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Friday 30th September 2016 Andrew Kaye describes his feelings after a lovely JGLG Erev Shabbat service and chavurah at the Montagu Centre in London. Sometimes you need to see the Shabbat candles lit and to make Kiddush. You need to hear the familiar songs, and to break into Challah. You need to just generally find stillness, especially when the backdrop is London life. So thank goodness then that I went to the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group Chavurah last night. Whatever mood I am in, listening to the dulcet tones of a congregation singing Adon Olam will speak straight to my heart and get me ready for a relaxing weekend. I hadn't been for a good couple of years, for no particular reason, other than "life" kind of has a funny habit of getting in the way. I am about as secular and casual a Jew you can find at times, but with the new year and High Holy-days round the corner, it was a particular pleasure to be back at JGLG to calm myself down after a very stressful week. There was a lovely welcome from the Chair, David Rubin. Rabbi Irit Shillor led a memorable service, with a useful reminder why we need to keep on questioning the scriptures and how that is central to Jewish tradition. And that set up Dr Benjamin Ellis very nicely, who came to provide the group with an update on the work of brilliant NGO, KeshetUK, which means 'Rainbow' in Hebrew. KeshetUK exists so no Jew need ever feel they have to choose between their Jewish and their LGBT+ identity. The phenomenal work they have taken on - with such a small set-up - is testament to the leadership they now have in place. We were all impressed to hear what they were doing to forge stronger links with Jewish schools, youth movements, university campuses and the chaplaincy; plus synagogues and community groups. In the end, they work towards all of the Jewish community not merely tolerating or accepting Jews who happen to be LGBT, but truly welcoming and yes, celebrating our contribution, too. They do exactly what Rabbi Irit was encouraging: helping us all grow through further questioning, that fine tenet of my (all too often, lapsed, but on Friday night re-awakened) faith. Shabbat Shalom. And Shana Tova. A Happy and Peaceful New Year to all. www.keshetuk.org/ |
Reception at No 10 Downing Street – July 2012
On July 24th, the hottest day of the Summer, I was lucky enough to represent JGLG at the Prime Minister's Annual LGBT Community Reception at Number 10 Downing Street. After being greeted at the famous front door by the Downing Street cat I made my way down the staircase lined with portraits and photographs of previous Prime Ministers and Cabinets and into the manicured gardens.
I mingled with community leaders, clergy, celebrities, government ministers and researchers whilst enjoying cocktails and canapes. The next couple of hours were a buzz of networking and I talked to Claire Balding, a variety of Ministers and researchers and Chief Executives from a range of LGBT voluntary sector organisations.
Finally our host David Cameron came out to join us and he stood on the podium to speak to the gathering. He told us that he and Samantha Cameron had just hosted a lunch for the Queen and Prince Phillip, John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown - the table plan must have been a nightmare! The garden backs onto Horseguards Parade and the scaffolding was being erected for the Olympic Beach Volleyball Competition. DC commented that he could watch the volleyball out of his bedroom window and how much he was looking forward to that - I suspect that he came to regret the noise in the weeks to come!.
JGLG got a special mention in his address. He said that we were celebrating our 40th Anniversary and that we were represented here today. He got our name wrong but the sentiment was there and it was amazing to be there to hear it.
He spoke about the importance that the Conservatives are placing on Marriage Equality and insisted that it would become law under his leadership. We'll have to wait and see if it is in the Queen's Speech at the next State Opening of Parliament which contains an outline of the Government's policies and proposed new legislation for the new parliamentary session.
When I left I had my picture taken outside Number 10 and it will be a treasured memory of a special occasion. Thank you Peggy for being on holiday and therefore unable to attend! ... but especially for managing to change the ticket to enable me to be there to represent JGLG.
Karen L
I mingled with community leaders, clergy, celebrities, government ministers and researchers whilst enjoying cocktails and canapes. The next couple of hours were a buzz of networking and I talked to Claire Balding, a variety of Ministers and researchers and Chief Executives from a range of LGBT voluntary sector organisations.
