Liberal Judaism’s former Heritage Project Manager and seasoned LGBTQI+ campaigner Shaan Knan represented British Progressive Judaism at Pride Shabbat in Cape Town, South Africa.

Shaan was the guest speaker at the annual service at Temple Israel (pictured), which forms part of Cape Town’s Pride Week celebrations.

After a musical Kabbalat Shabbat, Shaan shared his story and talked about Liberal Judaism’s landmark LGBTQI+ heritage projects, Rainbow Jews, Twilight People and Rainbow Pilgrims.

More than 150 people attended the service, offered in-person and online, which was followed by a delicious rainbow-themed meal. If you missed it, you can watch again here on Temple Israel’s Facebook page.

The community’s Rabbi Emma Gottlieb said: “As the only Jewish community in Cape Town to celebrate Pride, and in the only country in Africa where LGBTQI+ rights and freedoms are protected by law and constitution, Pride Shabbat has been and remains a key annual event on our congregational calendar.

“Each year our Temple Israel members along with many guests, both Jewish and from other faith backgrounds, join on this celebration of love and inclusion, and the commitment to ongoing advocacy and activism.

“Shaan’s participation this year, in which he shared his own journey so beautifully, weaving it together with the story of his professional and communal work, was so inspiring. It gave our community new ideas and motivation for next steps in our own South African Jewish LGBTQI + spaces. We’re so grateful to Liberal Judaism for making it possible for him to join us.”

Shaan Knan (third from left) with members and guests at the Temple Israel community’s Pride Shabbat service and celebration

During his trip to South Africa, Shaan was also able to connect with Shemah Koleinu – a queer and Jewish-led human rights organisation whose mission is to advocate for and provide representation for those voices not being heard in our midst, and to create and promote equity, representation, and dignity for LGBTQI+ people.

This opportunity to collaborate across borders, and share ideas and advocacy around equality issues, was thanks to Liberal Judaism’s donors.

Shaan said; “I am so grateful to all those who made this trip possible, Being in Cape Town for Pride and sharing my story and the great work that Liberal Judaism has done over the years, including projects like Rainbow Jews, was truly empowering and unforgettable.

“I have returned more inspired than ever to work on LGBTQI+ inclusion with our Progressive Jewish communities in the UK and globally. In fact, there are already a few ideas in the pipeline together with the wonderful people at Shema Koleinu and Temple Israel. Watch this space.”