Bet Mishpachah is a congregation for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews and all who wish to participate in an inclusive, egalitarian, and mutually supportive community. Since our founding in 1975, our congregation has grown to hundreds of members.
We join together for weekly Shabbat services, educational events, social action/social justice community service, and holidays-- affirming our religious and cultural heritage, and integrating Gay and Lesbian and Jewish identities.
Our membership is comprised of singles, couples, and families, and is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We are proud to have a celebratory community of women and men who share equally in the leadership of the congregation.
While we have a part-time rabbi, Rabbi Toby Manewith, who guides our spiritual path, we have always been a lay-led congregation. Thus you will find that Erev Shabbat services vary depending on the service leader(s). One night, you may hear more Sephardic melodies - more traditional European songs another; the blessings read from the bimah one week differ from poems you may learn the next week. Rabbi Manewith participates in service leading every first and third Friday evening, and the second Saturday morning of every month.
And, speaking of music, you do not want to miss our incredible choir, Tach'shitim.
Want to learn more? See recent issues of Mishpachah Matters, our newsletter, join us for Shabbat or an upcoming event, or contact us!