Pride in Jerusalem

Yesterday was a momentous day in Jerusalem- the Gay Pride Parade! Here's an article if you are interested in reading more- http://jta.org/news/article/2009/06/25/1006139/jerusalem-pride-parade-relatively-violence-free. For those of you in the states, a gay pride parade may be no big deal. However, in uber traditional Jerusalem, it is a very big deal. I am not sure how many years it has been going on, but I think it is about 5. The group of about 4,000 gathered in Liberty Bell Park, a 10 minute walk from my apartment. After about a half an hour rally, the group walked towards Independence Park; which is usually only a 10 minute walk, but with 4,000 people it took about an hour. In the park there was a stage for music, some tents set up with beer, water, and just general hanging out. It was my first Pride parade, but I have to say it was very tame but a wonderful experience. It was exciting and inspiring to be part of such a wonderful demonstration for human rights in one of the most traditional cities in the world. And I was proud to be marching with my fellow HUC Rabbinic, Cantorial, and Education students. Especially as we marched by HUC's campus near the old city which proudly displayed a sign offering blessings to all people- lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, straight, you name it. I felt proud to be walking through the streets of Jerusalem, which were blocked off with police tape and barricades, and lined with almsot 2,000 armed police officers and soldiers. And I was proud of the traditional community of Jerusalem for quietly allowing this demonstration to happen, whatever their reasons, because I think it is important to show the world that all humans have rights, no matter where they may live.



In other news- it's Shabbat! Tonight several of us went to a Modern Orthodox Synagogue. It was a truly wonderful experience, and I am excited to return for services soon. There was a mehitzah (a barrier between the men and women, because in traditional jewish practice, men and women do not pray together) which usually upsets me. however, this was a sheer mehitzah which was removed at parts during the service. And the men's and women's sides were equal size, and were equally packed. Also, men and women had equal parts in leading the service- which i thought was really progressive and cool. I didn't think I would, but I felt very comfortable at this service. The community was passionate, engaged, and welcoming, and it was a fun and spiritual shabbat experience. I left humming the niggunim (basically the tunes used for prayer) and they are still running through my head- the perfect shabbat background music.