Please join me for our PRIDE Shabbat this Friday in celebration of LGBTQ PRIDE Month at Middle Collegiate Church, 50 E 7th St at 6:30pm. Together we will celebrate summer solstice as we pray, sing and celebrate our uniqueness and diversity in solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters.
As I walk the streets of New York, I am reminded that we are a City that stands together in PRIDE. I smile as I pass Rainbow flags hanging from windows and displays of colorful garb and paraphernalia in store windows thinking about how far we have come in the last 50 years since Stonewall. We have made progress in fighting for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s rights these past few decades. And yet, we as a society still have a long way to go.
What can we learn from the LGBTQ people and their allies who took a stand at Stonewall and around the country to fight discrimination, abuse and humiliation against homophobia? How do we demonstrate compassion and support for those whose gender and sexual identity prevent them from being recognized with the dignity every person is entitled to? We, here in New York’s Village, know that Stonewall is more than a bar. . . it is a symbol of our struggle to recognize all people betzelem Elohim, created in the image of God.
When we think of Stonewall, we are reminded that the fight is not over. In our country and around the globe, LGBTQ people continue to be ostracized and struggle for their freedom to be known and loved as they are.
Looking forward to being together as we celebrate in LOVE on the first day of Summer!
With loving blessings,
Rabbi Eva
Announcements:
Have you admired our Torah readers and wished you could be one, too? Be bold and learn a line or two for this year’s High Holidays.Please contact mebefore July 1st if you are interested.
Celebrate World Pride with LGBTQ Jews and allies of all ages and backgrounds at the 4th annual Jew York Pride! Festivities begin at 11am with brunch in the Times Square area on June 30. The march with Jew York Pride delegation begins at 1:00. Brunch and march locations provided upon registration.
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