Rabbis Karen and Daniel Bogard, Maharat Rori Picker Neiss and Russel Neiss will receive the Landres Courage for Dignity Award at Keshet’s OUTstanding! 2023 awards gala on Nov. 9 in Boston. Keshet is a national organization that works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life. The awards recognize “champions of change whose leadership strengthens our community and bolster our hope.”
The Bogards founded Camp Indigo Point, a camp for trans, gender-expansive and LGBTQ+ kids that brings together more than 150 campers from 30-plus states for two weeks each summer. They are leaders in an interfaith organization led by Missouri clergy aimed at stopping bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The Bogards serve together on the rabbinic team of Central Reform Congregation.
The Neisses are advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Jewish community and against anti-trans legislation in Missouri and across the country. They have testified frequently in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C., together with their 12-year-old son, about the experiences of trans youth and the impact of hateful laws. Their efforts have been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times. Picker Neiss is the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, and Neiss is the senior product engineer at Sefaria. The Neiss family attends Bais Abraham Congregation.
