Rabbi on the Mardi Gras float
March 4, 2019 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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Emanuel Synagogue’s Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio joined in Sydney’s Mardi Gras celebrations…the first time a rabbi has participated.
Jacqui Ninio [top rt] on the float Photo: Toby Evans
The float she joined was led by her daughter Willow and her friend Harry Steigrad, who both enjoyed the ribbon dance choreographed by Kathy Baykitch.
“It is such a special pleasure when allies and supporters make the effort to be part of this special time in the lives of LGBTI+ people – and to see the rabbi enjoying the thrill of Mardi Gras was wonderful,” said Kim Gotlieb, President of Dayenu. “ We are already planning next year”, was the response he got when following up with Rabbi Ninio the next day.
Dr Kerryn Phelps and Jackie Stricker-Phelps
Dr Kerryn Phelps and her wife, Jackie also stopped by for a photo opportunity, as she is Keynote speaker at the forthcoming Jewish LGBTI+ World Congress.
This year, there were two floats, both created by David Klarnett and his team. Dayenu’s contribution featured the traditional Magen David covered in white satin.
There was also a float celebrating the upcoming 25th Jewish LGBTI+ World Congress in March. SBS provided considerable coverage of both floats. There were over 60 participants sporting newly designed T-shirts, featuring either Dayenu – Jewish LGBTI+ Sydney or the World Congress.
There had been some reservations regarding increased anti-semitic sentiment, particularly within Queer circles but the crowd greeted the Dayenu float enthusiastically and joined in the theme song of Shalom Aleichem.
This event was the last of several events happening across Sydney in the lead up to the 25th Jewish World Congress – March 21-24, 2019 – from conversations with Rabbi Krebs at Kehillat Masada, to a forum at the Sydney Jewish Museum as well as Mardi Gras Fair Day and Parade.
The 25th Jewish World Congress has 30 local and international presenters over four days with many ticketing options for people to participate as much or as little as suits. All details are at dayenu.org.au
Photos: Toby Evans
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Nonsense Liat, we live in a free society in Australia. I am a straight bachelor too.
Both sexuality and religion are personal things and should be respected as such. I don’t see the need for a Mardi Gras or any overt public display of either.