Finally our host David Cameron came out to join us and he stood on the podium to speak to the gathering. He told us that he and Samantha Cameron had just hosted a lunch for the Queen and Prince Phillip, John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown - the table plan must have been a nightmare! The garden backs onto Horseguards Parade and the scaffolding was being erected for the Olympic Beach Volleyball Competition. DC commented that he could watch the volleyball out of his bedroom window and how much he was looking forward to that - I suspect that he came to regret the noise in the weeks to come!.
JGLG got a special mention in his address. He said that we were celebrating our 40th Anniversary and that we were represented here today. He got our name wrong but the sentiment was there and it was amazing to be there to hear it.
He spoke about the importance that the Conservatives are placing on Marriage Equality and insisted that it would become law under his leadership. We'll have to wait and see if it is in the Queen's Speech at the next State Opening of Parliament which contains an outline of the Government's policies and proposed new legislation for the new parliamentary session.
When I left I had my picture taken outside Number 10 and it will be a treasured memory of a special occasion. Thank you Peggy for being on holiday and therefore unable to attend! ... but especially for managing to change the ticket to enable me to be there to represent JGLG.
Karen L
Keshet US Lunch – July 2012
One of our rare outdoor events this summer was a lunch with extras in the sun in a Cricklewood garden. Some participants were surprised when the meeting with diversity trainer Andrea Jacobs from Boston (USA) turned into a look at what events in each of our Jewish/LGBT lives were defining moments. This led on to us making discoveries about our own privileges and areas where others would feel unwelcome or treated as outsiders. It was good to stretch our minds around how JGLG can be more open and involved with the LGB and particularly T community. One committee member brought a friend along, and he was bowled over to find himself an active participant, when all he was expecting was a lovely shared meal and a chat, which he had as well.
Ed T
Ed T
JGLG/BKY Pride Chavurah – Friday 6th July 2012
Over 200 Jewish lesbians and gay men, together with family and friends, gathered on Friday 6th July for a Pre-Pride Chavurah service convened by the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group (JGLG) and Beit Klal Yisrael (BKY), led by Rainbow Rabbis, and hosted by West London Synagogue. Welcomed warmly by WLS Senior Rabbi Julia Neuberger, the service was accompanied by the West London Shabbat Shira musicians, and was led by “Rainbow Rabbis”, including elements led by several LGBT rabbis and celebrating the diversity of our community. The service was co-ordinated by WLS Rabbi David Mitchell and BKY Rabbi Judith Rosen-berry. Rabbi Mitchell said 'having led services for both JGLG and BKY, it was a privilege to co-ordinate this year's special service. The WLS Rabbinic team are proud that we could host this special World Pride event in our historic sanctuary'. BKY Rabbi Judith Rosen-Berry said “BKY and JGLG have worked closely together over the years on celebrating what it means to be both Jewish and gay. The Chavurah is a great example of this and we will continue to do so in the coming years”.
JGLG President Peggy Sherwood said “This is a historic opportunity to welcome Jewish LGBT people to London on the eve of World Pride. While London isn’t doing us proud, JGLG is celebrating its 40th birthday, and is thrilled to be participating in this service; there’s never been a better time to be Jewish and Gay.”
Lord Justice, Sir Terence Etherton, gave a D’var Torah emphasizing how far gay liberation has come in both Jewish and English communities, and, after the service, everyone joined together for a Chavurah supper.
Following the meal we had presentations about 3 new exciting initiatives:
Karen Lewis from JGLG spoke about the LGBT youth survey and current support for young people 'coming out' and how this will shape new Jewish LGBT youth services.
Daniel Lichman from Keshet UK spoke about interactive talks in schools by young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or transgender members of our community offering a personal perspective on life being young, Jewish and Gay in the UK Jewish community.
Rabbi David Mitchell launched the Rainbow Rabbis Hardship Fund for members of the LGBT community.
Karen N
Drinks at the New Bloomsbury Set – Wednesday 4th July 2012
On the Wednesday between our 40th party and Pride, we had a great evening at a new gay bar ‘The New Bloomsbury Set’. Tucked away in the heart of Bloomsbury, this laid back, friendly bar was host to about 25 of us including some of our overseas guests from World Congress. Before being renovated into an underground bar accessed by stairs from the street, it was probably a storage cellar for the building above and the highlight was the little original ‘cubby holes’ filled with cushions for lounging around with friends – which of course we did! A good mixed crowd, and a great venue for future events.
