You’re invited to Pride Shabbat 2023

The congregations invite the entire community to share a joyous and meaningful Friday prayer service starting at 6pm at Cong. B'nai Israel, 300 58th St North, 33710. There is plenty of off-street free parking in the synagogue lot.

TBE Rabbi Jenn Mangold and CBI Rabbi Philip Weintraub will lead the service with special liturgy. Musicians from both congregations will inspire with prayers using contemporary and traditional melodies.

Special guest for the Friday evening and Saturday morning services is Rabbi Steve Greenberg, the first openly gay Orthodox rabbi and founder of Eshel, which produces innovative programming for Orthodox LGBTQ Jews and their families in Israel and the Jerusalem Open House, the Holy City's LGBTQ community center. He is the author of the award-winning Wrestling with God and Men: Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition. Rabbi Greenberg's sermon will explore various interpretations of the Biblical prohibition against homosexuality. Tombolo Books will host a book signing with Rabbi Greenberg in the lobby at 5:30pm before services.

During the Friday service, Jessica Pierce of Temple Beth-El will talk about her personal journey into queerness, how Judaism and queerness complement each other, and how the community can stand in solidarity with LGBTQ . They came out as queer in their thirties and cares deeply about social justice. She has spent parts of her career helping the homeless, fighting human trafficking, and volunteering with refugees.

Rabbi Greenberg will speak again during Saturday morning services at Congregation B’nai Israel, followed by a kiddush luncheon celebrating Pride Month.

Temple Beth-El is organizing the Jewish community participation in the St. Pete Pride Parade, Saturday evening, June 24. It's free to march but registration is required. TBE will send registrants the time and location when St. Pete Pride releases the details. www.TempleBeth-El.com/PRIDE

All programs are free, open to the public, and celebrate LGBTQ+ Jews, allies, friends, and families.

Please bring yours.

Contact: Valerie Hyman, (727) 324-8022, ValerieHyman@BetterNews.com

We have a range of sponsorship levels. (see below) All donations will be recognized.  Visit the donations page on our website or drop a check by the office. Contact Valerie Hyman for more information (727) 324-8022.