex couples who were able to (finally!) wed in the city of New York this past weekend. Our only regret is that we weren’t able to make it to each and every one of your ceremonies to join you in a celebratory hora.