For the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community, the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and the celebration of queer joy are deeply rooted in traditions of inclusion, justice and community building. After all, Pride Month originated with the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, when LGBTQ+ New Yorkers demanded fair treatment and the right to be themselves in the face of government persecution.

This June, Jewish Philadelphia is living its values by creating affirming spaces. From family game nights to Pride Shabbat services, local organizations are coming together to honor Pride and foster a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is a proud supporter of organizations that provide community events and social services for LGBTQ+ community members. Grantees providing direct services to the queer community include Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) and Tribe 12.

“The Jewish Federation is rooted in its mission to secure a vibrant Jewish future for all members of the Jewish community. This includes ensuring safe, welcoming Jewish spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Jewish Federation Senior Chief of External Affairs Jeffrey Lasday.

The Jewish Federation is also a member of the J.Proud Consortium, which will host and partner with various events throughout Pride Month.

“The Jewish community holds so many foundational values that tell us to support LGBTQ+ individuals – seeing each person as made in the image of the divine, welcoming the stranger, saving lives,” said Program Manager Galia Godel of JCFS, who heads the J.Proud Consortium. “By opening our arms and doors to LGBTQ+ communities, we embody those Jewish values while making our synagogues and schools richer in diversity and connection.”

Pride Events in Jewish Philadelphia

Below are some of the events held by local Jewish organizations working to create a more inclusive and affirming community this Pride Month.

Queer Game Night

Tuesday, June 2 | 6-8 p.m.

The Board and Brew

Join Galia and the Queer Tribe at The Board and Brew for board games! The Board and Brew has an extensive library of games and a food and drink menu to choose from. Your $5 ticket includes board game rentals. To learn more and register, click here.

Friday Night Pride

Friday, June 5 | 5-8 p.m.

Germantown Jewish Centre

Join our community for a celebration of Pride and Shabbat observance. To learn more, click here.

J Pride Potluck and Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Friday, June 5 | 5:45-8 p.m.

Mishkan Shalom

Bring your favorite dish, and enjoy a Pride-themed potluck and Shabbat service. To learn more, click here.

Pride Shabbat

Friday, June 5 | 7-8 p.m.

Temple Sinai of Cinnaminson

Join us for Shabbat services celebrating Pride. To learn more, click here.

Pride Shabbat Picnic and Service at the Park

Friday, June 5 | 6-7:30 p.m.

Darchei Noam

Join the Darchei Noam community for a celebration of Pride with a picnic and Shabbat service. To learn more, click here.

Shabbat Dinner Celebrating Pride

Friday, June 5 | 7:30-9 p.m.

Congregation Rodeph Shalom

Please join us for dinner after services to celebrate Pride with Brotherly Love, an ensemble of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. To learn more, click here.

Family Pride Shabbat

Friday, June 5 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

We invite you to join us for our Pride Shabbat service. To learn more, click here.

Pride Minyan

Saturday, June 6 |10:30 a.m.

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

Join us for a joyful, inclusive minyan that honors our whole selves and our community. A luncheon sponsored by Evonne and Isaak Kruger will follow. To learn more, click here.

Pride Shabbat Morning Services

Saturday, June 6 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Kol Tzedek

Join us for songful and reflective Psalms and Shacharit, following traditional liturgy while integrating nigunim, poetry and mindfulness. To learn more, click here.

Queer Torah Study

Sundays in June | 10 a.m.

Kol Tzedek

Join our congregation for Torah study through a queer lens. To learn more, click here.

March with J.Proud

Sunday, June 7 | 12 p.m.

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Join J.Proud in Philadelphia’s annual Pride March. For details, email ggodel@jfcsphilly.org.

Pride Shabbat Service

Friday, June 12 | 7-8 p.m.

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

Join Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel for a Pride-themed Shabbat service featuring music and special readings. Oneg to follow. To learn more, click here.

Kulanu Pride Shabbat Lunch

Saturday, June 13 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Join Kulanu for a light lunch following Torah Study. Stay, mingle with our guest speaker, Gila Axelrod, and enjoy a bagel nosh. To learn more, click here.

Gayme Night

Thursday, June 18 | 5:30 p.m.

Kesher Israel Congregation

Come to a relaxed, joyous game night for the whole community. Snacks and drinks will be provided. This event is perfect for the whole family. To learn more, click here.

Pride Shabbat

Friday, June 19 | 6-7 p.m.

Ohev Shalom of Bucks County

Join us for a Pride Shabbat service. To learn more, click here.

Pride at the Park

Saturday, June 20 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Narberth Park

Join Beth David Reform Congregation at Lower Merion and Narberth’s Annual Pride Festival. To learn more about the festival, click here.

Pride Shabbat Dinner

Friday, June 26 | 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Beth Chaim Reform Congregation

Join us at Beth Chaim for Pride Shabbat and dinner followed by a panel of LGBTQ+ members. To learn more, click here.

Bucks-Mont Pride Festival

Sunday, June 28 | 12-5 p.m.

Abington Art Center

Join members of the Jewish community, including J.Proud and Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, at the annual celebration of Pride. This event features live music, food, games and vendors. To learn more, click here.

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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 of Greater Philadelphia remains steadfast in its mission to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. You can support this work by making a gift by clicking here.