Ruth W
Reform Judaism Reception – Monday 2nd July 2012
Monday evening we were all invited to a special reception to mark World Pride, the World Congress of GLBT Jews holding their board meeting in London and of course our 40th anniversary – hosted by the Movement for Reform Judaism’s Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner. We were royally looked after with delicious snacks, plenty to drink and a good chance to mingle with other LGBT Jews. Rabbi Mark Solomon entertained us with some beautiful singing and we had a great evening.
Peggy
Over 200 Jewish lesbians and gay men, together with family and friends, gathered on Friday 6th July for a Pre-Pride Chavurah service convened by the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group (JGLG) and Beit Klal Yisrael (BKY), led by Rainbow Rabbis, and hosted by West London Synagogue. Welcomed warmly by WLS Senior Rabbi Julia Neuberger, the service was accompanied by the West London Shabbat Shira musicians, and was led by “Rainbow Rabbis”, including elements led by several LGBT rabbis and celebrating the diversity of our community. The service was co-ordinated by WLS Rabbi David Mitchell and BKY Rabbi Judith Rosen-berry. Rabbi Mitchell said 'having led services for both JGLG and BKY, it was a privilege to co-ordinate this year's special service. The WLS Rabbinic team are proud that we could host this special World Pride event in our historic sanctuary'. BKY Rabbi Judith Rosen-Berry said “BKY and JGLG have worked closely together over the years on celebrating what it means to be both Jewish and gay. The Chavurah is a great example of this and we will continue to do so in the coming years”.
JGLG President Peggy Sherwood said “This is a historic opportunity to welcome Jewish LGBT people to London on the eve of World Pride. While London isn’t doing us proud, JGLG is celebrating its 40th birthday, and is thrilled to be participating in this service; there’s never been a better time to be Jewish and Gay.”
Lord Justice, Sir Terence Etherton, gave a D’var Torah emphasizing how far gay liberation has come in both Jewish and English communities, and, after the service, everyone joined together for a Chavurah supper.
Following the meal we had presentations about 3 new exciting initiatives:
Karen Lewis from JGLG spoke about the LGBT youth survey and current support for young people 'coming out' and how this will shape new Jewish LGBT youth services.
Daniel Lichman from Keshet UK spoke about interactive talks in schools by young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or transgender members of our community offering a personal perspective on life being young, Jewish and Gay in the UK Jewish community.
Rabbi David Mitchell launched the Rainbow Rabbis Hardship Fund for members of the LGBT community.
Karen N
Drinks at the New Bloomsbury Set – Wednesday 4th July 2012
On the Wednesday between our 40th party and Pride, we had a great evening at a new gay bar ‘The New Bloomsbury Set’. Tucked away in the heart of Bloomsbury, this laid back, friendly bar was host to about 25 of us including some of our overseas guests from World Congress. Before being renovated into an underground bar accessed by stairs from the street, it was probably a storage cellar for the building above and the highlight was the little original ‘cubby holes’ filled with cushions for lounging around with friends – which of course we did! A good mixed crowd, and a great venue for future events.
Ruth W
Reform Judaism Reception – Monday 2nd July 2012
Monday evening we were all invited to a special reception to mark World Pride, the World Congress of GLBT Jews holding their board meeting in London and of course our 40th anniversary – hosted by the Movement for Reform Judaism’s Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner. We were royally looked after with delicious snacks, plenty to drink and a good chance to mingle with other LGBT Jews. Rabbi Mark Solomon entertained us with some beautiful singing and we had a great evening.
Peggy
World Congress of GLBT Jews’ Report – Monday and Tuesday 1st and 2nd July 2012
The World Congress of LGBT Jews decided to host their annual two day Board Meeting in London this year, to coincide with the JGLG 40th anniversary celebrations. Being the World Congress’s oldest LGBT member organisation, the Board were very keen to support JGLG’s 40th anniversary, and could not think of a better way to do this than to hold the annual meeting in London. The meeting was attended by members from across the world - Los Angeles and the United States, Mexico, Argentina, France, Israel and of course the UK. It was fantastic to see so many people that had come from so far. You may well have seen most of them at the amazing 40th anniversary events, as many attended the whole week of celebrations, not just the Board meeting.
