Back to the Equality Directory Search

Information

Temple Shalom of Newton
After school / Supplemental Hebrew School; Synagogue or Prayer Group
Reform
617-332-9550
175 Temple Street
Newton, Massachusetts 2465

About

We don’t just “welcome” LGBTQ+ individuals, we integrate them fully into every aspect of community: worship, leadership, education, celebrations, advocacy, and support. Our intentional, broad, and proactive inclusion reflects a deeply held belief that the community is not whole until all identities are truly seen, heard, and feel a sense of belonging.

We officially officiate at same-sex commitment ceremonies and weddings, and support all lifecycle moments—birth naming, bar/bat mitzvahs, funerals—for LGBTQ+ member families.

Listing Details

Organizational Policies

  • Benefits such as health insurance, parental leave, etc. are gender-neutral and LGBTQ+ inclusive
  • Has written nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy that mentions gender identity and expression
  • Participation in gender-specific programs is based on gender identity
  • Has written nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy that mentions sexual orientation
  • All registration forms have been updated for LGBTQ+ belonging (i.e. adult 1 / 2 , parents or guardians, expansive gender options, pronouns, etc)
  • Strategic priority of LGBTQ+ engagement

Programming

  • Offers LGBTQ+ affinity spaces
  • Engages with LGBTQ+ civil rights in a way that is consistent with our engagement with civil rights for any core constituency
  • Curriculum and educational materials reflect LGBTQ+ people and identities
  • Has regular programming on LGBTQ+ themes
  • Observes LGBTQ+ days of significance (such as Pride, National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Visibility, etc)
  • Speakers/presenters/scholars in residence include LGBTQ+ people

Ritual

  • Dress codes are gender-neutral
  • Offers and frequently uses gender-expansive ritual language
  • Celebrates LGBTQ+ life cycle events
  • Requirements for ritual wear are trans- and nonbinary inclusive

Spaces

  • Has all-gender restroom/s and locker/changing rooms (if applicable) available

Staff & Leadership

  • LGBTQ+ people are represented in our senior leadership
  • LGBTQ+ people are represented on our board