June, historically Delight Month, is nearly right here, and this yr, Delight will take a look at the braveness of our nation. It has been a difficult time for the LGBTQ+ group – with makes an attempt to erase trans individuals, roll again civil rights for the broader LGBTQ group, ban Delight flags, and in 10 states there are payments to take again the precise to marry… in addition to stress for firms and religion teams to distance themselves from Delight celebrations.
In a strong response, Interfaith Alliance is bringing collectively an incredible coalition of leaders and communities across the pressing name to Recommit to Delight – and we’re encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to signal the Recommit to Delight Pledge.
This week on The State of Perception, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, a real pioneer in progressive activism and LGBTQ+ inclusion throughout the Jewish group. Rabbi Kleinbaum has devoted her life to creating areas of religion and help for marginalized communities, and her insights are extra related now than ever.
On this in-depth dialog, you’ll hear all about:
- The Energy of Group and Motion: Rabbi Kleinbaum emphasizes that whereas nobody can do every thing, everybody can do one thing. This mantra has guided her all through her journey, from her early days within the LGBTQ+ motion to her present function because the director of The Beacon, a multi-faith initiative aimed toward mobilizing communities in response to political challenges.
- Pleasure Amidst Wrestle: One of the crucial profound classes provided is the significance of creating room for pleasure, even within the face of struggling. Rabbi Kleinbaum highlights how each the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities have traditionally used humor and celebration as instruments for survival. She reminded us that whereas we should acknowledge the ache and challenges we face, we even have a duty to nurture our spirits and discover pleasure in our lives.
- Engagement within the Current Second: Rabbi Kleinbaum’s work with The Beacon encourages every of us to take an lively function in our communities. By collaborating in native actions and expressing a imaginative and prescient for a greater future, we will create a “break up display screen” that showcases each the challenges we face, and the hope we maintain.
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum is a fixture in Jewish life, progressive activism, and interfaith organizing in New York Metropolis and much past. She led the most important LGBTQ synagogue on this planet, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, from 1992 – 2024 with a strong message of inclusivity, social justice and non secular resistance. From service and help to essentially the most marginalized throughout the top of the AIDS disaster, to the devastation of the primary Trump administration, Rabbi Sharon introduced braveness and knowledge to her a long time of management at CBST, the place she now holds the title of Rabbi Emerita. In the present day she serves as director of The Beacon, and teaches at Jewish Theological Seminary in New York Metropolis and the Rabbinical College of Hebrew Faculty in Boston.
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