At the Board Meeting we discussed a variety of issues, ranging from rising anti-Semitism, especially in eastern Europe to anti-Israel sentiment within the LGBT and wider community; the state of LGBT rights in the UK and Europe and the wider world; outreach to the liberal and orthodox communities; as well as more personal issues such as growing older/ageing in the LGBT community. We were privileged to have guest speakers such as Rabbi Danny Rich, Head of Liberal Judiasm, and Vivian Wineman, President of the Board of Deputies, who gave a fascinating ½ hour talk about both the work of the Board of Deputies and challenges facing the Jewish community in the UK. Mr Wineman also invited JGLG to become a member of the Board of Deputies, which was an amazing privilege and honour for us, and shows just how far we have come in the past 40 years!
The meeting closed on a very positive note, re-affirming the vital role that the World Congress plays as an international advocate for LGBT rights in the Jewish, and wider world. We were very honoured to be able to host the Board Meeting, and look forward to welcoming them in the future! Next year, the World Congress is hosting a full international conference in Winnipeg, Canada which, if previous conferences are anything to go by, should be a fantastic event. So please watch this space for further details, and start saving up those airmiles now!
Steve V
The World Congress of LGBT Jews decided to host their annual two day Board Meeting in London this year, to coincide with the JGLG 40th anniversary celebrations. Being the World Congress’s oldest LGBT member organisation, the Board were very keen to support JGLG’s 40th anniversary, and could not think of a better way to do this than to hold the annual meeting in London. The meeting was attended by members from across the world - Los Angeles and the United States, Mexico, Argentina, France, Israel and of course the UK. It was fantastic to see so many people that had come from so far. You may well have seen most of them at the amazing 40th anniversary events, as many attended the whole week of celebrations, not just the Board meeting.
At the Board Meeting we discussed a variety of issues, ranging from rising anti-Semitism, especially in eastern Europe to anti-Israel sentiment within the LGBT and wider community; the state of LGBT rights in the UK and Europe and the wider world; outreach to the liberal and orthodox communities; as well as more personal issues such as growing older/ageing in the LGBT community. We were privileged to have guest speakers such as Rabbi Danny Rich, Head of Liberal Judiasm, and Vivian Wineman, President of the Board of Deputies, who gave a fascinating ½ hour talk about both the work of the Board of Deputies and challenges facing the Jewish community in the UK. Mr Wineman also invited JGLG to become a member of the Board of Deputies, which was an amazing privilege and honour for us, and shows just how far we have come in the past 40 years!
The meeting closed on a very positive note, re-affirming the vital role that the World Congress plays as an international advocate for LGBT rights in the Jewish, and wider world. We were very honoured to be able to host the Board Meeting, and look forward to welcoming them in the future! Next year, the World Congress is hosting a full international conference in Winnipeg, Canada which, if previous conferences are anything to go by, should be a fantastic event. So please watch this space for further details, and start saving up those airmiles now!
Steve V
East End Walk – Sunday 1st July 2012
The morning after the night before didn’t seem a likely time for party-goers to turn up at 10.45 for a walk round Jewish London, but about 25 people showed up at Aldgate tube, and were led on a magnificent walk of the old Jewish East End. The walk, which was specially put together by London Walks Blue-Badge guide Harry Jackson, was excellent; he had tried but couldn’t come up with any gay angles, but somehow it didn’t matter; he wished us happy birthday at the beginning and end of the tour, and was incredibly informative throughout. A lot of the people who showed up were international visitors, but we also had many members.
After a quick summary of the history of the Jews in the UK in general, and London in particular, we went into Bevis Marks, and listened to the resident guide there. We had missed the beginning of his talk, but Harry filled us in, and guided us from there to and through what used to be known as The Lane, stopping to tell us about particularly important moments, such as the 1936 Battle of Cable Street, where Jews joined with others to prevent Oswald Mosley’s fascists from marching in the East End.
