Rabbi Micah Buck, Keshet’s Director of Education & Training, is optimistic, driven, and does their work through the lenses of both their Jewish and LGBTQ+ identities. Micah brings positivity and growth through his work and uses his creativity in cooking and baking to do the same, putting love into every bite!

Of all the things you have done at Keshet, what are you the most proud of?

One of the things that makes me proud is when I hear training participants share that they learned not only the *content* of the training, but that they took away lessons from the *format* of our training as well. Our team works to help community members understand more about LGBTQ+ identities, but even more importantly, we want people to be thoughtful, caring, learn to avoid making assumptions, and comfortable with knowing that no one fits neatly into a box. When it comes to identity, we are each our own experts. When someone shares that they have been able to experience their communities as more open, curious, and comfortable, we know that we are making a difference.

What brings you hope?

Overall, I think of myself as an optimistic person. I find it hard to imagine that things can not or will not get better, even when they are hard. Of all the time in human history I am happy to live right now, when so much more is possible. The ancestors and elders in the LGBTQ+ community have moved mountains for us, against incredible resistance. Yes, we are in a moment of extreme backlash right now, and we absolutely must keep up and intensify the work to protect what we have and make further progress. And I try to remind myself that this period of anti-LGBTQ+ backlash is temporary, and that it is only happening because we are already winning.

It says in your bio that you cook and bake a lot, what are your favorite Jewish dishes to cook or bake and why?

My favorite Jewish dishes are the ones that come from my family — I remember making makhshi (stuffed grape leaves) and sambousak (cheese pies) with my grandmother, and I try to make those things for myself and my children. I am also always happy to try a new recipe and experiment with it. For me, cooking is a way of expressing love, care, and community. Plus, it is delicious! 

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Keshet intern Nuriel Kaleb Gutman is a junior at Boston Latin Academy.