In Genesis, we are taught that humankind is made in the Divine image – in Hebrew – "B’tzelem Elhohim.” Each of us is a reflection of divinity. What does God look like then? Well, like you. And you. And you. And me. And you. Every single human being who has ever lived, and who will ever live, contains that spark of the divine. Think about that for a moment and marvel with me. Each of us may not be the entirety of the divine thread running through the vastness of time and space – but we are all a part of it, a reflection of it, and intimately connected to it.
Every skin color. Every shape and body type. Every expression of gender. Everybody -- and I mean that in its most literal sense, every body -- is a reflection of God. What would it be like if each of us could unlearn the habit of disliking our bodies, or the difference of others - and replace it with the mantras “this body is a reflection of God, exactly as I am?“ “That person is a reflection of God – exactly who they are – he/him – they/them – she/her. All beautiful – all deserving of respect and love. All deserving to love as they please.
In the same scripture we find the Hebrew word "Hineini." It means, "I am here, God." I am here, as I am. I am here and am truly present - to honor my commitments and obligations. I am here for you, my friend in need. I am here for you - all those I love. I am here with you my community to shout, to proclaim, and to state clearly that all people are created equal and in the divine image. Hineini & B’tzelem Elohim go together so nicely to proclaim:
I am here – and I am who I am meant to be. Scripture gives me that.
Today – in 2025 - B’tzelem Elohim and Hineini also mean not having to explain yourself. It means walking into a room and being truly seen as whole. Seen not despite who you are, but because of it.
This is at the heart of Pride Month: a communal “we’re glad you’re here and that you’re you.” And saying that out loud is so important for the Jewish community and for all of us here today.
We celebrate Pride because we believe in the sacredness of every identity - and we’re richer because of it.
In Jewish circles, and I imagine in other faith-based organizations - we do talk a lot about belonging. We draft mission statements about inclusivity. We write policies. We wrestle with how to honor our differences while still showing up for each other. Sometimes it feels like the only thing we agree on is that we should probably form a committee.
Still, Pride reminds us: the work of building a truly inclusive community is never done. And every year, as part of our tradition Jews are asked to engage with Pride in both quiet and large ways.
People cheering from the sidewalks in the Parade today reflect joy and hope and the power of public celebration. Just as important are those less public, more intimate moments of acceptance, of empathy, and of full, authentic inclusion.
So many of us want to live in a world where inclusivity isn’t an afterthought but a starting point. We want difference to not be something to “navigate,” but something to celebrate. We want to see communities that are strong enough to hold everyone and realize they are stronger because of diversity, not despite it. When we say ALL are welcome - we don’t want anyone to wonder if the welcome applies to them. This is what being honored as holy truly means and this is what it really means to be there for your community.
In the spirit of B’tzelem Elohim and Hineini, let’s continue to build religious and civic spaces that don’t just welcome people, but make them feel expected. This Pride Month, as with every Pride Month let’s remember that belonging isn’t something we declare once in June; it’s something we keep practicing every single day.
Peace and love be with you all.
