JULY 7 • 2022 | 29

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EXTGen Detroit Pride
celebrated Pride Month by
partnering with local orga-
nizations The Well, Congregation
Shaarey Zedek Village and the
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
for a special Pride Shabbat event.
They kicked off the celebrations
at Ferndale Pride on Saturday,
June 4, with a table at the parade
showing support for diverse Jewish
and queer identities. Following
the parade on June 10, NEXTGen
Detroit Pride hosted Pride
Shabbat services at Affirmations in
Ferndale.
Affirmations is a nonprofit
LQBTQ+ community center where
people of all sexual orientations,
gender identities, expressions and
cultures can find support, accep-
tance and feel safe.
“I was so excited that the com-
munity could come together to

host a Pride Shabbat this month.
Affirmations is an amazing part-
ner and a lovely place to host the
event,” said Abby Rubin, executive
vice president of the NEXTGen
Board.
“I’m glad more people can learn
about the services they provide. We
had a great turn-out thanks to the
Well, CSZ and IADS.”
Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh of The
Well also enjoyed the service, add-
ing that the prayers were incredibly
powerful and beautifully shared.
“Celebrating Pride through
music, joy, ancient words and with
relevant change makers was moti-
vating. I look forward to the next
time we get to celebrate Shabbat
together like that,” he said.
Rubin hopes NEXTGen Pride
can host more events where those
who are LGBTQ+ and allies feel
welcome.

NEXTGen Detroit celebrates Pride Month.
Pride Shabbat

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEXT DOR
VOICE OF THE NEW
JEWISH GENERATION

Jennifer Maxbauer, NEXTGen Director Tomer Moked, Sam Dubin and Abby Rubin
represent NEXTGen Detroit Pride at the Ferndale Pride parade.

Tomer Moked, Lauren Soifer and Noah Arbit at Ferndale
Pride.

Rachel Wasserman, Abby Rubin and Erica Meyers enjoy
Pride Shabbat at Affirmations in Ferndale.

Noah Arbit speaks at Pride Shabbat.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEXTGEN DETROIT