After weeks of nonstop rain, the sun broke through—and so did we. Blankets down, spirits high, we kicked off LGBTQ+ Pride Month with our very first Federation Pride Gathering, a pre-party ahead of the bigger Livingston Pride Picnic, hosted by Shiv’s Third Eye, a local nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
From the start, there was a buzz in the air. Robin Amster from our Welcoming and Inclusion committee greeted everyone with open arms, setting the tone for the afternoon: come as you are, find your people. Rabbi Max Edwards of Temple B’nai Abraham shared a powerful reminder that showing up for LGBTQ+ community is an essential part of our Jewish values, especially during Shavuot, a holiday about gathering and sharing.
Our Federation booth was a hub of activity: rainbow sand candle-holders, colorful science experiments, Pride Shabbat kits, and ice cream sundaes. There was something for everyone.
Some guests shared that they’d been searching for a space to feel seen.
New community members who had never connected with Federation before were thrilled to find an LGBTQ+ inclusive Jewish space here. We also had a fantastic showing from our first Honeymoon Israel (HMI) cohort, a program that invites couples, including LGBTQ+ couples, to experience Israel together. (Curious about Honeymoon Israel? We’re hosting an info session soon—check it out!)
Some attendees shared that they have family in Israel, and after October 7th, old friendships fell apart due to diverging opinions on the war. They were searching for where they fit in and were grateful to find a Jewish LGBTQ+ gathering at a time when it felt hard to find that.
For many, this picnic felt like a turning point, a sign that, especially now, Jews who are proudly Jewish, love Israel, and are LGBTQ+ could fully be themselves.
We’re already looking ahead to more chances to come together:
- Pride in Maplewood – Sunday, June 8
- Montclair Pride – Saturday, June 14
If you were there, thank you for helping us make this first step such a success. If you couldn’t make it, we hope to see you next time. Remember, you can bring the Pride home all June with our free Pride Shabbat kits. Reserve yours here.