JQY

As we celebrate July 4th this weekend, we’re also reading Parshat Pinchas. Near the end of the parsha, Moshe learns that he won’t be the one to lead the Jewish people into the promised land. After decades of guiding the community through the wilderness, he receives heartbreaking news.

His first response isn’t to focus on what he’ll miss. Instead, he asks one question: Who will lead the people next?

His concern isn’t about himself – it’s about the future. And there’s something deeply patriotic about that.

Real patriotism isn’t believing your country is already perfect. It’s loving it enough to help it become what it promises to be. As we celebrate this 4th of July weekend, we can be grateful for the freedoms and opportunities this country has made possible while recognizing that the work isn’t finished. A better future doesn’t happen on its own. It’s built by people who believe their communities can be safer, kinder, and more welcoming than they are today.

For us, that means building a country where q***r young people know they belong. Where Jewish communities can live openly and safely. Where differences are protected instead of feared. Where every person’s dignity is respected simply because they’re human.

As Pirkei Avot reminds us: “It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

So this Fourth of July weekend, have a little patriotic chutzpah: Love this country enough to expect more from it 🇺🇸🌈✡️

This week's Breakaway is the Trans+ group, where we’ll explore all things gender-related, through schmoozing, crafting and asking big questions. All trans, gender questioning or non-conforming and generally curious people are welcome to join.
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Join us from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm EST at 135 W 41st Street

No need to register for drop-in center, just show up! We’ll have plenty of cholov yisroel pizza and ice-breaker games to go around. For anyone ages 13-23