TOAlogo_blueTemple of Aaron in St. Paul is Minnesota’s first Conservative synagogue to bless same-sex unions following a unanimous decision by the board of directors in July. The first ceremony, between Alex Locke and Chad Hewitt, is already planned for October 2010. Despite the name, the Conservative Jews reject a fundamentalist teachings and in 2006 ruled that congregations should have the option to perform same-sex ceremonies.

Locke told American Jewish World that he and Hewitt will be having a traditional Jewish wedding with some small changes. “The differences are going to be small, and it’s really going to be in the language, the things that the rabbi says, but there’s still going to be the chupa and the glass stomping and the seven brachot,” he said.

Amy Johnson of OutFront Minnesota, the state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, is Jewish and told AJW that the decision to bless same-sex unions is a positive one for the community.

“I’m very proud that they are offering the dignity and respect that our families deserve. I would expect nothing less of Temple of Aaron to embrace the fact that love and a commitment to have a Jewish household is worthy of celebration,” said Johnson. “I hope [other synagogues] embrace the same tikkun olam [as Temple of Aaron].”

Temple of Aaron’s mottos are “You are always welcome at the Temple of Aaron” and “Temple of Aaron is where all members can feel valued and connected to the community.”