CJN June 2026 | Page 20

The Charlotte Jewish News- June- July 2026- Page 20

Judaism Doesn’ t Take the Summer Off

By Rabbi Beth Nichols
Sometimes it feels like people think about Judaism as a light bulb that can be turned on and off with the flick of a switch. This feeling is especially strong
on the final Sunday of Religious School every May. I can almost feel some of the kids turning off the light switch, with a plan to leave it off until September.
I understand the instinct – the desire to draw clear lines between school year responsibilities and activities, and the experiences and freedoms of summer.
And this instinct is not limited to kids. Every generation experiences summer as having its own energy and pace. And yet, we strive as a community for people
to feel that Judaism is a core part of our identity in every season. How can we“ keep the lights on” through the summer? How might we infuse Judaism into our plans? Here Are Some Ideas
• Shabbat: Not only does Shabbat happen every week, but the summer provides us with the opportunity to experiment with Shabbat traditions. Set aside Friday night as family time, knowing that some family members may not have the same commitments they have during the year. Think about unique ways to mark Shabbat in nature if you spend time at the beach or in the mountains. Try attending Shabbat services while traveling so you can experience another community’ s traditions.
• Jewish Learning: Religious School and adult education series may have concluded for the year, but there are many ways to continue learning. Set a goal( adults and kids) to read at least three books with Jewish themes. Download an app so you can learn new phrases in Modern Hebrew or brush up on your Hebrew reading skills. Attend one of the adult-education sessions in Temple Beth El’ s new series called“ Summer School Judaism: A No-Guilt Refresher on the Stuff You Missed.
• Creative Judaism: People express their Judaism in so many ways. Take time this summer to experience Judaism through a new medium. Make a Jewish playlist to listen to on long car rides. Hold a movie night to watch a movie with a Jewish theme. Test out new recipes to cook for the High Holy Days.

Pride, Purpose, and Belonging: A Reform Jewish Call to Radical Inclusion

• Jewish Camping: The greatest exception to the feeling that we are not Jewish over the summer is Jewish day camps and overnight camps, which infuse Judaism into every day. If children in your family are not already attending a Jewish camp, take time this summer to tour camps and plan ahead for next summer.
As we necessarily look ahead to the fall by renewing memberships and enrolling in classes, let us not forget that our Jewish identities have the potential to enrich our lives all year long. Seize the opportunity that summer’ s slower pace provides to live your Judaism in new ways.
By Mara Cobe
By June, rainbow flags begin to appear in windows and on sidewalks, signaling the arrival of Pride Month – a time to celebrate LGBTQ + identities, honor the ongoing struggle for equality, and recommit to building communities where everyone belongs. For the Reform Jewish movement, this is not a seasonal gesture. It is a core expression of our values.
At the heart of Reform Judaism, as embodied by the Union for Reform Judaism( URJ), is a deep and evolving commitment to b’ tzelem Elohim – the belief that every human being is created in the image of God. This foundational principle demands more than passive acceptance; it calls for active inclusion, advocacy, and love.
In a moment when LGBTQ + rights continue to face legal and cultural challenges across the United States, Pride Month takes on renewed urgency. Jewish tradition teaches that silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality – it is complicity. As Jews, we are called to raise our voices, not only in solidarity but in partnership, ensuring that our synagogues, schools, and communal spaces are safe, affirming, and
celebratory for LGBTQ + individuals and families.
The URJ has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ + inclusion within Jewish life. Decades before broader societal shifts, Reform Judaism recognized samesex relationships, advocated for LGBTQ + rights, and welcomed LGBTQ + clergy and leadership. Today, that commitment continues to deepen – expanding to embrace the full diversity of gender identities and expressions.
In practical terms, this means more than policy statements. It looks like gender-inclusive language in prayer books, all-gender restrooms in synagogue buildings, and life cycle rituals that reflect the lived experiences of LGBTQ + Jews. It means training educators and clergy to meet congregants where they are, with sensitivity and understanding. And it means listening – truly listening – to LGBTQ + voices within our community.
Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on how our Jewish community shows up. Who feels fully seen when they walk into our spaces? Whose stories are centered, and whose are still on the margins?
For LGBTQ + Jews, inclusion is not just about welcome – it’ s
about belonging. It’ s about seeing oneself reflected in leadership, in ritual, and in community life. It’ s about knowing that one’ s identity is not merely tolerated, but celebrated as a vital part of the Jewish tapestry.
Inclusion strengthens us all. A community that embraces diversity is more vibrant, more resilient, and more reflective of the world we are called to repair. When LGBTQ + Jews feel safe to bring their whole selves into Jewish life, we all benefit – from their leadership, their creativity, their perspectives, and their courage.
Jewish tradition is not static; it is a living conversation across generations. Each voice we include enriches that conversation. Pride Month invites each of us to ask: What role do I play in creating a more inclusive Jewish community?
• Attend local Pride events and show visible Jewish support.
• Advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ + rights.
• Engage in learning – about gender diversity, about inclusive language, about the lived experiences of LGBTQ + Jews.
• Support organizations and initiatives that center LGBTQ + inclusion within Jewish life.
Temple Solel Board attends a local Pride event last summer
And perhaps most importantly, examine our own spaces – our congregations, our institutions, our homes – and ask where we can do better.
The work of inclusion is ongoing. It requires humility, openness, and a willingness to grow. But it is also deeply joyful work – rooted in the belief that every person has a place in our shared story.
As we celebrate Pride this June, may we not only affirm the dignity of LGBTQ + individuals but also recommit ourselves to the sacred task of building a community where everyone truly belongs.
Because in the end, inclusion is not an add-on to Jewish life. It is its very essence.
Temple Solel is a small, inclusive Reform congregation in Fort Mill, SC. For more information, visit our website, templesolelsc. org, email info @ templesolelsc. org, or call( 803) 610-1707.