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Our Pride Shabbat service promises to be a beautiful fusion of Shabbat traditions and the spirit of Pride. We are honored to welcome guest speaker Rabbi Benj Fried, whose sermon, Hineini: Rejecting Shame and Showing up as our Full Selves: Reflections for Pride Shabbat, will inspire us as we rejoice in song, prayer, and reflection, celebrating the remarkable diversity and strength of our community. Following the service, we invite you to join us for a delightful oneg, where we can engage in meaningful conversations and deepen the bonds of our caring community.
Together, we will create an atmosphere filled with love, acceptance, and a shared commitment to building a community where everyone feels at home.
To help us prepare and ensure campus security, please refrain from bringing large bags or backpacks, except for adults with young children. All bags will be checked at the campus entrance.
All are welcome to attend in person or via live stream on YouTube.
Rabbi Benj Fried grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and is a proud graduate of Stanford University, where he majored in Biology, and Harvard Divinity School, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies with a focus in Hebrew Bible. He then entered rabbinical school where he served as student rabbi at Congregation Shir Ami in Castro Valley, CA, Shir Ha-Ma’alot in Irvine, CA, Temple Judea in Tarzana, CA, and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. After ordination in 2017, Rabbi Benj joined the clergy team at Temple Emanu-El of San Diego where he serves as Associate Rabbi, director of the Torah School, and coordinator of Adult Education.
Rabbi Benj’s work focuses on deep learning, with a particular emphasis on Torah Study and biblical scholarship. He has served in the leadership of the San Diego Bureau of Rabbis and Cantors and earned a fellowship with the Stephen S Wise Free Synagogue’s Amplifying Israel Fellowship. Rabbi Benj is also a California licensed professional fiduciary, serving vulnerable populations throughout the county.
Rabbi Benj lives in San Carlos with his husband and partner in all things, David, and their two cats. He is an avid gardener and voracious world traveler.