Hanukkah means ‘dedication’ in Hebrew. This eight-day celebration commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews’ successful uprising against their Greek-Syrian oppressors. The celebration lasts eight days because there appeared to be only enough oil in the Temple to light a lamp for a single day, but miraculously the oil lasted for eight days. The menorah features nine candles, with the center one called the Shamash (the helper). The Shamash is lit first then the menorah is lit from left to right, one candle per day using the Shamash. After the menorah is lit, families sing “Ma’oz Tzur,” or “Rock of Ages,” a Jewish liturgical poem believed to have been composed in the 13th century.

A Brief History of the LGBT Jewish Community

The modern day LGBT Jewish movement began in 1972 when Beth Chayim Chadashim,the first LGBT synagogue in the world, was founded in Los Angeles, CA. Five years later in 1977, the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) adopted a resolution calling for legislation decriminalizing homosexual acts between consenting adults. The very next year, Allen Bennett became the first openly gay rabbi in the USA. In the following years more rabbis came out as gay and Reconstructionist Judaism became the first Jewish denomination to allow openly gay and lesbian rabbis and cantors. 1988 brought about the year that Stacy Offner, the first openly lesbian rabbi, was hired by a mainstream Jewish congregation. In 1990, the CCAR officially concluded that “all rabbis, regardless of sexual orientation, be accorded the opportunity to fulfill the sacred vocation that they have chosen” and that “all Jews are religiously equal regardless of their sexual orientation.” Finally in 1996 the CCAR passed a resolution approving same-sex civil marriages. However, this resolution did make a distinction between civil marriage and religious marriage. When Dana International, a transgender woman, won the Eurovision song competition in 1998, there was a debate as to whether she should be allowed to pray in a synagogue. The conclusion was that she would be counted in a minyan as a man, but could not sing in front of the community since she was also a woman.

Moving into the new millennium, the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion established in 2000 the Institute for Judaism, Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity, the first Jewish institute to educate students on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues.  Soon after, Reuben Zellman became the first openly transgender person accepted to the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. By 2006, conservative Judaism decided to allow openly lesbian rabbis and cantors. This year also marks the first openly transgender person to be ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Elliot Kukla. Just three years later in 2009, Siddur Sha’ar Zahav, the first complete prayer book to address the lives and needs of LGBTQ as well as straight Jews, was published. In 2012 the UK launched Rainbow Jews, an oral history project showcasing the lives of  Jewish bisexual, lesbian, gay, and transgender people in the UK form the 1950s to present day.  Following this in 2014, a memorial honoring LGBT people persecuted by the Nazis was unveiled in Tel Aviv. The very next year Abby Stein, a direct descendant of Hasidic Judaism’s founder the Baal Shem Tov, became the first openly transgender woman to have been ordained by an ultra-Orthodox institution. However she received her rabbinical degree in 2011 before she was openly transgender..  In 2016, the first Jewish same-sex wedding ceremony in Latin America was celebrated in Buenos Aires; the wedding was for Victoria Escobar and Romina Charur and was officiated by Rabbi Karina Finkielstein. Two years later, Sandra Lawson became the first openly gay, female, black rabbi in the world.  More recently, in 2019/2020 the students at Yeshiva University led advocacy efforts to end LGBTQ discrimination in their Orthodox undergraduate community, facilitated a Pride March, and filed a discrimination complaint against Yeshiva University with the NYC Human Rights Commission for refusing to authorize an LGBTQ+ club for a second year in a row. 

To say it has been an easy journey would be a lie, but the Jewish LGBT movement is growing stronger every year. Let’s continue to fight for the rights that all Jewish LGBTQIA+ community members deserve in their religion and personal lives. 

Traditional Hanukkah Dishes

Judaism exists all across the globe from India to Israel to Argentia and beyond. Thanks to its far reach, Hanukkah recipes vary according to cultural influences. Shake up Hanukkah this year by trying one of these traditional international Hanukkah recipes! 

 

Resources for the  Jewish LGBTQIA+ Community

While Judaisim has previously been unaccepting of LGBT members, today there are many Temples that not only embrace LGBT members, but advocate for their rights as well! Here are some amazing organizations around the world that are accepting of LGBT peoples. 

