Hod is an Israeli website "written by Orthodox Jewish gay men, for Orthodox Jewish gay men, not affiliated with any organization or political movement." Hod aims to "provide a platform for open-minded discussion in order to facilitate understanding." Mostly in Hebrew, but with English pages as well. Close

The Israel AIDS Task Force is "the main and oldest public body in Israel dealing with AIDS." The website is in Hebrew only and contains statistical information about AIDS in Israel as well as a listing of organizations dedicated to AIDS/HIV treatment, care and research in Israel. The site offers a monthly newsletter about IATF activities and other AIDS/HIV related activities throughout Israel.

This site is in Hebrew. Close

The Israeli Gay Youth Organization operates on a voluntary basis and targets two segments : Youth of ages 15-18 and another group of youth aged 18-23, above the age of army conscription. The Israeli Gay Youth Organization is now an independent organization (Amuta), yet remains loosely affiliated with the Organization for Gay and Lesbians in Israel ("Aguda"), a nonprofit nationwide organization promoting the status of the GLBT community in Israel since 1975.

The organization supports youth through the difficult stages of defining their sexual orientation, which are often confusing and painful. During this period, teenagers become aware of their sexual feelings. In addition, the organization provides the framework for out-of-the-closet youth who are willing to contribute to the struggle for gay youth status, promoting equal rights and the fight against hatred and homophobia. IGY - Israeli Gay Youth
5 Yavne St.
Tel Aviv 65791
Israel
Telephone: 011. 972.3.560.0958
Email address: office@igy.co.il

This site is in Hebrew. Translate to English or French in the upper left hand corner Close

"Just as a hidden Memory is forgotten... If History is hidden, then history is forgotten!" The IALBCHS has over 150 members in 11 countries. The International Association of Lesbian and Gay Children of Holocaust Survivors is the proud recipient of the Rainbow Award for January 1998. Email: rick.landman@nyu.edu Close

JAG was founded by a group of people who voluntarily decided to generate a change. In good time, because of the success of the calling and the demand of more and better activities, we have received training and counseling to be able to constitute a solid and booming organization as JAG is today.

It is important to say that JAG is a project created and developed by young people. The policy of integration of this proposal is the reason for the calling we have had in such a short time, not being the reference group the only group of people who showed interest in taking part of the institution. It is also worth to mention the importance lying in the transmission of community values to the younger members and other people who have lost Jewish institutions as their spiritual and social referents, allowing in that way the emergence of new leaders.

This site is in Spanish. You can translate it to English in the upper left corner under the JAG logo. Close

The Jerusalem Open House (JOH) is a grassroots, activist organization of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and their allies headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel. The goal of the Jerusalem Open House is "to facilitate a breakthrough into a new era of vocal LGBT self-advocacy, catalyzing the creation of a more tolerant society in Israel". The JOH has two overlapping programs areas: to provide direct services designed to build the LGBT community in Jerusalem, and advocating for social change on issues of concern to LGBT constituents, taking action to promote the values of tolerance and pluralism in Jerusalem. The JOH community center provides an LGBT space that is open, safe, affirming, and visible for Jews, Muslims and Christians.

The site is in Hebrew. Translate to English in the upper left hand corner Close

This is the oldest organization for LGBT Jews in the world and is based in London. They are primarily a social group and most of their events tend to be more liberal. Some of their popular events include: monthly women's restaurant night, monthly 'Chavura' (Hebrew for meeting of friends) to celebrate the start of Shabbat, monthly men's pub or restaurant nights and of course, celebrations to mark the Jewish Festivals, e.g. Seder night for Pesach, social events for Purim, Rosh Hashana and Chanukah. Close

Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria started in 1992 and has held monthly meetings ever since. The group is multi-generational, cross-denominational and celebrates the Jewish holidays together. Their website also includes an anthology of personal essays on being Australian Jewish Lesbians. Close

Jewish OutLook has three main aims and objectives to the formation of the Jewish OutLook Organization:
Firstly, there is a real need for a support network to be offered to Jewish LGBTI people who are in the process of coming out. This can enable individuals to deal with often very strong feelings of alienation and isolation. Parents at the Trembling screenings also expressed a need for a support group in which to share experiences and to discuss how to deal with the coming out of their children.

