Rabbi Stiefel's Monthly Article

Current June 2025

Rabbi Sharon Stiefel

Pride

June is Pride Month—a time of celebration, resistance, and remembrance for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. At Mayim Rabim, this season is not just about rainbow flags and parades; it is about living out our values.

Mayim Rabim was founded with a commitment to inclusiveness of LGBTQ+ individuals. In our current political environment, we find that we need to fight to protect the sacred humanity of every person, especially those whose identities have been marginalized or politicized. In particular, the rights and dignity of transgender individuals are under siege. As legislation across the country threatens the safety, autonomy, and lives of trans people, we are called by Torah, by conscience, and by community to remain vigilant in our commitment to trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. Trans people are a cherished part of our community. In our community, people of all genders can find belonging and spiritual nourishment. 

The Thriving Communities team of Reconstructing Judaism recently sent a letter to congregational leaders affirming its commitment to the “full inclusion, acceptance, appreciation, celebration and welcome of people of all gender identities in Jewish life and in society at large.” It included a list of best practices and actions that congregations could take—both immediate and long-term—to support trans and nonbinary community members and their families. Sandra Levine is convening a group of interested members and friends of Mayim Rabim to review these proposed actions and brainstorm steps Mayim Rabim might take to help make this vision of inclusivity and support even stronger, both within our congregation and in the broader community. If you are interested in being part of this group, please contact Sandra Levine at sblev64@gmail.com. 

During Pride month, we make even more visible our unwavering commitment. Join us at Mayim Rabim’s annual Pride Shabbat service on Friday, June 6. Sandra Levine will be sharing words of Torah and leading a discussion.

Keshet, an organization for Jewish LGBTQ+ rights, recently shared a sign to express our commitment. We are now posting it on our door and website at Mayim Rabim. 

The Twin Cities Pride Festival takes place during the weekend of June 28th and 29th. The Jewish community has several opportunities to participate.  On Saturday, June 28, join J-Pride in Loring Park at 10 am for the annual Pride Shabbat morning service On Sunday, June 29, march with Mayim Rabim and J-Pride in the Twin Cities Pride Parade. You can also stop by the J-Pride booth at Loring Park. (J-Pride is a program through the Jewish Family and Children’s Service that brings together LGBTQ+ people and those who support them.) 

Let us move forward this Pride Month with hearts open and deepened commitment. Let us learn, listen, and lend our voices in support of justice and inclusion, not only during Pride Month but all year long. When we make space for every soul to be seen and celebrated in their wholeness, we move toward a more just and compassionate world.