We are honored to welcome Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, a renowned Jewish leader on resilience in the face of adversity, as our Scholar-in-Residence for Shabbat December 6-7 at Society Hill Synagogue.
Rabbi Kleinbaum, who is celebrated for her transformative 32-year leadership at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) in NYC, will share insights drawn from a life of building community and advocating for civil rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion within Judaism. Known for guiding CBST through the height of the AIDS crisis and transforming it into the world’s largest LGBTQ+ synagogue, Rabbi Kleinbaum has dedicated her rabbinate to merging spirituality with social justice and creating inclusive spaces for all.
On Friday evening, Rabbi Kleinbaum will lead a teaching on Jewish resilience during Shabbat dinner, offering reflections on navigating adversity and building strength in community.
During Saturday morning’s Kiddush lunch, Rabbi Nathan Kamesar of Society Hill Synagogue will conduct a special conversation with Rabbi Kleinbaum, delving into her 32-year journey at CBST, her vision of Jewish community as a force for social justice, and her work in growing CBST from a small congregation into a nationally recognized institution. This interview will provide a unique opportunity to hear about her experience leading a diverse, inclusive community and the challenges she has faced and overcome along the way.