Secondly, there is a real need for a social environment in which Jewish LGBTI people can meet one another. There are many cultural similarities as well as parallels in the experience of Jewish LGBTI people and many individuals have expressed the need for social settings in which to meet one another. Finally, It is felt that there is a need for political presentation LGBTI people within the Jewish Community. Jewish people need some presentation in the LGBTI community, for instance, by creating alliances and social networks with like-minded groups of other faiths. Telephone Support Line: 011.27.762.15.8600
Email: info@jewishoutlook.org.za Close

Jewish Queer Youth is a social/support group made up of frum/formerly frum* gay, bi, trans and lesbian Jews ages 17-30. They meet regularly for monthly meetings and informal social get togethers. In addition they have an anonymous online discussion group. On this site one can find out more about the experiences of being young, gay and frum. You'll also learn how one can become part of the JQYouth community and meet other young frum gay Jews. JQYouth is New York based, but they have members all over the world.

*Frum includes: "modern orthodox, yeshivish, chasidish and traditional-conservative" Close

JQ International is committed to the advancement of Jewish equality of sexual and gender identity through social and educational programming. JQ International's website is currently under construction, but you still have access to their old site. Close

Tufts Hillel is known nationwide for its inclusiveness and extensive educational programming, and JQUEST welcomes all LGBT students and supporters to experience this. Inspirational speakers and enriching educational programs are offered by JQUEST at Tufts Hillel–a welcoming and safe-space environment for all. Programs include: a special LGBT and ally Shabbat to promote acceptance along with tradition in Judaism, a screening of "The Second Coming" - a movie relevant to LGBT issues in the Jewish community, and the big event of a commitment ceremony to take place in the spring. Past events have included Lunch and Learns with a local conservative rabbi, screening of "Trembling Before G-d", and speaker Rabbi Steve Greenberg, the first openly gay orthodox rabbi.

Keshet seeks to create a fully welcoming and inclusive Jewish community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) Jews in Greater Boston. Keshet develops leadership for change among GLBT Jews and allies to effect concrete changes in Jewish institutions' policies and cultures. Keshet also creates opportunities for GLBT Jews to come together, celebrate, and explore our Jewish identities in an affirming environment. Close

Keshet, formed at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2002, aims to: Explore the Jewish texts and interpersonal elements that impact the issue of homosexuality and Conservative Judaism; Educate the broader Conservative community about the aforementioned resources; Advocate for social and religious equality for Jews of all sexual orientations within the Conservative Movement. While comprised primarily of students, Keshet is also supported by some JTS faculty members and JTS graduates. Keshet is also proud to partner with Dror Yikra, their sister organization at the Ziegr ler School of Rabbinic Studies at the University of Judaism in L.A., CA.

This organization is currently under development, so check back later for more information! Close

Keshet-Rabbis hold that GLBT Jews should be embraced as full, open members of all Conservative/Masorti congregations and institutions. Through their understanding of Jewish sources and Jewish values, they affirm that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews may fully participate in community life and achieve positions of professional and lay leadership.

Keshet-Rabbis has been established in order to connect gay-friendly Conservative rabbis with one another, to serve as a collective voice of gay-friendly Conservative rabbis, and to offer a point of contact for Conservative/Masorti Jews who are themselves GLBT or who care about GLBT issues. Keshet-Rabbis is not an official arm of the Rabbinical Assembly and is not endorsed by the Rabbinical Assembly. It is a free association of rabbis who are members of the Rabbinical Assembly and who subscribe to the rationale and objectives of Keshet-Rabbis. Close

Founded in the fall of 2003 by students and Hillel staff at the University of Toronto, KULANU ("all of us" in Hebrew) is a Jewish LGBTQ social group affiliated with Hillel of greater Toronto. Kulanu continues an extensive tradition of queer Jewish programming in Toronto, beginning in 1975 with Hamishpacha, followed by groups such as Congregation B'nai Kehilla, Chutzpah, Nice Jewish Girls and Congregation Keshet Shalom. Close

The name of our group, Mishpacha, is the Hebrew word for "family," reflecting the essence of our community. We are truly that, coming together to agree and disagree, bound by the human ties that connect us and by our unique sexual and gender identities and links to the Jewish past. We are Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox, secular, liberal ; we come from a rainbow of backgrounds. All are welcome in our mishpacha. Join us for a meeting or dinner; come once or come all the time! Close

Founded in 1997, NUJLS is the National Union of Jewish Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex Students. NUJLS holds an annual conference in the early spring on a different college campus each year. These conferences feature speakers, text study, and workshops on topics such as Judaism and queerness, activism, relationships, ethics, coming out, and politics, as well as providing an opportunity for students to build community, network, and practice Judaism in a queer context. NUJLS welcomes Jews of all backgrounds and practices from Orthodox to Renewal, from those just beginning their conversion process to those born Jewish.

