The Welcoming Shuls Project is a foundational element of Eshel’s approach to make Orthodox communities more open to LGBTQ+ people and provide LGBTQ+ Jews opportunities to live the full Jewish lives of their choice.
Through the WSP, Eshel works to:
Identify Level of Inclusion
Advocate for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Policies
Offer Confidential Counseling
Provide Info on Policies
Serve as a liaison for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Through the Welcoming Shuls Project, Eshel counsels rabbis and community leaders, both individually and in small groups, as they navigate the halachic, communal, political, and individual concerns affecting LGBTQ+ inclusion that arise in communities. Every community has its own history, unique culture, traditions, leaders, and hashkafa. For this reason, we work with leaders as individuals to explore their goals, needs, and limits, rather than providing a one-size-fits all approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The process of becoming a more welcoming synagogue and community begins with a conversation.
Eshel is equipped to guide rabbis, leaders, parents, allies, community members, and LGBTQ+ people on a wide range of issues related to inclusivity at synagogues.
Here are some common questions we hear:
LGBTQ+ People and their parents often ask:
- I (or my child) is LGBTQ+. Which shuls will welcome me/my child as a member?
- I (or my child) am transitioning and I’m not sure how my rabbi/synagogue will react, and if they will accommodate my/my child’s changing religious needs. Can you facilitate a conversation with my rabbi?
- I want to know about specific LGBTQ+ related policies at my shul but I don’t want to disclose my/my child’s identity. Do you have this information or can you help me find it confidentially?
- I am nonbinary. Are there any Orthodox synagogues that can find a way to accommodate me?
Rabbis often ask:
- I want to connect with other rabbis grappling with LGBTQ+ participation in ritual life. Can you help connect me to others with my hashkafa?
- There is new lay leadership at the shul who is pushing back against my rabbinic decisions welcoming LGBTQ+ members. What should I do?
Allies often ask:
- I am not LGBTQ+ but I noticed some discriminatory language/policies at my synagogue. What can I do to be an ally and make my shul more welcoming?
Get In Touch
Our work with rabbis is an ongoing process. Individual leaders change shuls, institutions change outlooks, and outside events can affect attitudes and policies. We work to keep our information about synagogues and institutions as current as possible, and welcome any information about changes or updates in your community.
Always reach out to make sure you have the latest information on communities you are curious about, as we may have sensitive information that will not be listed on our website.
