Help Fund the FIRST Gender Inclusive Tefillin Stand at Pride

Hi! We're Leana and Bennett, and we’re starting this campaign to create a Gender Inclusive Tefillin Stand. Sound unique? Keep reading and we’ll explain some more.

We’re very excited about this project that’s been a long time in the making! Leana runs the Women's Tefillin Gemach based on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and Bennett is a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Like many Jews, we've been inspired by seeing Chabad's tefillin stands that bring Jewish practice to the streets. As queer Jews, we have been inspired by the language of the Haggadah: “Let all who are hungry come and partake.”

What would a queer-focused, all-gender tefillin stand look like?

That dream is becoming a reality at NYC PrideFest 2025, where we’ll be running the (first?) Gender Inclusive Tefillin Stand throughout the parade day at NYC Pride’s street fair. The stand will be a space where everyone, regardless of gender identity, background, or level of observance, can wrap tefillin and learn more about this mitzvah.

So what’s the game plan? We’ll have:

- A gender-inclusive tefillin stand

- Professional sofer demonstrations

- Resources for continuing your tefillin journey

Here’s where YOU come in! We need:

1) Help raising the funds to make this happen. We’re looking to raise $6k (see breakdown below)

2) Volunteers to help with the stand throughout the day, other misc jobs in the lead-up, and everyone of us to spread the word!

First order of business though is the funds. Ready to join us? Click the Donate Now button now to get us to our goal!

After you donate, click here to sign up for updates or to volunteer.

The Financials

- Booth Reservation for PrideFest: $1600

- Materials for the booth (banner, tablecloth, etc.): $500

- Materials illustration and design labor: $2000

- Giveaway and educational materials (stickers, temporary tattoos, tefillin guide infocard): $1000

- Photographer: $500

- Food for volunteers: $400

Bare minimum needed: $2000

Ideal Total needed: $6000

Any excess funds raised will be given to other projects of the Women’s Tefillin Gemach, including subsidizing the cost for those seeking tefillin who cannot afford them.

One last word which encapsulates what we're doing here. This project extends beyond us - Leana and Bennet. When we claim this mitzvah as our own, we're affirming that Jewish practice belongs to all of us: queer Jews, allies, and everyone seeking connection with tradition. By joining us, you're helping create a Judaism where every person can find their place, regardless of background or identity. Please join us.

Click Donate Now to join us and help fund our Tefillin Stand.