A special Erev Shabbat service celebrating pride will be held at Temple Beth-El on Friday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. The entire community is welcome to hear Great Neck businessman and political advocate Robert Zimmerman share his thoughts at the first outdoor service of the season in the Rudin Garden, weather permitting.
To honor LGBTQ+ Pride Month this June, the service will recognize the movement for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion, celebrate recent victories against discrimination and commit to the work ahead.
Zimmerman will discuss his personal experiences, Judaism, history, progress and today’s challenges during his guest sermon, As We Celebrate Pride, How Do We Overcome Prejudice?
“It’s essential that we recognize the lives and experiences of everyone in the world and do what we can to support this often-underserved population,” said Rabbi Megan Brumer. “Our community is lucky to have Robert Zimmerman share his story with us.”
Growing up closeted in Great Neck, Zimmerman struggled to find his voice and was motivated to speak up for others who were also unseen and unheard.
The co-founder of ZE Creative Communications began his career as a congressional staffer and advisor for then-Rep. Lester Wolff and later Representatives James Scheuer and Gary Ackerman. From Capitol Hill, Zimmerman’s path led him to the TV networks, where he has served as an on-air advocate and analyst on the national agenda.
In addition to formerly serving as president of the Great Neck Chapter of B’nai B’rith and the Long Island Division of the American Jewish Congress, he was nominated by both President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama to Presidential Commissions and served as a government representative on the board of the American Museum of Natural History.
He ran the 3rd district’s Democratic nominee for Congress in 2022 and is currently a Democratic National Committeeman from New York.
Zimmerman co-founded ZE Creative Communications 34 years ago in the same suburban community where he was raised and still resides.
After attending the Great Neck Public Schools, he graduated cum laude from Brandeis University and received his MBA from Fordham University.
Temple Beth-El’s new board of trustees, including newly elected President Jordana Levine and trustees Gary Kesner and David Sutin, will be officially installed during this meaningful service. Enjoy a delicious Oneg Shabbat following the service.
Founded in 1928, Temple Beth-El has served the community for more than 95 years. Learn more by visiting www.tbegreatneck.org, emailing [email protected] or calling 516-487-0900.