 

Australia

Aleph Melbourne: A social, support, and advocacy group for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and Jewish or who have a Jewish heritage, living in or around Melbourne, Australia. They welcome families and allies of LGBTIQ+ people. Aleph is for people of all ages and for people who are questioning or confused about their sexuality or gender. Aleph offers confidential and anonymous support.

Dayenu: Based in Sydney, Australia, Dayenu exists to meet the needs of Jewish gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trans, and intersex people as well as their friends, families, partners and other supporters. They provide outreach through education, information, resources, social activities and other events.

 

Canada

Kulanu Toronto: A Jewish LGBTQ social group affiliated with Hillel of Greater Toronto which caters to both the student and broader Jewish LGBTQ community.

 

France

Beit Haverim: A community center in Paris that offers a place of welcome and personalized listening to LGBTQ + Jews.

 

Great Britain 

Beit Klal Yisrael: A community of people who welcome all new members, especially those who are estranged from the many facets of contemporary Jewish community life. Beit Klal Yisrael recognises the true diversity of the Jewish experience! 

GJIL: Gay Jews In London provides an inviting social space for those individuals who identify as gay, Jewish and living in London.  

Jewish LGBT+ Group (formerly JGLG): A London-based social group for LGBT  Jewish men and women.

KeshetUK: Their mission is to ensure that Jewish LGBT+ people and their families are included throughout Jewish life in the UK. 

Laviot: A community of LGBT+ Jewish women and non-binary people. They have a supportive and active online presence and host regular London-based events. Laviot is an open space for anyone who feels it is relevant for them. However you define it, we support it.

Parents of Jewish Gays and Lesbians: A support group for parents and family members with a child or grandchild that identifies as LGBTQ and  wishes to meet similar parents. 

Rainbow Jews: A pioneering project that records and showcases Jewish LGBT history from the 1950s to today. It captures the voices and experiences of Jewish LGBT people in the UK through oral histories and archive creation.

 

Israel

Bat-Kol holds meetings on a regular basis and offers a variety of social activities for religious lesbians. These meetings provide a social framework as well as support and encouragement. Bat-Kol’s activities also provide education geared toward the full integration of lesbians in the religious community.

Beit Dror: A unique center for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender adolescents who have been rejected and alienated because of their sexual orientation. It is the first and only center designed to meet the needs of out-of-home LGBTQ youth in Israel, and one of the few similar institutions in the world operated by governmental organizations. 

Havruta: Havruta offers a social and support network for religious LGBTQ people in Israel. Beyond being a safe haven, this organization also actively works to inform and educate the religious public about LGBTQ issues in their communities.

Hoshen: The education and information center of the LGBTQ community in Israel. This nationwide, non-profit volunteer organization fights stereotypes regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Hoshen is officially recognized by the Educational Psychological Authority (SHEFI) of the Israeli Ministry of Education.

IGY: A national non-profit organization that empowers young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and young adults to accept themselves for who they are and flourish as individuals. IGY aims to support, encourage and guide Israel’s LGBTQ youth, while simultaneously creating a strong, resilient network of young, self-assured LGBTQ leaders.

Jerusalem Open House (Bayit HaPatuach): Provides social, religious, and educational services to the entire spectrum of Jerusalem’s communities. Services include anonymous HIV testing, mental health counseling, educational workshops, weekly support groups, a yearly pride march, and a safe space for everyone. Their center is open Sunday through Thursday from 12-16:00.

LGBTech: Strives to create a diverse and inclusive workforce by educating employers and providing tools, skills, and knowledge promoting diversity and inclusion. 

Lethal Lesbian: An Israeli film festival dedicated entirely to lesbian content and held annually since 2008. It is a unique event aimed at bringing lesbian cinema closer to its audience, who is otherwise unable to reach it. 

Ma’avarim: An organization that was established with the goal to empower and support members of the trans community, facilitating both personal and social change. Using an innovative approach to trauma within marginalized communities, and burnout among activists, Ma’avarim aims to bring about positive change in our society, our communities, and in the life of each and every one of us.

New Family: Works for equal family rights for all residents of Israel, including the right to marry, divorce, have children, register spouses and children, and conduct family life regardless of religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, or status.

