Pride Month is almost here! This June, rainbow flags will proudly be displayed throughout Greater Philadelphia to celebrate the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and other gender identities and sexual orientations) community. 

Inclusivity has deep roots within Jewish tradition, stemming from the biblical phrase "B'tzelem Elohim," which means all people are made in G-d's likeness and, therefore, should be treated with respect. Upholding this tenant, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia remains dedicated in its commitment to creating welcoming Jewish spaces where all are accepted.

"Building a united community is more essential than ever," said the Jewish Federation’s Director of Leadership Development and Governance Lori Rubin. "Pride Month celebrations emphasize that each individual is unique and contributes meaningfully to our collective story. The Jewish Federation continues to create opportunities that celebrate Jewish pride and identity, while fostering a welcoming community where all people are treated with dignity and respect."

The Jewish Federation is a proud member of the J.Proud Consortium, which will host and partner with various events throughout Pride Month focusing on acceptance, inclusion, and community building.

“When the Jewish community celebrates Pride, it affirms that LGBTQ+ Jews belong, that they are valued and loved, and that their queer and Jewish identities are beautifully interconnected,”  said Program Manager Galia Godel of Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS), which heads the J.Proud Consortium. 

From workshops and educational sessions, to community picnics and celebrations, Pride month offers numerous Jewish ways to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community.

Claiming our Inheritance: Taking Space As LGBTQIA+ Jews
Wednesday, May 21 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

In this series, created by and for LGBTQIA+ Jews and Jewish adjacent folks, Tribe 12 will explore the ways that many of us have been kept out of various spaces and how we can claim our inheritance as full participants in the Jewish community. To learn more and register, click here. 

Torah Queeries
Wednesday, June 4 | 6:30 p.m.
Congregation Rodeph Shalom

Join Congregation Rodeph Shalom for a celebration dinner to honor and discuss the Torah through a queer lens with student rabbi Sai Koros. To learn more and register, click here. 

Rainbow Challah Baking Workshop
Wednesday, June 4 | Various Times
Beth David Reform Congregation

Join Cantor Goodlev and bake a rainbow challah to show your support for Pride month! There will be two stages of baking: the first stage will be mixing and dying from 11:30 a.m.  1:30 p.m. and the second stage will be braiding and baking from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Community members are welcome to join either stage or both! To register, email Cantor Goodlev at lgoodlev@bdavid.org.  

Shabbat Celebrating Pride
Friday, June 6 | 7:30 - 10 p.m.
Congregation Rodeph Shalom

Celebrate with dinner after services to honor and commemorate Pride Month 2025. Led by renowned klezmer trombonist Dan Blacksberg, Di Katzenmuzik ("cacophony" / "cat-music" in Yiddish) is dedicated to great klezmer music, justice and creating a vibrant Philly Jewish culture. Miryam Coppersmith will lead Yiddish folk dancing! To register, click here. 

2025 LGBTQ+ Pride Mission to Israel
Sunday, June 8 - June 12
Israel

The Jewish Federations of North America's 2025 LGBTQ+ Pride Mission to Israel will gather North American LGBTQ+ Jewish, civic leaders, and allies for a transformative experience that will deepen participants’ relationship to Israel’s past, present, and future. During this mission, leaders will engage with Israel and its LGBTQ+ community. Participants will learn about the diversity of Israeli society, the work being done to advance equality and how to combat LGBTQ+phobia. Specifically, this trip will focus on post-Oct. 7 Israel and the resiliency of the Israeli LGBTQ+ community. To learn more and register, click here. 

Your LGBTQ+ Questions Answered 
Tuesday, June 10 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
JFCS - Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center

Ever wonder what some of the words and letters mean when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Join JFCS’ Galia Godel to learn more about the community and how to be a good ally. This will help you talk to your grandchildren and understand the terms you come across. To register, email swalls@jfcsphilly.org org call 215.320.0351.

Queer Havdalah
Saturday, June 21 | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Rittenhouse

Indulge in sweet treats and game night fun with Galia Godel from Jewish Federation and the Tribe 12 Queer Community! Join us Saturday evening for socializing and desserts, culminating in a Havdalah ceremony. Register and find more details by clicking here.

Tacos and Torah: Pride edition 
Tuesday, June 24 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Share a taco dinner with Dr. Brendan Goldman (Rabbi Megan's brother and new Chair of Jewish Life and Learning at Gratz) followed by engaging community discussion. This month's Tacos and Torah explores "Reclaiming Sodom: Queer Acts Real and Imagined in the Hebrew Bible." For details and registration, click here.

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As a member of the J.Proud Consortium and a proud fundraiser of organizations, programs, and initiatives that support the LGBTQ+ community, the Jewish Federation is dedicated to honor the diversity within our community, and promote inclusion through educational programming, advocacy, and direct support services. Click here to support this work by making a gift.