As students and educators head back to school, I’ve been reflecting on my own experience attending a Jewish day school. I couldn’t help but feel like an outsider in my own community because I had to hide parts of myself. If this vision had been real for me, it would’ve made a world of difference. I would have known much earlier that I was safe, celebrated, and could live a life full of possibilities.

For many, this season is full of exciting new beginnings. At the same time, this return to school comes in the midst of incredible stressors for the LGBTQ+ community, in which LGBTQ+ students — especially transgender and nonbinary youth — are facing the brunt of the threat. While many politicians attempt to erase trans and nonbinary existence — which we know they can’t actually do — Jewish institutions have an opportunity to create spaces of belonging for trans, nonbinary, and all LGBTQ+ students. Against this backdrop, it is imperative that all students know they are supported by their educators and institutions.

Keshet helps schools and Jewish institutions create spaces where students can show up authentically without checking a piece of themselves at the door. We have Back-to-School resources informed by Jewish wisdom and age-appropriate best practices for LGBTQ+ content to support you in creating classrooms that are welcoming and celebratory. Whether you work at a day school, public school, or supplementary religious school, we have resources to equip you with tools and activities to start off the year strong! Resources like:

• Tips for Teachers: Ten Ways to Make Your Classroom a Space of Belonging
• FAQ for Trans College Students
• Keshet Conversations: Supporting LGBTQ+ Jewish Students of Color
• How Your Jewish Community Can Be a Safe Haven for Trans People

Please use these resources in your classrooms and share them widely with educators in your network. It is up to us to help ensure the safety and belonging of LGBTQ+ students and their families in our Jewish organizations. Keshet also offers trainings, consultations, sample policies, and more to support LGBTQ+ affirming schools. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to book a training for your school or community.

Jewish tradition tells us that to save a life is to save a whole world. Ensuring LGBTQ+ students feel respected, represented, and valued is life-saving work. You have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your students.