By Nancy B. Greer
President & CEO
Pride Shabbat has always been an inspiring gathering that celebrates belonging and connection. Each year, we gather on a Friday evening during Pride Month, when the long-lasting light of June days adds to the experience’s uplifting ambience.
After two years of making the best of things by holding virtual Pride Shabbat celebrations, we are coming back together in person for this year’s Pride Shabbat! I invite you to join us on Friday, June 24, beginning at 6 pm. We’ll be gathering at Temple De Hirsch Sinai’s Seattle campus (masks will be required), and we are offering a livestream option as well, recognizing that the pandemic is still with us and to respect the needs and preferences of community members who wish to join in virtually. Please see the registration page for full COVID-19 protocols.
Whether you engage with Pride Shabbat in person or join with us online, the celebration of LGBTQ Jews and friends, families, and allies is open to all. Pride Shabbat sends a powerful message that Jewish Puget Sound is a welcoming community, as our Jewish value, Kavod HaBriyot (honor the creations) teaches.
In that spirit, your Federation thanks the 27 local Jewish organizations that are co-sponsoring Pride Shabbat this year, as strong a demonstration as ever of how our shared value of collaboration touches so many lives.
As does kehilla, the power of community. When we celebrate the diversity of our Jewish experiences at the confluence of our other valued identities, that is when our community reflects the beautiful hues that we associate with rainbows and with Pride.
Please join us for Pride Shabbat as we gather for readings and music that bring us closer together and nurture the ties of relationship that are the heart of our wonderful community. We are looking forward to seeing you!
