Slay. Parshat Vayikra begins by discussing sacrifices—moments that carry profound significance, involving both loss and holiness. Today, “slay” can mean many things: harm and destruction, sacred sacrifice, or joyful empowerment and pride.

Sometimes people use words—claiming their definition is absolute—and it can feel painful. But Jewish tradition teaches us that interpretation matters. The Torah has 70 “faces”—multiple, equally valid ways of reading the same text. The power to interpret and reassess meaning belongs to each individual.

Even when others try to define your truth negatively, you always have the option to choose differently. This past month, we’ve seen young queer Jews reclaim and redefine what those in positions of power insisted couldn’t coexist, turning attempts to silence into acts of courage and strength.

No matter what anyone else says, your existence, identity, and truth are holy. Your way of seeing the word is unique. You have the power to take something intended as negative and transform it into celebration, inspiring joy in others and adding more light to the world.

So yes—Slay. 🌈🔥