As June begins, so too does Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and other gender identities and sexual orientations) community.
“By celebrating Pride Month, the Jewish community makes it clear and joyful that LGBTQ Jews are beloved and an integral part of our present and future,” said Program Manager Galia Godel of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) that heads the J.Proud Consortium, the Philadelphia collective of Jewish organizations committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is a proud member of the J.Proud Consortium, which will host a number of events that focus on acceptance, inclusion and community throughout the month.
“It’s a core Jewish value to create an accepting and welcoming community for all,” said Senior Chief of External Affairs Jeffrey Lasday of the Jewish Federation. “We are proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through upcoming programs as well as through funding to Jewish value-based agencies and initiatives that ensure historically disconnected groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, are connected to Jewish life and receive the resources that they need.”
According to the Jewish Federation’s Population Study, conducted in 2019, one in ten Jewish households in the Greater Philadelphia area includes an individual who identifies as LGBTQ+.
“This year, it’s more important than ever to be loud and proud, and to show that we are here and we’re never going to hide again,” Godel continued. “By raising our voices, we can fight back against hatred and intolerance, and keep LGBTQ folks safe, loved and proud.”
From marches to learning sessions to parties, check out these opportunities to show your pride.
Pride First Thursday Happy Hour
Thursday, June 1 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Independence Beer Garden
Celebrate June and the start of Pride Month with Tribe 12. Catch up with old friends or maybe make some new ones, while grabbing a pint or a bite to eat after your work day! Join members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a First Thursday Happy Hour at Independence Beer Garden! To register, click here.
Pride Flag Rising
Friday, June 2 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Philadelphia City Hall
Join Tribe 12 to kick off pride month for the Annual Pride flag raising downtown! Afterward, participants are invited to journey to Bar Bombón for vegan latin food & conversations. To register, click here.
Pride Singles Shabbat
Friday, June 2 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Private home in South Philly
Tribe 12's matchmakers, Danielle and Michal, are inviting all their favorite LGBTQ+ singles for Shabbat dinner! Come celebrate pride, eat and drink and meet awesome humans. Please bring a dish, drink or dessert to share. To register, click here.
Shabbat Dinner Celebrating Pride
Friday, June 2 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Congregation Rodeph Shalom
Following the Shabbat evening service, join Congregation Rodeph Shalom, featuring Brotherly Love, the ensemble of Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus with a special guest performance by Cantor Hyman. To register, click here.
Building a New Home in Our Minds
Sunday, June 4 | 5:00 p.m.
Virtual
Join the Jewish Federation’s Kehillot (neighborhood groups) and community partners for an interactive workshop that will give participants a roadmap to support gender diverse and transgender youth. Led by Kohenet Dr. Harriette E. Wimms, a clinical psychologist and contract trainer for Keshet, this program is an opportunity to gather information, ask questions and support each other in a safe and affirming environment. To register, click here.
MoHo Goes to Pride 2023!
Sunday, June 4 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
South 13th Street & Locust Street
Let’s get proud! Join Moishe House to celebrate those who identify as LGBTQ+ at Philly Pride. Come for the Food Truck Market, selling a wide variety of bites from local vendors, live performances by Philly area performers, tributes to LGBTQ+ community pioneers and stay for the party! To register, click here.
PRIDE “Love Light and Liberation” March
Sunday, June 4 | 10:30 a.m.
Constitution Center on 5th and Arch Streets
Join and walk with us in celebration of our authentic selves! Prior to the march, there will be a short time for speeches, music and joy. March alongside the J.Proud Consortium and constituents from its 44 member organizations and synagogues. Whether joining with friends, family or solo, all are welcome to enjoy this Pride March. Don’t leave once the march is over, there will be a festival following to celebrate love and unity. No registration necessary. To register with the J.Proud Consortium, click here.
The Big, Queer B’nai Mitzvah Party
Tuesday, June 6 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Elkins Park - Address Given Upon Registration
All of the celebrating, none of the studying! jkidpride, J. Proud and Moving Traditions invites LGBTQ+ teens (12-18) for an evening of music, food, games and friends! Parents/caregivers will have the opportunity to socialize while the teens hang out, if desired. Dress in whatever makes you feel fabulous! To register, click here.
