Guest Speaker Ruth Messinger's Family and Friends Pride Message - Shabbat Naso, 2025
“I think the issues for us today are what it means to be allies, what it means to stand up for any of those whose rights are being attacked because they are gay or trans or because they are immigrants. Parents being kidnapped off the streets of our city, no exaggeration, or because they are people, whether we know them or not, who are being denied the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution, because, and hear me clearly now: that constitution and those rights are under attack…
So I want you to think about when and how you should be taking more risks stepping forward and being heard on behalf of equity and justice. I want us each to think about what it might mean for us to invest thoughtfully in exercising moral courage, because the times demand it, and don’t do it alone. Talk with others. Build community, work together for greater justice.“
Ruth Messinger gave this talk on Friday, June 20 / 24 Sivan. Watch her full talk above.
Ruth W. Messinger served as President of American Jewish World Service (AJWS) from 1998 to 2016 and is now the organization’s inaugural Global Ambassador. She continues her work advocating for oppressed, persecuted, and poor communities worldwide, engaging rabbis and interfaith leaders to learn about global justice issues and speak out for change. Ruth also works as a social justice consultant and facilitates learning for rabbinic students and women social justice entrepreneurs.
In addition, Ruth focuses currently on supporting immigrants and asylum seekers in New York, helping them build new lives after fleeing oppression.
Before her tenure at AJWS, Ruth had a 20-year career in public service, including roles as a New York City Council member and Manhattan Borough President. She was a strong advocate for children, public education, campaign finance reform, LGBTQ+ rights, neighborhood development, and small business support. She remains deeply involved with urban issues and politics. Ruth has received numerous awards for her leadership from national organizations and seminaries. She is an active member of her congregation and serves on the boards of Aegis Trust and the Interfaith Center of NY. Ruth holds a B.A. from Radcliffe College and an M.S.W. from the University of Oklahoma. She was married to Andrew Lachman, z”l, a retired educator, and has three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
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CBST is an LGBTQ+ synagogue for people of all sexual identities and genders and a joyful, spiritual, proud community. All are welcome 🌈✨