A note from our LGBT Alliance Director, Lisa Finkelstein

The Jewish community shows incredible support for the LGBT Alliance. Below is a segment of an email written by the Federation's LGBT Alliance Director, Lisa Finkelstein yesterday, the day after joyous celebrations began at City Hall honoring newly legally married LGBT couples. As many of you have seen in the news, yesterday was an incredible day for California, for couples, for families, for marriage equality and for civil rights, but what I am most delighted about is the community collaboration that we built demonstrating a united Jewish presence in support of social justice. Collectively, the LGBT Alliance, Progressive Jewish Alliance, Jewish Mosaic, Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, Jewish Community Relations Council and Congregation Emanu- El celebrated together outside of SF City Hall under one Chuppah, under one banner, with klezmer music, dancing, multiple Rabbi’s and a kosher cake. We were the only united nonprofit, organized cultural or religious voice representing our support for our community in a major visual way. Amber Weiss and Sharon Papo who are active in the LGBT Jewish community walked out of City Hall and headed directly for our Chuppah. Once there, they smashed a wine glass and with their parents we all sang, danced and ate cake. Sharon whispered to me while being photographed by at least a dozen networks, magazines and newspapers that it means the world to them “that the Jewish community is here.” A handful of other Jewish couples said those same words to me today. Thank you for giving me the space and the opportunity to serve and organize our Jewish community in a meaningful and socially relevant way. Click here to view more photos!