Shabbat Shelach: Builds women’s (& those female-born identifying as gender non-binary) queer community around the Shabbat table.

Shoval: Promotes tolerance and understanding of LGBT people within the religious communities in Israel. Shoval’s main focus is to create a safe place within the religious communities in Israel for LGBTQ adolescents. It provides educational programs that are directed at educators, social workers, and people that affect LGBTQ adolescents directly.

Tehila:  A support group for parents of LGBTQ people based in Israel. The association runs support groups and hot-lines throughout Israel and is linked to youth groups and projects in various venues around the country. The group also acts to promote tolerance and openness in Israeli society.

TLV Fest: Tel Aviv’s International LGBT Film Festival.

The Aguda: The umbrella organization for the LGBTQ community in Israel, working locally and internationally to improve the status of Israel’s LGBTQ community, with a mission of equal rights, welfare, and safety.

The Tel Aviv LGBTQ Center: Provides services for the community while focusing on six main areas: 1. Cultural activities 2. Social/support groups 3. Empowerment of community organizations 4. Support services 5. Education 6. A caffe/safe environment.

 

Mexico

Guimel: Provides support to LGBTQ individuals and their families and friends within the Jewish Community of Mexico. 

 

Other

A Wider Bridge: Builds connections to Israel among LGBTQ  Jews and non-Jews in the U.S. through programming that focuses on bringing LGBTQ people into a meaningful and thoughtful connection with Israel and LGBTQ Israelis.

Frumgays List: An email discussion list for orthodox gay Jews of all ages.

Kirtzono (According to His Will): A forum for Orthodox Jewish parents, families and friends of gay men and women to humbly listen and learn from each other.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): Provides a safe place for parents, families, and friends of LGBTQ people to share experiences and to support each other.

SVARA: An academy of Jewish text study dedicated to the study of the Talmud. It is open to all those who wish to participate including individuals from other religious backgrounds. It explicitly recognizes the insight and contribution that LGBT Jews and their allies can offer to the evolving Jewish tradition.

The Dina Blog (and the associated Dina List): A site for trans folk of orthodox background.

World Congress of GLBT Jews (Keshet Ga’avah): Offers links to worldwide Jewish GLBT organizations. Keshet Ga’Avah consists of more than 25 member organizations worldwide that work to ensure that LGBT Jews can live free and fulfilling lives. Formed in 1975, Keshet Ga’avah has held conferences all over the world to meet the needs of their members locally, nationally, and internationally. 

United States of America: 

 

Boston

Keshet: Works for the full equality of all LGBTQ  Jews and our families in Jewish life. Keshet equips Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities; create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued; and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.

Netivot: A Boston-based community that supports LGBTQ  Jews engaged with traditional Judaism. Netivot holds social and educational events that explore the intersection between LGBTQ and Orthodox/traditional Jewish identities.

 

California

JQ : The premiere LGBTQ+ Jewish organization in Los Angeles. JQ celebrates the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies by transforming Jewish communities and ensuring inclusion through education, support, and identity-enrichment.

Sha’ar Zahav: San Francisco’s gay and lesbian synagogue offering the warmth and comfort of chosen family. 

The Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation: The Institute for Judaism, Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) is the first and only institute of its kind in the Jewish world. The Institute was founded in 2000 to educate HUC-JIR students on LGBT issues to help them challenge and eliminate homophobia and heterosexism, and to learn tools to be able to transform the communities they encounter into ones that are inclusive and welcoming of LGBT Jews.

 

Florida

Jewish Community Services of Florida (JCS): Offers a safe & supportive environment where LGBTQ individuals of all ages can benefit from programs that are non-judgmental and affirming. The LGBT programs offered by JCS and Lambda Living have a vast array of services and resources available and provide professional and caring services on an individual, family, or group basis to address problems and challenges facing LGBTQ persons of any age, regardless of race, ability, religion, or insurance coverage. 

 

Michigan

The Jewish Gay Network of Michigan: Works to increase the sensitivity of the Jewish and secular communities to the dignity of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. The JGN serves gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews, as well as their families and friends, by providing community, information, empowerment and education.

 

New York Area

B’nai Jeshurun: A Conservative progressive synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side that is very accepting of the LGBTQ community. 

