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pRiSm (LGBTQIA+)

About pRiSm

Chairs: Heshie Zinman and Ellen Poster

The mission of pRiSm is to strengthen Jewish Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Allied (LGBTQIA) life and identity at RS and in the world. pRiSm strives to create an inclusive congregation through education, advocacy, and celebration.

Dr. Rachel Levine, now the Assistant Secretary for Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, held a program on “A Conversation about Adolescent Health, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity” in April 2018. Because of that program, many of our pRiSm members asked “what can we do at Rodeph Shalom to make it more inclusive? What can we do to make it better?” An Audit Committee formed and the following changes have been made to create a more inclusive community.

  • All bathrooms are gender-neutral and allows for LGBTQ members and guests, as well as our RS community to feel safe using an RS restroom
  • Rainbow mezuzot are affixed to the Green Street entrance and the Beth Ahavah Historical Sacred Space. The installation of these mezuzot communicates to our RS community, including LGBTQ members and guests, that LGBTQ individuals are welcome and safe at Rodeph Shalom.
  • The Beth Ahavah Historical Sacred Space was recently dedicated in May 2019. Congregation Beth Ahavah was founded in 1975 as the only Reform LGBTQ synagogue in Philadelphia.Its services were held in this room from 2005 until its merger with Congregation Rodeph Shalom in 2015. Articles and memorabilia adorn the walls of this sacred space.
people gathered for a pRiSm event
people at a gathering for pRiSm

Education, Advocacy, and Celebration:

pRiSm works to create an inclusive community is through education, advocacy, and celebration. Over the years, pRiSm has welcomed guest speakers such as Dr. Rachel Levine, Sarah McBride, Brian Sims, Malcolm Kenyatta, and other notable members of the LGBTQ community who have shared their stories and raised awareness about LGBTQ issues. pRiSm has also celebrated the LGBTQ community through Pride Shabbat, the Beth Ahavah Historical Sacred Space dedication, and Outfest. 

pRiSm Reflections:

January/February Bulletin: “Trans Talk”
March/April Bulletin: “Transgender Day of Visibility”
June Bulletin: “Pride Month”
March/April Bulletin: “International Transgender Day of Visibility“

Rabbi Freedman: Pride Sermon 2022
Rabbi Maderer: Confinement vs. Authenticity on Coming Out Day

View Calendar