Cantor Bronwen Mullin, Congregation Beth Shalom
It’s hard to believe that this is already the third year of our annual Pride Shabbat!
When Rachel Mussaf first came to me in the spring of 2023 with the idea that Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) should publicly declare its support for the LGBTQIA community, especially in support of queer youth, I was moved to tears. As one of the first openly queer students to be ordained by the Conservative Movement and the Jewish Theological Seminary, I never felt more appreciated and respected for my full identity than at CBS.
Our synagogue has been a loving and spiritually healing home for me and so many folks who come from historically marginalized identities, looking for a place to build meaningful friendships and community where diversity is held as an essential strength and something to be celebrated. We are a community that walks the walk and, now, going into our third year of Pride Shabbat, we are a community that also dances, sings, and davens our values. Most importantly, we want you all to join us! Whether you’ve been in the CBS orbit before or you’re just beginning to dip your toe into Jewish life in Delaware, we would love to celebrate with you!
This year is an especially important year to show up with our full hearts for Pride Shabbat. The number of anti-LGBTQIA legislations being passed and enforced throughout the United States is alarming, and an affront to our most deeply held Jewish values.
The rabbinic concepts of Betzelem Elohim (that everyone is created in the image of G-d) and Kavod haBriyot (that all life is to be honored and protected as a holy creation) are on the line for Jews around the country, but Delaware has been a leader and a force for good. Our very own Congresswoman Sarah McBride has become a national figure, both for representation of the LGBTQIA community and her commitment to the greater project of unity in this country for the good of all and the protection of the most vulnerable.
This year at Pride Shabbat we are honored to have Ivy Harlev, the first woman to be named as the CEO of the Siegel JCC as our guest speaker. Ivy has tirelessly fought for strengthening the joy and connection of the Jewish Community in Delaware and, as an openly gay woman, has served as a role model for so many of us when it comes to bringing your full self to the work you are most passionate about.
Please join us for Pride Shabbat!
June 20, 6 PM, BYOD (Bring your own Dinner) with a musical and celebratory Shabbat service beginning at 7 PM. Siegel JCC, 101 Garden of Eden Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803.
We can’t wait to be with you!
