Melbourne’s largest synagogue proud of its Pride Tradition
Melbourne’s largest synagogue Temple Beth Israel (TBI) is hosting a Friday night ‘Pride Shabbat’ service on Friday.
The Pride Shabbat service honours the Jewish LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual) community and its friends, and focuses on issues of inclusion, equality and human rights.
Founded in 1930 TBI is the original Progressive synagogue in Australia and New Zealand.
In 2013 TBI was the proud host of the first ever celebration of the LGBTQIA community in a Victorian synagogue. For many of the 350 people in attendance it was the first time they had been actively invited and welcomed into a congregation.
TBI Rabbi Kim Ettlinger says “We are delighted, once again, to host Pride Shabbat for the fourth consecutive year. This service of inclusion represents our highest ideals of egalitarianism, respect and the fact that we are 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.”
“At TBI”, says Rabbi Ettlinger, “we acknowledge and celebrate the LGBTQIA community.”
Pride Shabbat is at 76-82 Alma Road St Kilda, 6.15pm Friday 27 January. All welcome.
Double Ooops, Just decided I’ll write a Bible too, not to worry it’s not going to be difficult to understand, Like God who is not the Father of Confusion, I try not to either so here goes.
In the beginning… and Amen.
Wasn’t to difficult to understand was it Rabbi Kim Ettlinger!
When did the letter “A” get added to LGBTIQ? What is ‘asexual’ anyway? Any more permutations in the offing?
The acronym is to long, often changing and unpronounceable.
Why not call the Pride March the Non Heterosexual Pride March (NHPM).
After all everyone who is not an Aborigine are often referred to as Non Indigenous.