The rainbow flags will fly high for Pride Month this June.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed to creating welcoming Jewish spaces where all are accepted.
“More than ever, now is a time to build a community that stands together,” said the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Director of Leadership Development and Governance Lori Rubin. “By celebrating Pride Month, we highlight that each individual is unique and an important part of our story. The Jewish Federation strives to create opportunities to celebrate Jewish pride, Jewish identity and treating all community members with dignity and respect. We want to ensure that everyone can be connected to Jewish life and receive the resources they need to feel welcomed and included.”
The Jewish Federation is a proud member of the J.Proud Consortium, which will host events throughout the month that focus on acceptance, inclusion and community.
“When you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and also Jewish, you’re facing discrimination on every side,” said Program Manager Galia Godel of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) that heads the J.Proud Consortium. “When the Jewish community comes together to celebrate Pride Month, it allows queer Jews to connect closely with the community, something that is so necessary in an unsafe world. Right now, being Jewish in queer spaces is especially complicated. In a world that’s become increasingly dangerous to both of these identities, it’s so important for leaders and organizations to show their unequivocal support for the gorgeous diversity of their community.”
From marches and festivals to picnics and learning sessions, there are so many Jewish ways to celebrate the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and other gender identities and sexual orientations) community.
“Recognizing shared struggles against bigotry and working to make a more inclusive world are of the utmost importance to the Jewish community,” said Jewish Federation’s JCRC Program Associate Julian Morein, who is the J.Proud Consortium representative. “I hope that everyone shows up throughout this upcoming month and always for our Queer community, both Jewish and non-Jewish.”
Shabbat Dinner and Cabaret Celebrating Pride
Friday, May 31 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Congregation Rodeph Shalom
Celebrate Pride Month with a Shabbat dinner with Berlin’s edgiest cabaret, "Lavender Songs: A Queer Weimar Berlin Cabaret," written and performed by Jeremy Lawrence. The performance will feature cabaret songs from Berlin with a twist from Jewish and queer composers and lyricists, including gender-bender political satire that is brave enough to use laughter to protest the dark times around us. To register, click here.
Philly Pride 365 March and Festival
Sunday, June 2 | 10:30 a.m.
Departing from 6th and Walnut Street
Join and walk with us in celebration of being you! Prior to the march, there will be speeches and music. Whether joining with friends, family or solo, all are welcome to enjoy this Pride March. Don’t leave once the march is over, stay for the “Be You” Pride Festival, which will run from Walnut Street to Cypress Street. To learn more and register, click here.
Pride Picnic
Tuesday, June 4 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Congregation Adath Israel
In the spirit of community, multiple Jewish congregations and organizations will join to celebrate Pride Month with a summer kosher BBQ picnic, water ice, and summer snacks. There will be activities for people of all ages including, arts and crafts, performances from local LQBTQ+ Jewish talent, a moon bounce and more. The Jewish Federation’s Lower Merion Kehillah is a proud co-sponsor this program hosted by the J.Proud Consortium, Adath Israel on the Main Line, Beth Am Israel, Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, Har Zion Temple, and other. To register, click here.
Pride 2024 Briefing
Friday, June 7 | 12:00 p.m.
Virtual
Learn about the current climate for LGBTQ+ Jews and their loved ones. During this briefing, hear safety and security considerations, best practices for crisis communication and resources for communities and individuals participating in pride celebrations. To register, click here.
Queer Learning Sessions
Wednesday, June 5 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday, June 14, Wednesday, June 19, Wednesday, June 26 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History
What do the ancient rabbis have to teach us about gender diversity? Delve into the history of biblical figures as we discuss queerness in Jewish history and text with Tribe 12. Did King David have a gay love affair with Jonathan? Was Ruth in an asexual romantic relationship with Naomi? To register, click here.
Pronouns Defined
Thursday, June 6 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC
While we’ve always used pronouns to refer to someone else in conversation, recently we’re hearing and seeing more discussion around pronouns. And yes, it can be confusing at first! They/them, he/him, she/her. Using someone’s pronouns correctly is a way of respecting them and referring to them in a way that’s true to who they are. In this session, we’ll discuss the “why” behind pronouns, the impact of pronouns, and how being mindful about using the correct pronouns is a great way to show respect for your family members, friends, and acquaintances. To register, click here.
Friday Night Pride!
Friday, June 7 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Germantown; Address will be given upon registration
Are you ready for a Friday night of pride? Join jkidphilly to enjoy music, stories, songs and a BBQ. To register, click here.
Pride Shabbat Service
Friday, June 7 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel
Celebrate Pride Month and hear from Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel congregants during this Shabbat service. To join virtually, click here.
Chester County PrideFest
Saturday, June 8 | 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bridge Street, Phoenixville
From music, art, and entertainment to various vendors, games, and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Celebrate, support and simply enjoy a day filled with positive energy and community spirit. Join jkidpride at Chester County’s PrideFest is a fantastic opportunity to come together, express yourself, and revel in the diversity that makes our community so special. All are welcome to join in the celebration. To register, click here.
Gender Affirming Clothing Swap
Sunday, June 9 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Congregation Beth El
Bring new or gently used clean clothing for a clothing swap. Bring your own bag and shop until you drop! Clothing can be dropped off prior to the event between Monday, May 20 - Friday, June 7. To learn more and to see other participating dropoff locations, click here.
Queer Singles Rainbow Picnic
Saturday, July 13 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Southwest Corner of Washington Square
Join Philadelphia’s queer Jewish singles for a rainbow picnic. What’s a rainbow picnic? It’s a creative and collaborative riff on a traditional picnic. Every guest is assigned a color and that person is responsible for providing their share of the rainbow by bringing a food in their assigned color. Then everyone gets to share all the food and enjoy a fun, colorful meal. All sexual orientations, gender identities, and commitment preferences are welcome at this Tribe 12 event! To register, click here.
Pride Shabbat
Friday, June 14 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Congregation Kol Ami - Kulanu
Welcome in Shabbat by making your community a welcoming space for all. Draw strength from Jewish traditions and connections with one another. There will be LGBTQ+ readings, prayers and speeches. To register, click here.
Queeraoke!
Thursday, June 20 | 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tavern on Camac
Join Tribe 12 and Moishe House for an evening of live Piano music and a sing along! To register, click here.
Pride Shabbat Dinner
Friday, June 28 | 6:00 p.m.
Kesher Israel Congregation
Celebrate Pride Month with a Shabbat dinner at Kesher Israel. There will be a Kabbalat Shabbat service following dinner. To register, click here.
Bucks-Mont Pride Festival
Sunday, June 30 | 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Abington Arts Center
The Welcome Project PA is hosting their fourth annual Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival at the beautiful Abington Art Center! Join jkidpride and enjoy live music, food, community resources, family-friendly activities and more at this free, indoor/outdoor event! To register, 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 remains steadfast in its mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can support this work by making a gift by clicking here.
