Join Beth Israel in welcoming and embracing members of the Baltimore Jewish LGBTQIA+ Community. We will gather for an in person Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by a special oneg afterwards.

Abby Woloff: Service Leader

Abby Woloff has 25 years of experience leading prayer-filled experiences across diverse settings, blending ancient tradition with personal and communal meaning. She works as a therapist specializing in grief and loss and has also served as an educator, program director, mediator, and end-of-life counselor in settings such as hospitals, prisons, schools, and community clinics. Abby holds a B.A. in Theatre and Peace Studies from Goucher College and an M.S.W. from the University of Maryland, specializing in clinical aging and community development. She was also a JPride board member for 5 years.

Justin Fair: Guest Speaker 

Justin Fair is a Baltimore native working in Community Planning and Development with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, focusing on rural counties and small cities. He holds a master’s in city and Regional Planning from Morgan State University (2020) and volunteers with JPride Baltimore, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and Unmatched Athlete, which supports LGBTQ+ youth sports.

About JPride:
JPride’s advisory board and grants committee distribute micro-grants, build community, and guide Baltimore organizations in creating inclusive programs. Their main challenges are securing funding and expanding LGBTQ+ programming in Jewish communities.