Harry was generous with his time; we did a full tour of the East End, and he pointed out where different synagogues, the original JFS, soup kitchen etc were, and he left us at the foot of Brick Lane with precise instructions to walk past the first bagel shop, because the one we wanted was the one after that, with the queue, which was exactly right. Several people said they wouldn’t have missed it for the world. For those of you who did, the walk was based on London Walks The Old Jewish Quarter tour Jewish London Walks.
Karen N
After a quick summary of the history of the Jews in the UK in general, and London in particular, we went into Bevis Marks, and listened to the resident guide there. We had missed the beginning of his talk, but Harry filled us in, and guided us from there to and through what used to be known as The Lane, stopping to tell us about particularly important moments, such as the 1936 Battle of Cable Street, where Jews joined with others to prevent Oswald Mosley’s fascists from marching in the East End.
Harry was generous with his time; we did a full tour of the East End, and he pointed out where different synagogues, the original JFS, soup kitchen etc were, and he left us at the foot of Brick Lane with precise instructions to walk past the first bagel shop, because the one we wanted was the one after that, with the queue, which was exactly right. Several people said they wouldn’t have missed it for the world. For those of you who did, the walk was based on London Walks The Old Jewish Quarter tour Jewish London Walks.
Karen N
40th Anniversary Party – Saturday 30th June 2012
Peggy’s Speech…
I want to welcome you all here tonight to mark this momentous occasion – and I don’t mean my wearing a dress for the first time in nearly twelve years – to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the longest established Jewish LGBT Group in the world – the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group – or JGLG.
Firstly I want to mention the amazing hard work of the 2012 sub-committee – Ruth, Karen, Simon and Mark. All of you have gone beyond the call of duty and I know you have been working non-stop on this project – not only for the past few weeks and months, but since we initiated the idea all those years ago. Thank you all so much for your wonderful hard work and dedication and I know it is all going to show in the fantastic evening ahead that we have planned.
I’d also very much like to welcome members of the World Congress of GLBT Jews who have, literally, come from all sides of the world to be with us. You have your Board Meeting early next week here in London and we thank you all for coming to London and joining with us on our special occasion.
Also we feel honoured and privileged to welcome Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, the Movement for Reform Judaism's first Movement Rabbi. Sadly Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism’s Chief Executive, has had a family bereavement a few days ago and although he planned to be with us tonight, unfortunately family matters take priority and he must be with them. To have the Heads of both the Reform and Liberal Synagogues planning to be with us is an enormous achievement and we are delighted to welcome Laura, but sadly miss Danny, but also welcome many other Rabbis to our celebration. Who knows, maybe for our fiftieth we may be joined by the United Synagogue’s Chief Rabbi – breath-holding not advised........
Tonight too we welcome members of the Parents of Jewish Gays and Lesbians. We’re delighted to have you with us and thank you for your support.
Life has changed considerably for LGBT Jews over the forty years of JGLG but we must not lose sight of the challenges we all still face living our lives as LGBT Jews. Having you all here today – Jews, non-Jews, straights, LGBTs, whatever, is testament to the importance of JGLG and we look forward to many more years of our Group going from strength to strength.
We are not the only people here today with a special occasion. An especial welcome to Adrian celebrating his birthday today – one year younger than JGLG – and also Michelle and Oded celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary. Thank you for sharing your special days with us.
And finally many thanks to the Edward Starr Trust – a wonderful children’s charity based in Brighton and Hove. It has been a pleasure working with them over the past few months since we joined with them and we hope to raise lots of money tonight towards the Charity. Everything we raise from tonight including the raffle and auction goes directly to the Trust. We hope that money raised tonight will go towards JGLG’s new project to support Jewish LGBT Youth.
Once again I say a big welcome to you all, enjoy the evening and let’s get the show on the road......
Firstly I want to mention the amazing hard work of the 2012 sub-committee – Ruth, Karen, Simon and Mark. All of you have gone beyond the call of duty and I know you have been working non-stop on this project – not only for the past few weeks and months, but since we initiated the idea all those years ago. Thank you all so much for your wonderful hard work and dedication and I know it is all going to show in the fantastic evening ahead that we have planned.