Torah Queeries
Tuesday, June 6 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Congregation Rodeph Shalom or Virtual
Come build queer CommUNITY at Torah Queeries: Nosh and Drash. Bring your own dinner, and eat together as a community at 6:30 p.m., followed by discussion with the Rabbi at 7:00 p.m. Join for dinner, discussion, or stay for the whole evening! Although participants will view Torah from a queer perspective, this event is open to everyone, and allies, friends and the LGBTQ+ congregants are welcome. To register in person, click here. To register virtually, click here.
Pride Picnic
Sunday, June 11 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pavilion at Har Zion Temple
In the spirit of community, the four conservative synagogues of the Main Line will come together to celebrate Pride Month with a summer picnic. Let’s elevate the Jewish-ness of Pride and LGBTQ+ inclusion, connect and learn how to serve as effective allies. To register, click here.
2023 Pride Shabbat: Colors in Song
Friday, June 13 | 7:00 p.m.
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel or Virtual
Celebrate a Sermon-in-Song featuring musical expressions of the LGBTQ+ Community by Jewish composers. Join Cantor Amy Levy, Ross M. Levy, Galia Godel, Lee Slobotkin and KI students for this special Shabbat service. To register, click here.
Queeraoke
Tuesday, June 13 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Moishe House Philly
Pride month is about expressing yourself, and what better way to celebrate queer culture than singing your heart out to some amazing queer anthems? From disco jams to tender ballads, there is a song for everyone! Come jam out at the Moishe House to some LGBTQ+ iconic karaoke songs. To register, click here.
‘Pink Triangle Legacies: Coming Out in the Shadow of the Holocaust’
Thursday, June 15 | 6:00 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Join in commemorating Pride Month with a compelling discussion on the intersection of LGBTQ+ history and the Holocaust. The event will be moderated by Jake Newsome, author of “Pink Triangle Legacies,” who will guide participants through the complex history and meaning of the pink triangle and how knowledge of the Holocaust shaped the fight for queer liberation and influenced American gay rights activism. To register, click here.
Tie Dye and Picnic in the Park
Tuesday, June 20 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Clark Park Bowl
Join J on the Way and JPROUD for Tie Dye and a Picnic! Snacks and drinks will be available, but participants can bring their own dinner and a picnic basket. All Tie Dye materials will be provided. Bring your own white t-shirts or purchase them with registration. To register, click here.
Pride Shabbat Dinner
Friday, June 23 | 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Private home in Mount Airy
Welcome in Shabbat with a dinner hosted by Tribe 12 for those who identify as Jewish, whose partner is Jewish, or who are exploring Judaism. Tribe 12 seeks to include all individuals regardless of gender or identity expression, religious history and practice, health and disability whether visible or invisible and financial circumstances. To register, click here.
Pride Bowl
Sunday, June 25 | 12:00 p.m.
Round 1 Bowling & Amusement
Pride month may be ending but that is no reason to stop celebrating! Join pRiSm at Round1 Bowling & Amusement located at Market East. Pay your own way. Participants will meet to get lanes and bowl. To register, click here.
Pride: The Continuing Struggle for Queer Liberation Across America and Israel
Tuesday, June 27 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Virtual
Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community Relations Council for a discussion on the history and current state of the LGBTQ+ rights movement both locally in our community, and across the sea in Israel. This panel will feature academics, activists and lawmakers discussing where we have been and where we must go in order to achieve full queer liberation. To register, click here.
Love is in the Ground: Album Release and Queer Jewish Music Night
Thursday, June 29 | 7:00 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and Virtual
Celebrate the release of Rena Branson’s new album, Love Is the Ground and compositions by West-Philly based queer Jewish musical collaborators. Branson’s music seamlessly weaves together Hebrew liturgy, English poetry and wordless nigunim (spiritual melodies). Attendees are welcome to move and sing along throughout the event. Come as you are! To register, click here.
SPECIAL MENTION: Sparking Connections Information Session
Tuesday, July 25
If you are 45 or under, identify as Jewish and LGBTQ+ and are looking to connect with others on a deeper level – while learning more about specialized topics through an Israel lens – the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has a program for you! Sparking Connections Near and Far is a yearlong program, beginning in September, that brings people together to learn more about diversity and inclusion topics through an Israel lens and which offers an immersive travel opportunity to Israel. For questions, contact Galia at ggodel@jfcsphilly.org or 267.273.6006.
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As a member of the J.Proud Consortium and a funder of organizations, programs and initiatives that support the LGBTQ+ community, the Jewish Federation remains steadfast in its mission to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. You can support this work by making a gift by clicking here.