Starting in 2007, NUJLS also offers a small grant and training program for queer Jewish students organizing on their campus, beginning queer Jewish student groups, or existing student groups. NUJLS also offers ally trainings for those in the Jewish and queer communities who work with students. Close

Nehirim, a spiritual initiative for GLBT Jews, is an independent organization devoted to transdenominational, queer Jewish spirituality. Based in New York City, Nehirim creates spiritual community for GLBT Jews, integrating the wisdom of the Jewish tradition, the unique perspectives of sexual minorities, and an experiential relationship with the Divine. Nehirim proclaims that being queer and Jewish is not a predicament! They have unique perspectives on God, community, love, Torah, and Israel -- and they have a remarkable, hidden history of generations of scholars, mystics, and poets. Nehirim celebrates the unique spiritual gifts of being Jewish and gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. Close

The purpose of the Orthodykes site is to provide a home on the Internet for Orthodox Jewish lesbians. At the moment, there are OrthoDykes groups in New York, in Israel and on the Internet. In the section, Frequently Asked Questions, an attempt is made to explain the intersection of Lesbianism and Halakha from Tannaitic, Talmudic, and Rishomin sources. Close

The mission of the Atlanta based Rainbow Center is to offer a compassionate Jewish response to gay, lesbian, transgendered and questioning people and their families by delivering support, education and resources. The Rainbow Center will provide educational resources and sensitivity training for the Jewish community as well as people of all faiths and beliefs in order to foster understanding, inclusion, and respect of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning people. Close

SVARA, led by Rabbi Benay Lappe, is a traditionally radical yeshiva dedicated to the serious study of Talmud, the record of a Jewish tradition that has always been radical. Their mission is to provide serious Talmud study as a spiritual practice to all who want to learn, in an environment that recognizes as crucial the insights of transgender, intersex, queer, lesbian, bisexual and gay Jews as well as those of other religious backgrounds.

All texts are taught in the original Hebrew/Aramaic, but most classes are open to students who have no experience in Talmud study and minimal Hebrew skills. An ability to decode the Hebrew alphabet (merely sound out the letters) is the minimum requirement for most classes. Students are taught how to use Talmud dictionaries and reference works and given supplementary materials to help them along. Learning is done b'chevruta, in paired partnership, and students learn to master the texts to the point of "ownership." You don't have to be queer to attend SVARA but SVARA is a queer space.

To bring a SVARA-On-The-Road bet midrash program to your community, contact info@svara.org or call (224) 392-8022. Close

We are a community of frum queer women who gather to celebrate and study our yiddishkeit. We are committed to the value of shleimut (wholeness) and to supporting one another in observing a meaningful, integrated, honest and joyful Jewish life.

If you are a lesbian, bisexual or queer identified woman who is religious, observant and/or Orthodox... or is on the path to becoming more halachically observant... we welcome you to join our e-mail discussion group. In addition to our e-mail discussion group and this blog, we hold events in the New York City area. Close

The World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews : Keshet Ga'avah consists of around 50 member organizations in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Mexico, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The World Congress holds conferences and workshops representing the interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender Jews around the world. The focus of these sessions varies from regional, national, continental, to global.

The Hebrew subtitle Keshet Ga'avah - Rainbow of Pride - emphasizes the importance of Hebrew and of Israel to the World Congress. Close

The site is in German except for the following information which appears in English.

Together we make up a framework in which we celebrate our gayness in the Way of Yachad (Hebrew for together). We do not consider our group(s) as an alternative to the other institutions of Germany's Jewish Community. Yachad should be in addition to the Jewish life in this country.

At the moment we have several regional groups. They carry out their activities on their own. Besides monthly meetings - sometimes private, sometimes in public (Cafes, Restaurants, etc.) - we make have our own parties, excursions and meetings/services for the Jewish Holidays as well.

The annual Christopher Street Day Parades in the different cities are a chance for Yachad chapters to participate in the parade/ festivities, and for members to visit each other.

Internationally, we are in excellent contact with other Jewish Gay and Lesbian Groups in the Netherlands, in Austria, Great Britain, France and the USA, and other countries as well. In the World Congress of Gay and Lesbian Jewish Organizations, Yachad is a member, with other Jewish Gay Organizations around the world. As a Jewish group, we declare our solidarity to the Gay and Lesbian Movement in Israel, where we have very good relationships to their organizations. Close