A Reflection from Lino Covarrubias, CEO, Jewish Family Service of Metrowest
This spring, I was honored to serve as the featured speaker for Temple Shir Tikva’s annual David Passer Memorial Social Justice Lecture, a tradition that celebrates the life and legacy of one of our community’s most inspiring leaders.
David Passer, Temple Shir Tikva’s beloved former Executive Director, was a pioneer of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Jewish life and a passionate advocate for social justice. Alongside his husband, Marc Maxwell, he helped build a more welcoming and compassionate community. His legacy continues to remind us that when we recognize injustice, we have a responsibility to act.
As we celebrate Pride Month, I find myself reflecting on the values David embodied: courage, compassion, and the belief that true community is built through action.
Long before many institutions embraced LGBTQ+ equality, David was helping organize Pride rallies and advocating for inclusion. He understood that belonging does not happen by accident—it requires commitment, partnership, and persistence.
At JFS, we see every day that vulnerability is not always visible. The recently released Greater Boston Jewish Community Study found that LGBTQIA+ Jews, Jews of Color, young adults, and people with disabilities experience some of the highest levels of unmet need, particularly around mental health, economic security, and access to support services. These findings reinforce a simple truth: every person deserves to feel safe, supported, and connected.
Pride Month is ultimately about dignity and belonging. It reminds us that every individual should be able to live authentically and participate fully in community life.
These values are deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. We are called to welcome the stranger, care for those who are vulnerable, and stand alongside those whose voices have too often been marginalized.
Whether supporting older adults experiencing isolation, families facing financial hardship, immigrants rebuilding their lives, or individuals seeking mental health services, JFS strives to ensure that every person is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Pride also reminds us that inclusion is an ongoing responsibility. The same spirit that inspired David’s advocacy calls us to respond to the needs of all who may feel unseen or excluded. Regardless of identity or circumstance, our obligation remains the same: to meet people with compassion and take meaningful action.
One lesson I have learned throughout my years at JFS is that lasting change happens through partnership. When nonprofits, faith communities, volunteers, advocates, funders, and neighbors work together, we can build stronger and more inclusive communities.
As we celebrate Pride Month, may we do more than recognize how far we have come. May we recommit ourselves to the work ahead, ensuring that every person feels valued, supported, and welcome.
Our founder, Holocaust survivor Max Michelson, often reminded us: “Don’t be a bystander. Act.”
Those words capture both David Passer’s legacy and the spirit of Pride.
May we continue to build communities rooted in compassion, justice, and belonging—not only this month, but throughout the year.