Rabbi Janine's Messages

Dear Community, 

Tonight we celebrate Pride Shabbat at Kehilat HaNahar. I would like to use this opportunity to share a few resources to make your Pride Shabbat extra meaningful this year. 

First, I highly recommend listening to the podcast episode “Hope is a Muscle” from Hashivenu. Hashivenu is hosted by Rabbi Dr. Deborah Waxman, President and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism. In this episode, Rabbi Waxman speaks with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie and together discuss the future of progressive Zionism, liberal Judaism, and how progressive Jews can and should rise up to this moment to protect what we value most about Judaism. I was incredibly moved by their conversation. Play this episode in the car on the way to running errands or on your daily walk, make sure you get a chance to listen. 

You might recognize the name Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie as he is also the subject of the documentary The Sabbath Queen, which is playing this Sunday at the Doylestown County Theater for Pride. I hope you will give the episode a listen and join me for the screening of The Sabbath Queen on Sunday at the Doylestown County Theater. Please get your tickets ahead of time and let me know if you are coming!

And finally, Pride honors the struggles and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in history. Pride also turns a lens on the places in our society where justice is still lacking. Pride Month is observed annually in June, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a watershed moment in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. 

Since its inception, Pride has always been political. It would be disingenuous to celebrate Pride, especially Pride Shabbat, without adding a call for social justice. More than ever, our trans family and friends need our help to protect their rights as holy beings in the world. Currently adovcates are tracking several anti-trans legislation in PA and in NJ . Your voice is important and 5calls makes it easier than ever to be heard. 

So download the podcast, buy your movie tickets, and give your representatives a call, and then join me and your KHN community tonight at 7 p.m. for Pride Shabbat! 

Shabbat Shalom, 

​​​​​​​Rabbi Janine Jankovitz