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Dear Friend,
The overlapping sound waves above represent the blast of the shofar and the sounds of a Pride March. They strike the chord of what we know to be true and declare today, as our holiest days approach: as LGBTQ+ people, as Jews, we are here to stay.
In 5786, let us keep working toward a world of dignity and safety for all — a world where all our voices are heard and all our identities are celebrated. Check out our High Holidays page, where you can listen to a powerful 2-minute audio soundscape of the sound waves above, donate to Keshet, and find resources to foster LGBTQ+ belonging in your Jewish community such as:
Let us usher in the world as it should be — in 5786, always, and for everyone — affirming, safe, joyous.
Shana tova,
Jaimie H. Krass
President & CEO
she/hers
TAKE ACTION WITH KESHET
Across the country, we’re witnessing a surge of harmful legislation and rhetoric targeting trans, nonbinary, and intersex people, and seeking to strip away our fundamental rights. We need Jewish communities to stand up and affirm the dignity and humanity of all people. You are invited to sign our Jewish Pledge to Affirm the Dignity of Trans, Nonbinary, and Intersex People and take action today.
Now is a great time to join Thrive: The Jewish Coalition to Protect Trans and LGBQ+ Youth. With our coalition partners, we are stopping anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in its tracks and protecting medical care, access to sports, and much more for trans youth. As we prepare for new legislative sessions in 2026, now is the time to join our coalition and make sure your Jewish community is ready to act to protect our rights. Learn more about Thrive and join the movement.
LEARN WITH KESHET
Shivyon: Keshet’s Equality Project is a year-long training and consultation program to help Jewish institutions become communities of LGBTQ+ belonging. It’s more important than ever that your Jewish community is ready to protect and affirm LGBTQ+ members. Bring Shivyon to your community! Email H. Henschel to learn more.
We are currently accepting applications for the following cohorts:
Jewish Social Justice Roundtable Shivyon Cohort. Open to member organizations of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable, with a sliding scale fee. If the fee is a barrier, please reach out to us! Launches with two virtual Days of Learning, October 30 and November 6. Learn more and apply.
Conservative/Masorti-affiliated Organizations Shivyon Cohort. Open to Conservative/Masorti-affiliated organizations and congregations, and offered free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our partners! Launches with two virtual Days of Learning, November 11 and November 18. Learn more and apply.
Bay Area Shivyon Cohort. Open to organizations in the Bay Area, with a priority for youth-serving organizations, with a sliding scale fee. If the fee is a barrier, please reach out to us! Launches in-person with a Day of Learning, Thursday, November 13. Learn more and apply.
- Miami Shivyon Cohort. Open to organizations in Miami-Dade County, with a sliding scale fee. If the fee is a barrier, please reach out to us! Launches in-person with a Day of Learning, Thursday, December 4. Learn more and apply.
- Chicago Shivyon Cohort. Open to organizations in the Chicago Metro area, who are ready to take the next steps towards mobilizing their community. Launches in-person with a Day of Learning, Thursday, December 11. Learn more and apply.
Request a Training, Speaker, or Advocacy Event. Bring Keshet to your community! We can host a training or advocacy event to teach you how to take action, or you can request a speaker for an upcoming LGBTQ+ event in your congregation. Learn more.
KESHET EVENTS
Online Youth Programs. Our weekly online hangouts for Jewish LGBTQ+ and ally youth!
For ages 11-13 and in grades 5-7: Join our online Tween Programs. A place for LGBTQ+ Jewish tweens to meet, play games, and chat in community. Next meeting is Monday, September 15, 7pm ET. Register.
For ages 13-18 and in grades 8-12: Join us for Monday Evening Hangouts, hosted by and for LGBTQ+ Jewish youth. Discussions, games, and more await! Next meeting is Monday, September 15, 8pm ET. Register.
- For ages 18-24 and post-high school: You’re invited to our 18-24 Chill Space for Jewish LGBTQ+ and ally young adults. This is a space for young adults to chat and chill in community. Next meeting is Thursday, September 18, 8:30pm ET. Register.
QJOC Kinship Affinity Space. Join our monthly meeting for LGBTQ+ Jews of Color, as we gather to recharge, share laughs, and build community. Tuesday, September 30, 7pm ET. Register.
Palm Beach County Queer Jewish Youth Alliance. Join LGBTQ+ Jewish youth from all over Palm Beach County to celebrate living at the intersections of our LGBTQ+ and Jewish identities. This event is open to all LGBTQ+ and Jewish teens, ages 13-18. Location will be shared after registering. Sunday, October 19, 4pm ET. Register.
Flowers for Our People. An immersive art showcase celebrating the stories of LGBTQ+ Jews of Color. This free community event is open to all who wish to uplift queer Jewish artists of Color, through portraits, film, live performances, and visual storytelling. Sunday, October 19, 6:30pm ET at the Dwyer Cultural Center, Harlem, NY. RSVPs are at capacity, but contact Sage Cassell-Rosenberg if you’d like to be placed on a waitlist.
Pacific Northwest Shabbaton. Our magical weekend retreat for LGBTQ+ and ally Jewish teens is coming to the PNW! LGBTQ+ & ally Jewish teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13-18) are invited to join us November 14-16. Register.
Breaking Our Fast: Cream Cheese, Kugel, Community, Jenna Sapers-Sydney
Three Things My 15-Year-Old Self Would Say to Me Today, Jaimie Krass
You Can Make All the Difference for LGBTQ+ Students, Rabbi Eliana Kayelle
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Holy Complexity: What Trans Experience Reveals About the Divine. What can trans lives teach us about G-d, Torah, and the sacred journey of becoming? Join Keshet partners Pardes and Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, to learn from today’s most compelling Jewish thinkers and educators as they share their personal trans experiences and how they intersect with Jewish identity. Sunday, September 14, 1pm ET. Register.
LGBTQ+ Monthly Sit. Join Jes Heppler and guest leaders for a monthly Jewish mindfulness sit, offered by and for those who identify as LGBTQ+. Keshet is a close partner. Thursday, September 18, 12pm ET. Register.
LGBTQ+ Fertility Support Group. Join our partner, Jewish Fertility Foundation, for their national peer-to-peer support group for LGBTQ+ individuals going through a fertility journey. Discover community and connect with resources tailored to your fertility needs. Keshet is a close partner. Thursday, October 9, 8pm ET. Register.
