Rabbi Andy Gordon (Handout)

On March 13, at 6:30 p.m., Roland Park’s Bolton Street Synagogue will partner with JQ Baltimore, a nonprofit serving Baltimore’s LGBTQ community, to host the area’s fourth annual LGBTQ Community Passover seder. Jmore recently spoke with BSS’s Rabbi Andy Gordon about the gathering and the role it serves for LGBTQ Jews and their families. Rabbi Gordon came to the Reform congregation last July from Temple Sinai of Roslyn in Roslyn Heights, N.Y. 

1. Why a seder specifically for LGBTQ Jews?

In the Haggadah, we read, “Let all who are hungry come and eat. Let all who are in need come and share the Passover meal.” Pesach is a moment in our Jewish calendar where LGBTQ Jews, friends and allies can join together and celebrate in the presence of one another. The message of the seder is a powerful one.  We are reminded that the oppressive bonds of intolerance and fear can only be broken when we join hands together.

2. What are some of the holiday’s themes that resonate for this community?

LGBTQ Jews, friends and allies connect deeply to the themes of the Passover seder. In the Haggadah, we move from degradation to celebration, from oppression to liberation.  In many ways, the LGBTQ community has felt a similar shift in their understanding of the world.  We’ve felt persecution, fear and intolerance, but we’ve also experienced a powerful shift toward inclusion, celebration and liberation.

3. How many people are expected to attend?

JQ Baltimore has guided and planned these seders and seen almost 50 people attend in the past. We are asking everyone attending the seder to bring one item that serves as a representation of freedom in their lives.

 4. What’s it like to co-sponsor with JQ Baltimore?

It’s a true honor to join forces with JQ Baltimore in planning the seder. Our hope is that together, we can welcome even more people as we celebrate the themes of Passover in a very profound way.

5. Other planned LGBTQ programming?

One of Bolton Street Synagogue’s guiding values is inclusiveness. Throughout the year, we seek to be welcoming and accessible to LGBTQ Jews, interfaith and interracial families, and all who seek a warm and inclusive home. In addition to all of our learning and gathering, we look forward to our Pride Shabbat Celebration this June!

Bolton Street Synagogue is located at 212 W. Cold Spring Lane. For information about the seder, visit jqbaltimore.org.

 

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