I’d also very much like to welcome members of the World Congress of GLBT Jews who have, literally, come from all sides of the world to be with us. You have your Board Meeting early next week here in London and we thank you all for coming to London and joining with us on our special occasion.
Also we feel honoured and privileged to welcome Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, the Movement for Reform Judaism's first Movement Rabbi. Sadly Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism’s Chief Executive, has had a family bereavement a few days ago and although he planned to be with us tonight, unfortunately family matters take priority and he must be with them. To have the Heads of both the Reform and Liberal Synagogues planning to be with us is an enormous achievement and we are delighted to welcome Laura, but sadly miss Danny, but also welcome many other Rabbis to our celebration. Who knows, maybe for our fiftieth we may be joined by the United Synagogue’s Chief Rabbi – breath-holding not advised........
Tonight too we welcome members of the Parents of Jewish Gays and Lesbians. We’re delighted to have you with us and thank you for your support.
Life has changed considerably for LGBT Jews over the forty years of JGLG but we must not lose sight of the challenges we all still face living our lives as LGBT Jews. Having you all here today – Jews, non-Jews, straights, LGBTs, whatever, is testament to the importance of JGLG and we look forward to many more years of our Group going from strength to strength.
We are not the only people here today with a special occasion. An especial welcome to Adrian celebrating his birthday today – one year younger than JGLG – and also Michelle and Oded celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary. Thank you for sharing your special days with us.
And finally many thanks to the Edward Starr Trust – a wonderful children’s charity based in Brighton and Hove. It has been a pleasure working with them over the past few months since we joined with them and we hope to raise lots of money tonight towards the Charity. Everything we raise from tonight including the raffle and auction goes directly to the Trust. We hope that money raised tonight will go towards JGLG’s new project to support Jewish LGBT Youth.
Once again I say a big welcome to you all, enjoy the evening and let’s get the show on the road......
40th Anniversary Chavurah – Friday 29th June 2012
Our anniversary celebrations began on Friday 29th June with a Chavurah at the Montagu Centre led by the original three JGLG Rabbis – Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, Rabbi Mark Solomon and Rabbi Irit Shillor. More than 60 people attended and the evening opened with a welcome from Rabbi Danny Rich – Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism and our hosts at the Montagu Centre for many years. The evening was dedicated to Student Rabbi Andy Hinz – a JGLG member and leader of our Chavurot – so tragically murdered almost ten years ago to the day. It was a wonderful and moving service.
Second Orthochav – April 2012
I just had to write to say what a fantastic Heimische Shabbos evening and meal I celebrated with other LGBT friends this past Shabbos weekend.
The food was bountiful and brilliant, the davening beautiful and melodic, and the benching heart-warming. To look around the table of 27 smiling faces and see so many of us (who perhaps feel ostracised because of who or what we are, or have perhaps considered losing our Jewish Identity as yet another "burden") actually rejoice and celebrate the Shabbat together and as "one voice", was truly wonderful and inspiring.
No guest or member of JGLG should miss this opportunity and celebration of being PROUD of WHO and WHAT we are.
Please make certain I have my place reserved for (PG) the next Orthochav. My sincerest thanks to our hostess for offering her Shabbos home (and kitchen) to the group - she is a true Ayshes Chayil !
Warmest regards and thanks once again and here's to the next one!
I just had to write to say what a fantastic Heimische Shabbos evening and meal I celebrated with other LGBT friends this past Shabbos weekend.
The food was bountiful and brilliant, the davening beautiful and melodic, and the benching heart-warming. To look around the table of 27 smiling faces and see so many of us (who perhaps feel ostracised because of who or what we are, or have perhaps considered losing our Jewish Identity as yet another "burden") actually rejoice and celebrate the Shabbat together and as "one voice", was truly wonderful and inspiring.
No guest or member of JGLG should miss this opportunity and celebration of being PROUD of WHO and WHAT we are.
Please make certain I have my place reserved for (PG) the next Orthochav. My sincerest thanks to our hostess for offering her Shabbos home (and kitchen) to the group - she is a true Ayshes Chayil !
