On Sunday, June 28, 2009 the Jewish Community Relations Council marched with a total of 60 organizations and synagogues in the San Francisco Pride Parade. While many congregations have been marching in Pride for years, this was the first time the Jewish community organized to march together. We met in the morning at Beale Street Bar and Grill, kindly donated by the Eckstein family, for breakfast sponsored by the LGBT Alliance and the JCRC, and kippot and sign-making. When it came time to march, the
Jews March for Pride contingent was over 600 people strong. The marchers were diverse individuals, from babies to grandparents - and every one in between. About 20 rabbis led the celebration, followed by families, synagogues and organizations, a musical truck, and a decorated cable car. Each organization proudly held their own banner, and many individuals had signs featuring messages in support of marriage equality and LGBT rights.A highlight of the contingent was the Avodah session from Camp Newman carrying a chuppah and staging a mock wedding every few blocks. The contingent was very well received by the crowd, with many parade viewers yelling "Thanks" and "Mazel Tov", or just cheering the contingent on.
If you are interested in participating in next year's Pride celebration, please contact Jessica Trubowitch.
Photo taken by and used with permission from Rita Alfonso
The Jews March for Pride delegation was led by a group of 20 rabbis from diverse synagogues throughout the Bay Area.
Photo taken by and used with permission from Frank Cannon
A cable car helped to make up the over two city-block-long Jews March for Pride contingent. The cable car was decorated with banners, balloons, and Israeli flags and provided a ride to the many children and grandparents that participated in the parade.
Photo taken by and used with permission from Rita Alfonso
JCRC Executive Director, Rabbi Doug Kahn, led the delegation with other rabbis from around the Bay Area.
Photo taken by and used with permission from Rita Alfonso
JCRC member, Hene Kelly, held the JCRC's banner throughout the parade. The JCRC was one of 60 organizations and synagogues that participated in Jews March for Pride.
Photo taken by and used with permission from Rita Alfonso
The Avodah session from Camp Newman carried a chuppah and staged a mock wedding every few blocks throughout the parade route.
Photo taken by and used with permission from Rita Alfonso
Each synagogue and organization wore a different color Jews March for Pride shirt. Members of the contingent held flags, signs, and banners and children rode tricycles and were pulled in wagons.
