The LGBTQ+ Purim Jewsletter 5786

March 3, 2026

By MishMish Krass-Pinsky, Keshet Chief Executive Dog

Well, it’s Purim again. And right on cue, things are most certainly upside down. Again. Still.

It’s hard to believe that it has already been six months since I stepped into the role of Chief Executive Dog, following the extraordinary tenure of our founding Chief Executive Dog, Langston Namerow-Klein, whose pawprints were enormous to fill.

Langston built Keshet stick by stick, working out of his one-room doghouse in Jamaica Plain with a 42,000-treat budget, dreaming of a world where all LGBTQ+ Jewish pets would enjoy full equality in Jewish life. We’ve accomplished so much together since then. We’re proud to share that, as of this writing, we are very close to ensuring that all trees outside of Jewish organizations are now designated as all-gender pet bathrooms.

Transitions can be ruff, but don’t have to be (#HealthcareForTransYouth). Thankfully ours has been as smooth as a freshly brushed poodle. And look, my style may be a little different: I prefer a colorful kerchief to a staid collar; Langston has his own backyard and I much prefer Central Park. But we are united in our fierce commitment to Keshet’s mission and values, ensuring every queer Jewish pet knows they are created B’tzelem Elohim—in the image of Dog, I mean God.

Equality Directory

Amidst the many challenges of this moment, the Keshet Pets continue to innovate, responding to the evolving needs of our community. I’m pleased to report to all of our steakholders (mmm…steak) that we have a new and improved Equality Directory, where you can find synagogues, clergy, and other important LGBTQ+ cultural spaces committed to LGBTQ+ belonging throughout the U.S. and Canada. Need to know where the closest fire hydrant is? Need to find a rabbit, I mean rabbi to officiate your gender-affirming bark mitzvah? We got you covered!

Breaking News from Charlie, Chief Communications Cat

Amidst escalating war, rapidly advancing authoritarianism, intensifying attacks on our LGBTQ+ community, and rising antisemitism, this is a time for bold moves. We at Keshet are sharing a seismic policy change. This is a decision we have not reached lightly. We have taken into account the counsel of many important stakeholders, including 9 focus groups, representing 14 different species of pets.

As of today, Keshet pets will no longer include spaces around em dashes in all public communications henceforth. While we believe expansively in inclusion, there are moments when lines must be drawn. Spaces around em dashes are the lineage of Empire and we need to push back against it. We know some pets hold fast to this practice strongly—it was passed down by their forepets, and their forepets’ forepets. We honor their loyalty and right to continue that tradition—even though they’re wrong.

This change will enable us to broaden our tent even more to those who have felt marginalized and hurt by these loaded empty spaces. In this time, when we are faced with impossible choices every day, decisive leadership is necessary, especially when it comes to life-changing grammar norms.

No, Thank YOU: A Shoutout to Our Biggest Fans

Even as much changes all around us, we want to take this opportunity to shout out some of our biggest fans and supporters who are always there and who stand by us through thick and thin. We thank you for constantly keeping in touch, driving up our social media engagement metrics, and giving us great ideas for a new Keshet tagline!