Responsive Reading
Responses added by Zachary McCallum, adapted from We Remember Them from the Jewish Book of Prayer
(Congregational part in bold)
In the rising of the sun, and in its going down, we remember them.
We remember their radiant light, and the way they brought the night to life.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.
We remember them in fabulous furs and practical plaids.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them.
We remember the way they blossomed into being as they claimed their true selves.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.
We remember them in tank tops and tube tops, in strappy sandals and sturdy flip-flops.
In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them.
We remember the way transition brought out their most vibrant colors.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.
We remember the years we had with them, and we mourn for the years they missed.
When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.
We remember their fierce courage, and how hard they fought to be true to themselves.
When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
We remember how lost they once felt, and the many ways they said yes to life.
When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them.
We remember their joy, their pride, their excitement, and the love they gave to the world around them.
So long as we live, they too shall live,
For they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Readings
Reader 1
Jeremiah 1: v5-10
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you,
a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
“Ah, Lord God!” I said,
“I do not know how to speak. I am too young!”
But the Lord answered me,
Do not say, “I am too young.”
To whomever I send you, you shall go;
whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you—oracle of the Lord.
Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying to me,
See, I place my words in your mouth!
Today I appoint you
over nations and over kingdoms,
To uproot and to tear down,
to destroy and to demolish,
to build and to plant.
Reader 2
Dr. Jill Weiss, Siddur B’cholL’vav’cha, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah; Keshet guide
When I was a little boy, I prayed to God. I prayed God would make me a girl because I knew I wasn’t really a boy, not inside. I didn’t want to keep pretending to be a boy because it was hard to pretend all the time. I knew I couldn’t go on forever pretending like that. It made me very tired and sad. I wondered why God would want me to be tired and sad every day. But I tried hard not to disappoint God.
One morning, after praying like this for many years, I woke up and God had changed me. God had changed my tiredness into courage. God gave me the courage to tell the truth. God gave me the courage to tell people I wasn’t a boy, even though it made some people laugh and some people get mad.
God’s courage has made me happy. God’s courage has taught me to love myself. God’s courage lets my outside be like my inside. God’s courage gives me the gift of honesty. God is Truth.
I thank God for giving me the courage to tell the truth. I thank God for giving me the courage to be me. Thank you God, for creating the infinitely complex universe, and for creating infinitely complex me.
Music
I Will Change Your Name
Where You Lead Me, I Will Go
Don't Be Afraid
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Shalom Chaverim
Bulletin text:
Transgender Day of Remembrance is held annually on November 20th to memorialize those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event began when vigils were held to mourn the death of Rita Hester, who was murdered in November 1998 in Boston. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.
Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender or gender-variant, each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.
Transgender Day of Remembrance helps to raise awareness of violence committed against transgender and gender non-conforming people, and publicly mourns and honors the lives of those who might otherwise be forgotten. It is a day that allows us to stand up collectively in opposition to anti-transgender hatred and prejudice.
As we remember those who died, let us also celebrate the lives of our transgender and gender non-conforming siblings. By remembering and celebrating, we can bring into being a world where anti-transgender violence is unthinkable.