This weekend, marchers in Tel Aviv’s Pride Parade will mostly be greeted by cheering throngs of allies who will join them on the route, dance along, or just smile and nod as they pass by. Though Tel Aviv is one of the most gay-friendly cities on the planet, it is quite another matter in Jerusalem. Though the Jerusalem police force has promised 2,000 officers—out in force—to protect the marchers in its Pride Parade, their intolerant opponents have threatened fierce resistance. Two of the most strident antagonists of LGBTQ+ rights in Israel now serve in the current government: Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir have been among those advocating protests against the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the past and have been associated with an anti-LGBTQ+ organization called Lehava. Over the years, there have been incidents of rock throwing, shouting of slurs, and, in 2015, an activist killed a 16-year-old participant. Needless to say, marchers are apprehensive but determined to assert their rights.
Last week’s Torah portion, Naso, contains one of the most beautiful and familiar ancient blessings in the Torah: May God bless you and keep you. May God’s presence be with you and life be gracious to you. May God’s wisdom guide you through life and may you be blessed with peace. (Translation is mine. See the Hebrew here.)
Tradition holds that it was recited by the Temple Kohanim in Jerusalem. Today, certain communities invite the Kohanim to chant its words on holy days. It can also be recited by parents on Shabbat and for other occasions. We sing and chant the words often at Wise to express our blessings at b’nai mitzvah, weddings, and even graduations. It is a blessing of unconditional love and acceptance. As the Pride activists and allies head out on their march this week, may the spirit of this blessing shine brightly upon them and may the people of Jerusalem show them grace and compassion.
—Rabbi Ron Stern
We hope you celebrate with us this Friday at our Pride Shabbat. On Sunday, we invite you to join our clergy and other members of our community as we march in the L.A. Pride Parade. Wise will be walking as part of Unity in Community, a group of walkers that includes a wide cross-section of the L.A. Jewish community. Wise is a proud co-sponsor of Unity in Community, joining Temple Israel of Hollywood, Temple Akiba, IKAR, Jewish Center for Justice, Leo Baeck Temple, Nefesh, Temple Emanuel, Kehilat Israel, Kol Ami, Temple Isaiah, Temple Beth Hillel, Beth Chayim Chadashim, and Hillside Memorial and Mortuary.
