Eshel creates understanding and support for LGBT people in traditional Jewish communities

Welcome to Eshel which is working to build understanding and support for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people in traditional Jewish communities.  Eshel takes its name from the אשׁל אברהם, Eshel Avraham, the tamarisk tree under which Avraham Avinu would welcome wayfarers who came from all directions seeking respite.  We chose this name because Eshel is…

… a place of SHELTER for Orthodox, frum, and other traditional LGBT Jews seeking to maintain their Jewish observance and find meaningful religious community.  We also welcome all those who are formerly Orthodox, “Orthodox-curious,” or otherwise interested in maintaining a connection to traditional Judaism as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender Jews.

… a way to help traditional communities to become more WELCOMING, to address the emotional and mental-health needs of their LGBT  members while maintaining their commitments to halacha.

…a GATHERING-PLACE for traditional communities to share information, learn from one another, and keep families and communities together.

Eshel’s work is inspired by the recent statement of principles, now signed by over 200 Orthodox rabbis, calling for welcoming gays and lesbians as full members of Orthodox communities.  Our work is one response to this historic statement.   To learn more about Eshel and our work, please click one of the links above.  Welcome!

WE WANT YOUR STORIES!

ESHEL ONLINE ORAL HISTORY PROJECT!

Eshel is collecting stories for an Online Oral History project that focuses on the struggles and triumphs of being a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Orthodox person.  Help us ensure that our stories are told!

Stories may be submitted in written form, audio or video formats.  For more details and how to participate, please write to Miryam Kabakov at miryamkabakov@gmail.com.

View an important message of hope and encouragement for the frum LGBT community struggling with homosexuality.

It Gets Better