Living with Disabled, Queer, Jewish Pride

Eight years ago, the queer disability scholar Rabbi Julia Watts Belser told me something simple yet profound, “you should not wait until you have a disabled congregant to build a ramp to your bima.” In doing so, she introduced me to a whole new framework for belonging, where it is…

Celebrate Repro Shabbat 

I’m a Texan on the front lines fighting for reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights. In my time volunteering as a clinic escort and fielding requests on abortion fund helplines, I’ve seen the dire consequences when this reproductive health care is legislated away. However, these attacks on our rights are not a…

Meet Keshet’s New Chief Communications Officer

I am thrilled to introduce you to Keshet’s new Chief Communications Officer, Thea Hillman! Thea brings extensive experience as both a writer and activist to her role at Keshet as well as an exuberant commitment to justice work. In these challenging times, I especially appreciate her combination of rigorous skills…

For teens, a vital space for queer joy

“Going to this Shabbaton changed the way I saw myself for the better because I finally learned to love all of me.” – Rivka, New Jersey Our first LGBTQ+ and Ally Teen Shabbaton of 2024 is almost here!  Since our first Shabbaton in 2012 where I was a participant, this weekend retreat…

Meet Our Team: Rani Silverman-Gitin, Keshet’s New York Education and Training Manager

Keshet is made up of a team of dedicated, smart, and fun individuals, and we’re conducting interviews with them so that you get to know them a little better! We recently spoke with Keshet’s New York Education and Training Manager Rani Silverman-Gitin (they/them). Here’s what they had to say: What excites…

Why we must go beyond welcoming

How do we go beyond welcoming to creating belonging? This question has driven months of our learning and work with Temple Isaiah in Lexington, MA. There is a fundamental difference between “welcoming” and “belonging” in a space. A guest can and should be “welcomed.” But LGBTQ+ members are not “guests;” we are community members…

Living Out Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream 

As a Black Jew, I’ve found myself admittedly jaded whenever Martin Luther King, Jr. Day comes each year. This is not because I don’t admire and respect Dr. King, far from it. It’s because many think of this holiday as the end, not the means. Yes, Dr. King was integral…

Three Stories of Hope in a Tough Year

Meet Cooper and Thank You

Dear Friend, On behalf of all of us at Keshet, THANK YOU for being a cherished part of our community in 2023 and for helping us start off 2024 strong.  Whether you learned with us, fought for LGBTQ+ rights with us, created communal magic at a Shabbaton or online program with us, or generously…

How Far We’ve Come