By Aviva Chernick:
Happy Pride!
June is recognized as Pride Month by LGBTQ+ communities, grassroots organizations, activists, and governments around the world to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. At Beth Tzedec, Pride Month is an opportunity to continue to open our tent wider and deepen our commitment to inclusion in action.
In this week’s Torah portion, Beha’alotcha, Aaron is commanded to kindle the menorah, raising up each of its lights so that they shine brightly. This is our work as well: to truly see another person and recognize them as a reflection of the Divine, to nurture their dignity, and to help create a community in which every light can shine.
Making people feel welcome is a fundamental Jewish value; it is inclusion in action. Sometimes something as simple as genuine curiosity about another person’s story can help them feel seen, valued, and at home.
How do we mark Pride Month? We gather.
- June 12 – Pride Shabbat at Beth TzedecBeginning at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for Shabbat at the Floor, led by members of our LGBTQ+ community and special guests, followed by a Pride Shabbat dinner for those in their 20s and 30s. - June 14 – Let’s Sit: An LGBTQ+ Mindfulness Gathering (Pride Edition)
Join us in the downtown space where Makom Creative Downtown Judaism meets, at 402 College Street, for a special Pride Month gathering. - June 19 – Community Pride Shabbat at the MNJCC
Beth Tzedec is proud to be a key partner in the Community Pride Shabbat service and dinner. - Pride Weekend
Members of the Jewish community will once again march together in Toronto’s Pride celebrations at the end of the month.
I see us sitting together and raising our voices in song at the Beth Tzedec Pride Shabbat service. I hope you will join not only in recognizing and supporting our LGBTQ+ community members, but in celebrating the richness that emerges at the intersection of Jewish and queer identity.
May this Pride Month open your heart.
Happy Pride and Shabbat Shalom.