Our Torah portion this week begins with a manual on lighting the lamps of the first ever synagogue: ‘When you light the lamps, let seven lamps give light at the front… and Aaron did so, lighting the lamps at the front as God commanded… Each lampstand was a hammered work of gold, hammered from base to petal. According to the pattern that God showed Moses, so was each lampstand made’ (Numbers 8:1-4).  

The Tabernacle needed light, as any synagogue does. Yes, it needs light in the form of illumination, but also light in the form of awareness, education and community. These too are forms of light. Why such emphasis on light at the start of this week’s portion, Be’haalotecha? The commentators note that, just as God creates light for us, so must we shine a light on God and each other: ‘As I shined a light on Israel, let them shine a light on Me’ (Numbers Rabbah 15:5).

I believe KI is a source of light in a time of relative darkness. At KI we strive to create light in the form of healing, hope, prayer, good deeds and spiritual nourishment. Here our kids can bask in the light of their own personality, passions and identity. We encourage them to shine their light as bright as possible. In truth we need light as much as ever, especially as the world can feel darkened by corruption, greed, ignorance and strife. 

This month is a month of great light for us at KI as we mark Pride Month. It is during this month that we shed the brightest of light on our Queer community and revel in the light that they bring us. Our Friday night Pride service is always one of energy, passion, color and joy. I hope to see you on June 12. New this year, we will host a Pride morning minyan on Saturday June 6. This too promises to be upbeat and inspiring. Join us!!

Pride Month helps us to shed light on a community that has too often found itself in the shadows of society. Silenced by policy, shutout by bigotry, ill-considered by too many, our LGBTQ community is part of the very core of KI. Our Queer KI affinity group is simply fabulous. It has quickly become a place for acceptance, meaningful dialogue, food and fun. Come check it out, whether you are part of the queer community or see yourself as a staunch ally (as I hope we all do).

This month, let’s ask ourselves how we can bring greater light to our world, for God’s sake, for our own sake, for the sake of our family and our broader community. How can you be a beacon of light and, with that, a beacon of good, love and life? How can we be ambassadors of light and ensure that our future is a bit brighter? May we be like those early Israelites in the wilderness, working to build light both within and beyond our synagogue walls. Amen.