Despite it being a cold winter’s evening, Friday 23rd June saw a packed turnout for Pride Shabbat, taking place at Temple Israel Wynberg in Cape Town. A highlight on the synagogue calendar, the service marks an affirming space for many LGBTIQA+ identifying Jews, and attracts a vast number of gentiles, who come to experience the wonderful welcoming community spirit that the evening embodies. Led by Rabbis Emma Gotlieb and Greg Alexander, supported by the synagogue’s Neshama band, the service was curated with beautifully inclusive readings from Mishkan Ga’avah: Where Pride Dwells – a collection of LGBTQ prayers, poems, liturgy, and rituals – which were read by members of the synagogue’s Pride Task Force.