On Rosh Hodesh, we offer the words of the Hallel, a series of psalms recited on joyful occasions. As we enter Tamuz during Pride Month, I'm drawn to Psalm 118:22, The stone the builders rejected has become the keystone. I entered Rabbinical school at a time in which LBGTQI+ individuals lived in the closet. They hid from their teachers and from (many of) their classmates. Some hid from themselves as well. I was honored to work at the Jewish Theological Seminary when they finally decided to accept qualified rabbinical students regardless of who they chose to love. This
decision expanded the opportunity for wise, passionate and compassionate Jewish leadership. It repurposed what it means to be dugma ishit/personal example. Finally, more Jews could look in the mirror and at clergy and see themselves in new ways. With ongoing hard work, the consequential building block pushed to the side now served as an anchor, a critical corner.
Earlier this week, I took note of the steps leading up to the Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center now marked in the colors of the rainbow in honor of Pride. Each step has a unique corner more easily noticed when highlighted in this way. The colors rise up towards one another, reminding us of the different hues that bless our lives when we remain open and hopeful. My colleague Rabbi Benay Lappe used her wisdom and gifts to found SVARA, a traditionally radical yeshiva that places the voices of LGBTQI+ Jews at the center and reads the Talmud through a queer lens. Watch her ELI Talk here and take pride in this day that the Holy One has made. A time to celebrate and rejoice with and for all we bring as authentic beings to community and our world.
Shabbat Shalom rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
