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Shabbat Shalom Shaarei Kodesh,
Unmasking Dignity: Community Pride Shabbat
with the JCC and CSK
On February 22, 2020, just weeks before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our congregation held our first-ever Keshet Shabbat, in partnership with Keshet, an organization dedicated to ensuring full equality for LGBTQ+ Jews and their families in Jewish life. It was a powerful and moving Shabbat, featuring a D’var Torah from one of our congregants who identifies as gay and a panel discussion with LGBTQ+ members and allies.
I remember how, before that Shabbat, some congregants had spoken to me privately about their trans relatives—but always in whispers. As their rabbi, I was often one of the few people they felt comfortable confiding in. But on that Shabbat, something shifted. One of our congregants shared the story of her trans grandson with the entire community for the first time. A conversation that had been hidden was finally brought into the open, embraced with love and dignity.
Now, five years later, we have the opportunity to continue this important work as we prepare for our Community Pride Shabbat on Friday, March 21, sponsored by the Levis JCC and other Jewish organizations. This service, which will be held at the JCC in lieu of our traditional Friday night service at CSK, offers a connection not only to our Torah reading this week but also to the holiday of Purim, which we just celebrated last week.
Purim is a holiday of masks—of hiding and revealing. Esther concealed her Jewish identity, only to reveal it when it mattered most. Mordechai put on royal garments, symbolizing transformation and dignity. And we, too, wear costumes—sometimes for fun, but sometimes as a way to explore different aspects of our identities. One beautiful reason given for this tradition of dressing up is that it minimizes the embarrassment of the poor who collect matanot levyonim (gifts to the needy) on this day. By disguising ourselves, we create a world where differences are softened, where dignity is shared, and where everyone—regardless of their background—can feel a sense of belonging.
This is the essence of our annual Community Pride Shabbat. It is a moment to affirm that every person is created B’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, and that every person is valued. Last Shabbat, we read the story of the Half-Shekel, the obligatory offering that each person in the camp gave to the Mishkan, whether they were rich or poor. The question the commentators wondered was, “Why does everyone have to pay the same? Why couldn’t a richer person pay more to make up for a poorer person?” Ibn Ezra, a well known Spanish Medieval commentator, explains that the reason for this is that the money is an atonement for one’s soul, which was the expressed purpose of the census. The implication here is that all souls are equally precious.
This is a moment to affirm this essential truth in our tradition. It is a moment to ensure that no one feels the need to hide who they are; a moment to celebrate the beautiful diversity of our community, offering a sacred space where all are seen, valued, and loved.
This week’s parashah, Vayakhel, opens with Moses gathering the entire community of Israel to instruct them about the sacred work of building the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. The Torah emphasizes that this was a communal effort, involving every person, regardless of background, skill, or status. The Mishkan was built by the collective contributions of all—offering their talents, their resources, and their hearts. It was a sacred space where each person had a role, and each person belonged.
Purim and Vayakhel both teach us that building sacred community requires visibility, dignity, and the participation of every individual. Just as the Mishkan could only stand through the contributions of all, our community thrives when we embrace and uplift every person, ensuring that all feel welcomed and valued.
Now, more than ever, we must stand as allies to support our LGBTQ+ Jewish siblings. Just as the Israelites came together to build a space where God’s presence could dwell among them, we must come together to build a community where dignity, love, and inclusion are at the foundation.
Our Community Pride Shabbat service, hosted annually by the Levis JCC, will be in the spirit of our "Spirits of Shabbat" service, featuring musical instruments and uplifting melodies. It will be co-led by me, Rabbi David Baum, Cantor Yakov Hadash, and Scott Reiter. The event is made possible thanks to the dedication of our incredible organizers from CSK, Louis Rosner, Jill Yesner, and the staff/volunteers from Keshet and the Levis JCC.
As we prepare for our Community Pride Shabbat this Friday, March 21, let us reflect on the lessons of Purim and Vayakhel: that true community is built when all are seen and valued, and that dignity is not just a value—it is a lived reality for all.
I invite you to join us tomorrow evening. Together, let us continue to build a world where no one has to mask their true self, and where we create spaces of belonging for all.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David Baum
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