As the Temple Beth Israel (TBI) congregation sang along to the choir’s rendition of “Shabbat Shalom”, there was an extra sense of acceptance in the air.
This was a Shabbat service with a difference - among the synagogue's congregation were members of the LGBTIQ community, and their diversity was being celebrated in a decidedly unorthodox way.
During Victoria’s , the progressive branch of Judaism dedicated its Shabbat service, to equality.
“As a Jewish community, we want to be as welcoming as possible,” said Rabbi Gersh Lazarow, TBI’s senior rabbi.
“And that means recognising the whole person.”
While acknowledging the LGBTIQ community is welcome at other congregations, Rabbi Gersh told SBS this was a unique religious service aimed at unshackling what he believes is a misconception that all traditional institutions are obstacles to change. He wants people to embrace their sexuality and their faith.
“We feel a great responsibility - as an 85 year old institution - to loudly and proudly say that not only do we think that change is good, but we think it's healthy and necessary and it's desperately, desperately needed right now.”
In its fourth year, Rabbi Gersh said the Pride Shabbat service was an opportunity for Jewish people to reconnect with their faith.
In attendance were LGBTIQ members and their supporters, and not all are Jewish.
Federal MP Tim Wilson, was among those who wanted to see a wider acceptance of the LGBTIQ community.
“Issues of religion and sexual orientation have often faced challenges in the past, one of the best ways to take people forward together is to engage them, expose them to the reality of people's lives and how they're living them, and how consistent they are, with positions of faith,” he told SBS.
“Regardless of who you are or your background, or your identity, everybody has a place in Melbourne, everybody has a place in Australia to live their life in peace and security.”
Growing up in an orthodox community, she would regularly attend synagogue, but felt she couldn't be completely herself.
“I could never bring my female partner, she was never included. And then, after both my parents passed, I felt I could not be in an Orthodox community anymore.”
She said she learned to “keep her mouth shut” when she attended orthodox synagogue, but hopes others don’t feel restricted expressing their sexuality. She urged them to seek services like JLGV and LGBTIQ-advocate body, .
“There are groups around, willing to accept and celebrate your religiousness.”
The awareness is growing, four other synagogues in Melbourne now also hold Pride Shabbats during Midsumma.
President of Keshet Australia, Jonathan Barnett, said it was exciting to have a synagogue like TBI take a lead
“This is not something 'special', this is just Shabbat. But it's Shabbat for us, because we're welcome for the first time ever.”
“As a gay person myself, when I was growing up, I was involved in my synagogue, but I never really felt whole, because I felt the religion said, ‘maybe you’re not right.’”
This year, for the first time, leaders of the congregation will take part in Melbourne's annual Pride March.
And while Rabbi Gersh has overseen commitment ceremonies, for him, the ultimate goal is marriage equality.
"My prayer is that we don't have to do this again next year.”
“That it becomes utterly redundant, that's our dream."
