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’chol L’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 selfidentified 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.