Pride is about embracing and celebrating diversity, and it takes place on many levels. Churches have increasingly become common at Pride celebrations across the USA, but America’s religious landscape is far more diverse. Mizpah Congregation of Reform Judaism has actively reflected that diversity through its participation in Chattanooga Pride in recent years.
This year, Chattanooga Pride occurred between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Judaism’s most sacred holidays. As a result, the congregation did not provide a booth as they had in the past, but they marched in the parade, financially supported the celebration, and Rabbi Craig Lewis, along with other members, attended the festivities.
Founded in 1886, Mizpah is one of Chattanooga’s oldest religious communities and is part of the Union for Reform Judaism, America’s largest Jewish movement. Unlike many other American religious groups, the Union for Reform Judaism and the related Central Conference of American Rabbis formally called for LGBTQ equality as far back as 1977.
Rabbi Lewis notes that the congregation, or his predecessors, has participated in Pride in some form for many years. They have either hosted or participated in Pride Spirituality Night and, in recent years, hosted a booth at Pride. He highlights Mizpah’s involvement for two reasons: “Organized religion has been a source of pain for the LGBTQ community, and we need to go out of our way to see that change.” He also points out that the congregation has many LGBTQ members, adding, “We need to support them in all aspects of their lives.”
Rabbi Lewis, proud to have attended seminary with Reform Judaism’s first openly transgender rabbi, emphasizes that issues of sexual orientation and gender identity do not prevent anyone from participating in Jewish lifecycle events, such as marriage, or in congregational life as a layperson, cantor, or rabbi.
Visitors are warmly welcomed to Mizpah’s services, held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday nights and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Mizpah is located at 923 McCallie Ave. Parking and entrance are in the rear, accessible from Oak Street.
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