MELBOURNE’S largest synagogue will again hold a Pride Shabbat service for Victoria’s Jewish sexual and gender diverse community as part of the upcoming Midsumma Festival.
The Temple Beth Israel (TBI) will host the event to honour Jewish members of the LGBTI community and focus on issues around inclusion, equality, and human rights.
Rabbi Kim Ettlinger said she’s delighted to again be hosting the pride event.
“We are delighted to host Pride Shabbat for the fourth consecutive year,” she said.
“This service of inclusion represents our highest ideals of egalitarianism, respect, and the fact we’re all made in God’s image.
“We welcome all into our sanctuary, especially those who have in the past felt excluded from Jewish religious and communal life.”
Ettlinger added that the synagogue is very welcoming of sexual and gender diverse Victorians.
“At TBI we acknowledge and celebrate the LGBTI community,” she said.
The first ever pride celebration in a Victorian synagogue was held at the TBI in 2013.
Read the full article by Matthew Wade at The Star Observer.