Beth Am Synagogue
Services in the Park with Pride

Services in the Park with Pride

Beth Am Synagogue and partners are thrilled to welcome you to Services in the Park with Pride! Join us on Friday, June 13th, to celebrate LGBTQ+ and Jewish joy, pride, and community! This year, we will gather at the Maryland Zoo’s Waterfowl Pavilion for festive activities, a BYO picnic dinner, and services.

5PM | Festive activities including facepainting, a bounce house, vegan sorbet truck, bubble creations, and more!

6PM | BYO Picnic Dinner (ingredient kosher/dairy/parve)

7PM | Klei Kodesh Shabbat Services led by Baltimore area clergy. 

All members of our community and guests are welcome! This program is free.

REGISTER HERE! 

Volunteers needed! Sign up to help during this event here!

We are grateful for the partnership from Baltimore Hebrew, Beth Israel, Chizuk Amuno, the Gordon Center/JCC-Owings Mills, Jewish Connection Network, Jewish Museum of Maryland, JOC Mishpacha Project and support from Faith Communities of Baltimore with Pride (FCBWP), Goucher Hillel, Hinenu, JPride, JUFJ, Moishe House Baltimore, Moishe House Pod – Federal Hill, Pearlstone, Third Space, UMBC Hillel, and the Young Adult Division of the Associated. 

Helpful Information: 

Location – Waterfowl Pavilion at the Maryland Zoo

  • Address: 1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217.
  • Entrance: Follow signs for “Beth Am Event” to Schaefer Plaza entrance.
  • Check-In: Look for our big Beth Am tent and welcome table.
  • View Zoo map here.

Parking

  • Free parking in the Elephant Lot.
  • Accessible parking to the right of the main entrance.
  • Shuttle available from accessible lot.

Event Schedule

  • 4:45 PM: Check-in opens
  • 5 PM: Pride Celebration – Free vegan sorbet, crafts, games, bounce house & more!
  • 6 PM: Bring-Your-Own dairy/parve dinner (not potluck).
  • 7 PM: Klei Kodesh Shabbat Service with clergy and musicians from Beth Am, Beth Israel, Chizuk Amuno, Third Space & Hineinu.

 Check-In & RSVP

  • RSVP requested in advance. Click here to register!
  • Didn’t RSVP? You can register at the event!
  • Bringing alcohol? $5 corkage fee (pay online in advance or bring cash/check). No hard liquor is permitted. Additional information provided on registration form.

Food & Drinks

  • Free vegan sorbet truck.
  • BYO Dinner & Drinks (must be dairy/parve/vegan).
  • Reusable water bottles welcome.
  • Alcohol: OK with corkage fee. Must be opened by Zoo bartender; leftover bottles must be discarded.

Zoo Access

  • Sadly, no access to animal exhibits or encounters (event is after-hours).

Families

  • Kid-friendly? Absolutely!
  • Activities for all ages!
  • Strollers welcome.

Security

  • On-site Zoo and Beth Am security.
  • Please check in at arrival.
  • First aid kit and AED on site.

Mindful of recent attacks on Jewish communities in DC and Boulder, Maryland Zoo and Beth Am security will be present at Services in the Park this summer. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. All guests should be prepared check in at the gate as you arrive. We look forward to a safe and joyful Kabbalat Shabbat experience!

Weather

  • Rain or shine!
  • Covered pavilion available.

Accessibility

  • Venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • Picnic tables and benches available.

 What to Bring

  • Your own dairy/parve dinner & drinks.
  • Optional: chairs, picnic blanket, Pride gear, festive attire.
Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism