Your Jewish guide to Pride 2021

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By PJ Grisar June 9, 2021

We are officially in Pride Month, and this year, with the return of some in-person events, it feels particularly festive.

Yes, we’re still not through with the pandemic, but in-person Pride Shabbatot on sunny beaches, special seminars and yes, even parades are back on. And there are also still plenty of virtual options, offering the chance to partake in even the most far-flung institution’s festivities.

The events listed below are just some of the many you can add to your calendar. Have an item you’d like us to consider including? Email [email protected].

New York

Museum of Jewish Heritage

“The Daring Life and Dangerous Times of Eve Adams” Zoom seminar | Monday, June 14 at 6 p.m. EST

Historian Jonathan Ned Katz and guests will discuss Katz’s new book on Eve Adams, a Polish emigrant to the United States, political firebrand, operator of gay-friendly speakeasies in Chicago and New York and the author of the book “Lesbian Love.”

Marlene Meyerson JCC, Manhattan

“Thank You for Coming Out” virtual conversation with François Clemmons | Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. EST

The JCC of Manhattan is collaborating with the podcast “Thank You For Coming Out,” which spotlights lesbian, gay, trans, bi and nonbinary coming out stories, to present a conversation with François Clemmons, who created the role of Officer Clemmons on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and was the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s TV show.

Beit Simchat Torah, Manhattan

Virtual Pride Brunch and Queer Liberation March | Sunday, June 27 at 2:30 p.m. EST

In addition to a variety of events throughout the month, the progressive shul will conclude Pride month by hosting an online Jew York Pride Brunch — stay tuned for details on the exact timing — and sending a delegation to the in-person third Annual Queer Liberation March, beginning at Bryant Park.

Ackman & Ziff Genealogy Institute, Manhattan

Find the LGBTQ+ relative you never knew you had | Monday, June 28 at 2 p.m. EST

Genealogist Janice Sellers will host a Zoom lecture on the process of discovering queer members of your family, the ethical implications of that research and the question of how gay history can inform our search for and understanding of our ancestry.

New Jersey

Temple Ner Tamid, Montclair

Havdalah and Pride celebration | Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. EST

Guest speakers Robyn Streisand — a Babs relation and media CEO — and Rob Smith, CEO and founder of gender-neutral clothing company PHLUID, will speak over Zoom about what drives their lives and businesses.

California

Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco

Pride Shabbat “Fireside Chat” with Rabbi Denise L. Eger | Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. PT

Rabbi Denise L. Eger will join Rabbi Jason Rodich in a “fireside chat” on Facebook Live to discuss Eger’s new book, “Mishkah Ga’avah: Where Pride Dwells,” a collection of LGBTQ liturgy, rituals and poems. A prayer book is available here.

Washington, DC

Sixth & I Synagogue

National Pride Shabbat | Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m. EST

Sixth & I is beginning to resume in-person events with Pride Shabbat. The limited in-person seats sold out fast, but you can follow along on Facebook for the inclusive service.

Bet Mishpachah

Pride cocktail-making class and mixer| Friday, June 11 at 7:15 p.m. EST

Bet Mishpacha DC’s LGBT synagogue will [host a virtual cocktail tutorial before Shabbat services at 8. RSVP here by 5 p.m. June 11.

International

Keshet | Events throughout June

Keshet, an organization devoted to LGBTQ equality in Jewish life, has a whole host of events this month, including a multi-day Teen Pride Fest on Zoom and an online Pride Panel June 23 with international offshoots of Keshet. More information can be found here.

PJ Grisar is a Forward culture reporter. He can be reached at [email protected] and @pjgrisar on Twitter.

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