Bnai Keshet: An open and inclusive Jewish community, working hard to promote awareness, inclusion, and integration of LGBT families and youth in the Montclair, NJ Jewish community, and beyond.

CBST – Congregation Beth Simchat Torah: New York City’s LGBTQ synagogue welcomes Jews from all walks of life and all ages and provides religious, educational, and social programs and services. CBST is not affiliated with any Jewish movement or denomination. CBST also has a group for members in their 20’s and 30’s.

Congregation Rodeph Sholom: Strives to educate and inspire children, youth, and adults to participate actively in worship, Torah study, and Jewish life experience, and to put Reform Jewish religious and ethical principles into action. To contact the Gay and Lesbian Concerns Committee, e-mail [email protected].

Eshel: Their mission is to create a future for Orthodox lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, and their families. Through its innovative and culturally sensitive programming, Eshel works with each individual, family, and community in creating a place for their LGBTQ members.

Friday Night Lights: A series of sophisticated Shabbat dinners for the modern gay Jewish man.

Hebro: A social-startup for gay Jews living in New York City producing nightlife parties, cultural events, and destination trips. Hebro attracts the cultural and modern urban gay Jew.

JQ Youth: JQ Youth is a social network and support group for Orthodox and formerly Orthodox LGBT youth. Their site has a number of personal stories, videos, and an extensive list of resources for young people, their parents, families, and allies.

LGBTQ Chabad: A support group for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans* and queers, coming from Chabad.

Ma’agal: the Keshet Womens’ Group: A support group for Jewish women facing questions of sexuality, gender, and religion. The group is oriented toward lesbians, but all women are welcome. Each meeting is facilitated and includes sharing and discussion. Confidentiality, support, and compassionate listening are central values.

Men Having Babies: These monthly seminars bring experts, parents, and surrogates together with representatives of leading clinics and surrogacy agencies from around the U.S.

Out at The J at JCC Manhattan: The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan empowers and connects the LGBTQ Jewish community through social and cultural events, lectures, museum and theater trips, and support services.

PFLAG NYC: This organization offers support groups for parents, families, and friends of LGBTQ people, as well as LGBTQ people themselves. PFLAG offers a safe place to share experiences and connect in a continuing process of learning, acceptance, and celebration.

The Gay and Lesbian Yeshiva/Day School Alumni: GLYDSA’s purpose is to provide support and information for people of all ages to integrate their Jewish and LGBT identities, in a self-affirming, positive manner. Our goal is to establish a friendly and supportive community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender alumni/ae of yeshivas and day schools, and all others with a commitment to their Jewish heritage. There is an in-depth conversation about religious texts available in the FAQ section as well as statements from Orthodox Rabbis regarding the intersection of Judaism and sexuality.

The Sephardic Mizrahi Q Network (SMQN): An innovative grassroots movement that is committed to building a vibrant, enriching, and supportive community for an often overlooked segment of the Jewish world: LGBTQ+ Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews.

Tirtzah: A Community of Frum Queer Women: Women who gather to celebrate and study Yiddishkeit; committed to supporting one another and observing a meaningful, integrated, honest, and joyful Jewish life.

 

Pennsylvania 

Bet Tikvah: A welcoming, queer-centric, independent minyan founded in 1988. Monthly Erev Shabbat services are led by members of the congregation. Bet Tikvah is not affiliated with any particular branch of Judaism. In addition, services and events are open to and regularly attended by interfaith couples, those wishing to explore Judaism, and heterosexual Jews.

 

Southern U.S.

SOJOURN: Their mission is to affirm and empower LGBTQ people across the South. The Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender & Sexual Diversity (SOJOURN) is the American South’s resource for Jewish & LGBTQ+ programming, education, support, and advocacy. 

 

Washington D.C. & Maryland

GLOE: Serves DC’s queer Jewish community (and our friends/allies) through an array of unique and meaningful programs in the areas of arts and culture, community service, holidays and spirituality, social justice, and of course, social events.

Bet Mishpachah: A congregation for gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, trans and queer Jews, our families, friends and allies and all who wish to participate in an inclusive, progressive, egalitarian, and mutually supportive community.

Rockville Open House (ROH): A safe space gathering for LGBTQ+ teens, their friends and allies, between the ages of 13-18 years old.

 

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