“MaTovu has a history, albeit short since we are just over a year old, of being a queer-forward space for LGBTQ folks to feel welcomed and empowered to participate in our programming,” explained Shira Berkowitz, president of the board at MaTovu and one of its founders. “When our community members started talking about the desire to attend the popular and whimsical drag queen story hours, but that Shabbat provided a barrier, it was a no-brainer for us to reach out and host our own. We chose to partner with PJ Library as both of our missions align on this program.”
Baer adds that drag queen story time also is in keeping with Jewish values as it embraces b’tzelem elohim (we are all created in the image of God), kavod (respect) and adam yehidi nivrah (every person is uniquely beautiful).