In a night blending discussions about faith and sexuality, dozens of Long Beach residents filled Temple Emanu-El’s Synagogue pews for its annual Pride Shabbat.
During its Friday night service on June 5, Jack Zanerhaft, rabbi at Temple Emanu-El referred to Beha’alotcha, a section of the Jewish torah referring to the lighting of the seven-branched menorah. The section speaks of two silver trumpets, one used before battle, and the other to celebrate festive occasions. Throughout the service, Zanerhaft emphasized radical welcoming and the importance of uplifting others.
“We live in a time where we have to continue to be vigilant,” Zanerhaft said. “We must continue to blow that trumpet to inspire us to fight for what is right. Hopefully then, we’ll blow the second trumpet for a festive occasion like tonight, to join the celebration for the success of justice.”
Next to speak was Rachel Engel, a Long Beach resident who realized she was lesbian as a teenager. Growing up, Engel said there were fewer examples of LGBTQ+ people living openly. When Engel told her parents, Eileen and Peter Engel, they struggled to understand.
“They worried about my life being harder than it could be,” Engel said. “Over time, they came to see I was the same daughter that they always loved. Today, they are amongst my biggest supporters.”
Now 45, Engel attributes her growth to the relationships she has had. Engel married her first wife, Abby Engel, shortly after same-sex marriage was legalized in New York State. Later, Abby would die from an aggressive cancer at 30. For Rachel, she said Abby taught her about love and shaped her character.
“I was able to be by her side every step of the way because we were married,” Rachel Engel said. “Marriage equality wasn’t just about a wedding. It was about dignity and family.”
Eventually, Engel remarried, to Amanda Engel, and had daughter Ruby Engel, and son Max Engel. Amanda, Rachel said, helped heal parts of her broken from loss and made her feel whole again.
Zanerhaft said congregants and their guests have a duty and responsibility to uplift others. He challenged his congregants to support each other to combat hate, using the unique flames on a menorah.
“The sacred task for all of us is not only to lift these lights that are different and beloved, but they all have to face the center,” Zanerhaft said. “We all have to look towards the center and be a core community for each other.”
Engel attributes her growth to her family history. She said being a Jewish woman played a large role in shaping her life. As a descendant of Holocaust survivors, Engel said that her ancestors showed how to face adversity and overcome hatred, which she hopes to instill in her children.
“Pride month is not only about celebrating LGBTQ+ people and authenticity,” Engel said. “It is about having the courage to be who you are. It is about making sure that every child grows up knowing that they are worthy of love exactly for who they are.”