For the past ten years, Eshel has been searching for shuls for LGBTQ+ Jews – individuals and families – who want to be part of a frum community. Since the founding of the Welcoming Shuls Project, I have spoken with almost 300 shuls and Rabbis. We work with large and small congregations, independent minyanim, and communities across the spectrum of Orthodoxy, including Chabad, Centrist Orthodox communities, and Modern Orthodoxy. The Rabbis leading these communities have semicha from RIETS, the Rabbanut in Israel, Ner Yisrael, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, and Yeshivat Maharat. We have identified welcoming spaces in 34 states, five provinces in Canada, Mexico, and numerous communities in Israel.
Creating more inclusive communities starts with a conversation. Over the past ten years, these conversations have been happening more often, with greater depth, and more openly. Rabbis are not just talking with us, in confidence, but with each other. Our recent panels on LGBTQ+ inclusion in communities and schools are just two examples of the increased understanding of how critical LGBTQ+ acceptance is – both for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them, and for the good of our communities.
I have been blessed to speak with so many wonderful members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families through the Welcoming Shuls Project. I am constantly inspired by their spirit and fortitude in the face of challenges, and their commitment to remaining in the Orthodox world as much as possible.
Simultaneously, I am acutely aware of the pain caused by the present political and cultural climate in this country. Sometimes I feel that for every one step forward, we take two steps backward. I feel the suffering of the LGBTQ+ people and families I speak to who still do not yet have an affirming space for their Jewish practice where they live. We work tirelessly with leaders, Rabbis, educators, and professionals to try to educate and advocate for these folks to improve their situation.
When I speak with Rabbis who know their LGBTQ+ community members, many are impressed with the intentionality and commitment they bring. Creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people in our communities fully belong ultimately enriches all of our lives. Our communities are more whole when each of us can bring our “whole self” to the table – our talents, resources, wisdom, and life experiences.
When we first began the Welcoming Shuls Project, it was hard enough to find shuls that would tolerate or accept LGBTQ+ members. Now we are partnering with hundreds of shuls across the country to create spaces where LGBTQ+ Jews experience full belonging. This is the mission of Eshel’s Welcoming Communities Project – creating a brighter Jewish future through the inclusion, participation, and belonging of all its members.
Uplifting the dignity of every member of our community isn’t just our work – it is one of the most foundational mitzvot. The value of human dignity is so great that it supersedes even a negative commandment of the Torah (Brachot 19b). May we all continue to work together to ensure that our communities benefit from what all of our members can contribute to make us infinitely better.
To find Welcoming Shuls and Schools in your area, or to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in your community, reach out to sunnie@eshelonline.org
Dr. Sunnie Sterling Epstein,
Director of the Welcoming Shuls Project