Knowing that you are reading this right now, hoping to build a better future for the LGBTQ+ community, means a lot to me and feels particularly relevant now. As Marge Piercy writes in her “Head of Year” poem:

It is not too late. It is early
and about to grow. Now
is the time to do what you
know you must and have feared
to begin.

As you know, at Keshet, we are growing a movement of Jews pushing back against the appalling attacks on the dignity and well-being of our LGBTQ+ community, particularly our young people.

We’re motivated by the powerful leadership from our friends and partners across the country, bravely calling, every day, for equality and LGBTQ+ rights – people like our OUTstanding! 2023 Honorees: Maharat Rori Picker Neiss and Russel Neiss, Rabbi Daniel Bogard and Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard, Dr. Jenny Siegel, and Michael W. Twitty. These extraordinary leaders strengthen LGBTQ+ equality within both Jewish and broader worlds.

Learn more about Maharat Rori Picker Neiss and Russel Neiss as well as Rabbi Daniel Bogard and Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard below. And stay tuned for highlights of our other honorees over the coming weeks!

We hope you will be inspired to celebrate and honor their work by joining us at OUTstanding! 2023 – in Boston and online – and supporting Keshet as a gala sponsor and host committee member.

I look forward to being with you on Thursday, November 9th!