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Prompted by a directive to state governors from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Florida and Texas have implemented orders to ban symbols, flags, or other designs on roadways, including rainbow crosswalks.

In response, we call on our synagogues, Jewish organizations, and Jewish community members to joyfully join together chalking (or painting!) their driveways, sidewalks, or other walkways with colorful messages of love, unity, and support for our LGBTQ+ community. Together, we’ll show that the rainbow can unite us, not divide us.

Click here to get a free rainbow chalk kit from Keshet!

Our tradition holds that the rainbow symbolizes a covenant between humanity and the divine. When we encounter a rainbow in our daily lives, there is a special blessing acknowledging this divine pact, promising continued thriving and, by extension, a shared commitment to something larger than ourselves.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֶלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם זוֹכֵר הַבְּרִית וְנֶאֱמָן בִּבְרִיתוֹ וְקַיָם בְּמַאֲמָרוֹ
Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam zocher ha’brit v’ne’eman bivrito v’kayam b’ma’amaro.

Blessed are You, God, Sovereign of the universe, who remembers the covenant, and is faithful to God’s covenant, and keeps God’s promise.

In the same way, when we raise the rainbow flag, also a symbol for LGBTQ+ equality, we keep our promise to support and protect all our community members, especially those who are most vulnerable. 83% of Jewish Americans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people (PRRI 2024). Uplifting the dignity of all people is an act of love and care for our community. The beauty and vibrancy of the rainbow, and our deeply held Jewish values, can’t be contained!

Hear from some of our chalk kit recipients: 

“My granddaughters helped me decorate the steps and sidewalk. Our hope is that someday, ALL people will be treated equally.” -R. in Richardson, TX

“I plan to make a rainbow on the sidewalk in front of my house and on my driveway in back. Thank you for doing this…while I don’t have a personal story, trans and gay rights align with my Jewish beliefs.” -T. in Dallas, TX

I asked my neighbor if his daughter would want to join me in chalking my steps, and he said, ‘She would love to rainbow your steps. Rainbow and chalk for a ten-year-old is a magical combination!'” -R. in Dallas, TX

“When my grandchildren and I use them on our sidewalk, I will explain to them where the chalk came from and how important it is to draw messages of love!  Thank you so much for sending this.  This is a really awesome thing to have done.” -A. in Dallas TX

“I’m very excited to use it, my partner and I are thinking of going to our local park to draw some rainbows and kind messages for others to read as they’re walking. We’re wanting to see if my barber (a trans-owned shop) will let us draw in his parking lot or at least decorate a spot for him as well as decorate our parking spot at home too! We have so many ideas we’re wanting to do and we’re excited to share!” -O. in Denton, TX

How to Participate

1. Request a free rainbow chalk kit from Keshet using this form. The kit includes rainbow chalk, postcards to send to your elected officials, stickers, and this resource.
2. Choose a day, time, and location for your chalking to recommit to LGBTQ+ inclusion and visible Jewish pride. Decorate your walkway at home, or, if you are participating as a community, consider inviting a group of folks to a communal sidewalk art event. Bring in clergy or lay leaders to share remarks about the importance of the rainbow in Jewish tradition, mutual commitment to one another, and pursuing justice.
3. Create your DIY (do-it-yourself) rainbow crosswalk with chalk or paint in a driveway, entrance, or other prominent sidewalk area. Invite community members to contribute to the design! You can even include messages of support and affirmation for LGBTQ+ community, equality, and shared Jewish values (tzedek – justice, b’tzelem elohim – all are created in God’s image, shalom – peace).
4. Write messages of support for LGBTQ+ rights on the postcards included in your kit and send them to your elected officials.
5. Photograph your creations and share widely on social media, newsletters, or even with local press. Tag @KeshetLGBTQJews or email your photos to [email protected] — we’d love to see what you create!

Bonus: Learn more about the significance of the rainbow in Jewish thought and how the rainbow became a symbol for LGBTQ+ pride (designed at the urging of LGBTQ+ Jewish icon, Harvey Milk!)

Gratitude to the JPride coalition, a group of affirming Jewish congregations and organizations based in Dallas, for helping to generate this campaign. 

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Keshet envisions a world in which all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity.  Stay connected by joining our email list and following us on social media.

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