June 5, 2023

By Nancy B. Greer
President & CEO

We have a thriving Jewish community, and one of our goals is to strive to ensure that it is also a welcoming place for the wonderfully diverse people who are a part of it.

Every year during Pride Month, when summer’s sunny warmth is just around the corner, we celebrate the importance of belonging at Pride Shabbat. I invite you to join your Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle at Temple De Hirsch Sinai’s Seattle campus on Friday, June 23, to be a part of the gathering and be inspired. 

In the spirit of welcoming and belonging, our annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ Jews, friends, families, and allies is open to all. Whether you come to Pride Shabbat in person or join us online, there is a spot just for you!

Pride Shabbat embodies the Jewish values of Kavod/HaBriyot, honoring the creations through embracing the diversity of the Jewish people, and of Kehilla/Areivut, caring for our community. In these challenging times, when open hostility to LGBTQIA+ people is increasing around the country, the ethic of Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Bazeh, all Jews are responsible for one another, is a powerful reminder of our obligation to live up to those timeless values.

In that vein, we are so grateful for the 22 Jewish organizations that are co-sponsoring Pride Shabbat with your Federation and demonstrating how much good we can do when we come together. When we collaborate for a common purpose, we strengthen anew the relationships that are at the hearts of our communities. 

Pride Shabbat will be an evening of uplifting stories, insightful readings, and soul-stirring music. It will be an evening of unity in diversity. Please join us and add your smiles and your light to the celebration. We are looking forward to seeing you and sharing in the experience together!