AN LGBTQI+ Pride Shabbat will take place at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) on Friday 11 February.

A Shabbat service, open to all, will be led by Rabbi Richard Jacobi and followed by a communal meal.

The event is being co-hosted with the Aliz group – which was formed as a way of connecting within the LGBTQI+ and Jewish communities – and is being supported by Liberal Judaism. Aliz is chaired by Efraim Hazzan.

Efraim said: “Aliz, which means ‘happy’ in Hebrew, was founded as a movement to include all Jews who identify as members of the LGBTQI+ community… and those who don’t. It is for people from all walks of life and all Jewish denominations.

“We intend to create safe spaces to connect with each other, share experiences, form new friendships and have some fun!”

The event is free of charge, but donations are appreciated. For more details, email Efraim on aliz@elels.org.uk.