Rabbi Cooper's Letters

Shabbat Balak, June 26, 2021 / 16 Tammuz 5781

Dear Friends,

As you may know, June is Pride month. In concert with hundreds of other congregations throughout the country, each year we set aside a Shabbat to bring to our community messages connected to the LBGTQ+ Movement. These programs serve not only to inform those who participate. These programs reflect and reinforce the importance of this month and this increasingly important issue.

This year, we shall welcome to the pulpit Dr. Evan Graber, a member of our congregation and a physician on staff of Nemours Children’s Health System. He specializes in pediatric endocrinology. His practice primarily serves children and adolescents who identify as transgender.

Dr. Graber will make a presentation about his work, explaining some of the terminology, basic concepts and challenges faced by the pre-adult transgender community. We have asked Dr. Graber to speak at the end of our Shabbat services in order to enable those who will be davening with the Havurah to finish their services on the Chapel Patio and then join us for the presentation in the Main Sanctuary.

Following Dr. Graber’s presentation, we will adjourn for a kiddish/ luncheon. After a brief meal, for those interested in continuing our program with a guided discussion, we shall designate four tables around which people may choose to assemble. Each table’s discussion will focus on a different aspect of understanding and responding to the transgender population. These tables will be designated and led as follows:

1. Medical Issues Associated with Transgender individuals: Dr. Evan Graber

2. A Jewish Perspective of Transgender People: Rabbi Cooper

3. Transgender: Finding a Spiritual Connections at the Mikveh: Lori Cooper

4. Outreach and Community Integration of the Transgender Population: Lindsay Arkader

We hope you will join us for this wonderful and meaningful program. Shabbat services are available in person or online. You are also welcome to join us online or in person tonight at 6:00pm for an outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat service on the Chapel Patio or online at 6:30pm for a special community JProud Pride Shabbat. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Neil S. Cooper, Rabbi