Warmest regards and thanks once again and here's to the next one!
Fundraising Supper Quiz - November 2011
Finchley Progressive's Synagogue hall was filled with more than 80 people who joined in the JGLG fundraising quiz on Saturday November 26th. What an amazing atmosphere of happiness and enjoyment this evening created with a wonderful mixture of members, parents, Rabbis and family. This was a truly "fun" evening and due mostly to the huge effort of Ruth and Karen in preparing the event. And not to forget Simon and Mark from the 2012 subcommittee with their help in preparing the food and all the other committee members for their help in setting up the hall. The questions were provoking, the food great and it was so gratifying to see everyone leave with a smile on their faces!
The quiz raised almost £1000 which will be a very welcome boost to the fundraising efforts for the 2012 celebrations – the profits of which will go to the Edward Starr Trust, a children’s charity.
The quiz raised almost £1000 which will be a very welcome boost to the fundraising efforts for the 2012 celebrations – the profits of which will go to the Edward Starr Trust, a children’s charity.
Fireworks Party, November 2011
It seems that after every JGLG event I feel compelled to set fingers to keyboard. It is Saturday night’s Fireworks Party that has me waxing lyrical this time. Wow. Thank you. We had a blast (pun intended)!
It is so hard to believe that just 2 short months ago my partner and I shuffled anxiously outside our first JGLG event, too frightened to enter. We knew no one in the crowd, and when we did finally cross the threshold, we just tried our hardest at first, to disappear into the wallpaper.
Our approach to this JGLG event, the fireworks party, couldn’t have been more different. For starters, a small group of us gathered at our home, and we set out together, in convoy, to the party. When we got to the party, well, there was no anxious shuffling this time! We bounded in excitedly, greeted with the embraces of our ever-widening circle of friends.
The place was packed with people, the music was pumping, and the booze was flowing. Of the 100 or so people who were there, we couldn’t believe how many were now familiar, friendly faces, most of whom we got to know through JGLG.
As ever, our friends again exuded the warmth, support and affirmation that I have come to associate with the JGLG. Against the background of pulsing music, fireworks popping, and general raised decibels, the news that I had recently come out to some family members was warmly received, and I felt enveloped anew by an incredible, validating sense of community. Sadly for me, the evening moved so fast that by the time I got through with the “hellos”, it was time to start on the “goodbyes”.
I can only thank you and the crew again and again for your tireless efforts on behalf of the Jewish Gay and Lesbian community. Each event has been loads of fun and affirming, not to mention well-organised and abundant! They certainly beat languishing in a darkened corner of some far-flung closet!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
It seems that after every JGLG event I feel compelled to set fingers to keyboard. It is Saturday night’s Fireworks Party that has me waxing lyrical this time. Wow. Thank you. We had a blast (pun intended)!
It is so hard to believe that just 2 short months ago my partner and I shuffled anxiously outside our first JGLG event, too frightened to enter. We knew no one in the crowd, and when we did finally cross the threshold, we just tried our hardest at first, to disappear into the wallpaper.
Our approach to this JGLG event, the fireworks party, couldn’t have been more different. For starters, a small group of us gathered at our home, and we set out together, in convoy, to the party. When we got to the party, well, there was no anxious shuffling this time! We bounded in excitedly, greeted with the embraces of our ever-widening circle of friends.
The place was packed with people, the music was pumping, and the booze was flowing. Of the 100 or so people who were there, we couldn’t believe how many were now familiar, friendly faces, most of whom we got to know through JGLG.
As ever, our friends again exuded the warmth, support and affirmation that I have come to associate with the JGLG. Against the background of pulsing music, fireworks popping, and general raised decibels, the news that I had recently come out to some family members was warmly received, and I felt enveloped anew by an incredible, validating sense of community. Sadly for me, the evening moved so fast that by the time I got through with the “hellos”, it was time to start on the “goodbyes”.
I can only thank you and the crew again and again for your tireless efforts on behalf of the Jewish Gay and Lesbian community. Each event has been loads of fun and affirming, not to mention well-organised and abundant! They certainly beat languishing in a darkened corner of some far-flung closet!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
