Bet Mishpachah
An Egalitarian Synagogue Embracing Diversity
 

Meet Our Rabbi


Welcome! 

If you arrived at this page hoping to learn more about me, or about Bet Mishpachah, what I hope you’ll come away with when you’ve scrolled to bottom is that you are welcome in--and will be welcomed by--our community.

Rabbi Toby Manewith

Email: Rabbi@betmish.org

Introduction

We, at Bet Mishpachah, describe ourselves in many ways.  Our tag line says that we’re a community “embracing a diversity of sexual and gender identities." Our congregation was founded in 1975 by a small group of gay men looking to create a Jewish community where they could feel at home.

Today, all types of people call Bet Mishpachah their home.  Our members include those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gender queer, and straight.  Some grew up in Reform Jewish homes; others in Conservative and Orthodox homes.  Still others have found the Jewish community later in life. There are those who are learned and those who are always learning.  All are embraced by our community. You will find among our members art collectors, foodies, and baseball fans.  There are social activists, singers and service leaders.  Each is valued for what he or she brings to our community.

It is this embrace that led me to Bet Mishpachah.  When I first came to the congregation as a guest I felt enveloped by the voices lifted in prayer during services.  I felt the warmth as old and new friends greeted each other like family.

I strive to live up to the standards set by our community to be a welcoming presence.  If you are looking for a spiritual home,  for a Jewish community where you can feel at home, come meet us.  Our door, my door, is open.  See if we’re the right fit for you.  Whoever you are, whatever you bring, you will be welcomed here.  Bring your questions, your doubts and hopes and fears with you.  Bring your curiosity and your spirit.

I can’t wait to meet you.  Whether you should join us for an evening, or a lifetime, I hope that you will feel welcome in our community.

D'rashot

Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land

You likely know that in Jewish time, we begin to celebrate holidays on the evening previous.  With that in mind, tomorrow being the Fourth of July, I’d like to talk to you tonight about what has become an iconic symbol of Freedom in the United States: the Liberty Bell. (continue)


Yad and Scroll II.jpg

Biography

Rabbi Toby Manewith grew up in Chicago and considers herself a city person at heart. As a consequence of her roots, she is a fan of pierogies, deep-dish pizza and the Cubs.

Rabbi Manewith earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and The History and Literature of Religions from Northwestern University. She studied at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem and Cincinnati, earning a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters and rabbinic ordination.

After ordination, Manewith began a ten year career with Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, working as a campus director at Syracuse and American Universities, and as an educator at the George Washington University and Hillel's International Center. As part of this work, Manewith led nearly twenty service and study tours overseas, to locations such as Germany, Prague, Ukraine and Israel. (continue)

 
 
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