"God created man in His image... Male and female God created them." (Genesis 1:27)
In the Torah's first creation story (there are two), man and woman are created at the same moment. The textual ambiguity ("male and female God created them...") suggests that, from the onset of creation, all beings embodied both female and male qualities. The Jewish Collaborative understands that issues of gender and sexuality should have no bearing on anyone's full and complete access to all things Jewish. We are committed to helping community leaders develop awareness and sensitivity to nuances of gender and sexuality. We are honored to support the work of organizations like JQ International, Keshet, Eshel Online and SVARA that support LGBTQ+ Jews seeking ways to experience the full spectrum of Jewish joy and learning without judgement and in the fullness of who they are.Jewish Resources
Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. We strengthen Jewish communities. We equip Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities, create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued, and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
JQ International was established in 2004 and is the premiere LGBTQ+ Jewish organization in Los Angeles. JQ celebrates the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies by transforming Jewish communities and ensuring inclusion through education, support, and identity-enrichment. From Shabbat dinners to holiday gatherings to educational panels to inclusion training for institutions, JQ’s community engagement and identity-enriching programs and support services promote the healthy integration of LGBTQ+ and Jewish identities. JQ envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ Jews feel a strong sense of self, pride, and community – a place where LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies are supported by communities that embrace their needs and celebrate their unique gifts.
SVARA is a traditionally radical yeshiva dedicated to the serious study of Talmud through the lens of queer experiences. SVARA’s unique pedagogy makes Talmud study in the original accessible—for the first time in Jewish history—to all who want to learn. At SVARA, everyone—queer, straight, trans, alef-bet beginners, experienced talmudists, secular, religious, Jews, non-Jews—everyone learns together in a mixed-level bet midrash that recognizes as crucial the insights of all those on the margins. SVARA’s mission is to teach Talmud through a traditionally radical lens to develop compassionate, critical thinking, courageous humans who work to create a more just, peaceful & healthy world.
Eshel’s mission is to create a future for Orthodox lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, and their families. Through its innovative and culturally sensitive programming, Eshel works with each individual, family, and community in creating a place for their LGBTQ members. Eshel envisions a world where Orthodox LGBTQ individuals can live out their lives in the Orthodox communities of their choice.
PFLAG Newport Beach meets the 3rd Thursday of every month, from 6:30-8:00 PM at Temple Bat Yahm (1011 Camelback St., Newport Beach, CA 92660). PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Their mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another, and to educate ourselves and our communities to speak up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect, value and affirm LGBTQ+ people.
