Each year, the Reform Movement honors the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by commemorating the Shabbat nearest to MLK Day as Shabbat Tzedek.
Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals face discrimination in employment, housing, education, and other facets of daily life. Members of the transgender and gender non-conforming community are the subject of harassment and face high rates of issues related to mental health. The transgender and gender non-conforming community is diverse and is part of the larger LGBTQ community, and faces unique challenges.
The Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism condemn President Trump's decision, and resulting actions by the Offices of Civil Rights of the Justice and Education Departments, to overturn a federal rule making the nation's public schools welcoming and safe for transgender students.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! Hosting a Pride Shabbat service or program is an excellent way to honor the movement for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion, to celebrate recent victories against discrimination, and to commit to the work ahead.
During Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (and beyond!), congregations can do the following to raises awareness and foster inclusion in their communities.