by Faith Oremland
Keshet is the only United States organization working for LGBTQ+ equality in all facets of Jewish life. Keshet (קשת, KEH-shet) is a Hebrew word meaning both “rainbow,” a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, and “bow,” an instrument for action.
Keshet’s vision is to create a world in which all LGBTQ+ Jews and their families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity. Through its programming funded from grants and individual contributions, Keshet develops LGBTQ+ Jewish teens in leadership, trains Jewish educators to prevent anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and celebrate LGBTQ+ Jewish identity, and mobilizes Jewish communities to protect marriage equality and transgender rights.
Keshet equips Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ+-affirming communities; creates spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued; and advances LGBTQ+ rights nationwide.
I became Or Emet’s Keshet representative because I have a trans grandson and a non-binary grandchild. I want to be knowledgeable about what kinds of resources and services are available for them and to be informed of legislation that may affect their lives. And I want Or Emet to learn about what is being done to protect the LGBTQ+ community, marriage equality and transgender rights.
Keshet has monthly Zoom meetings providing updates to legislation and new programming and training in how to be a community advocate for the LGBTQ+.
LEARN MORE AT KESHETONLINE.ORGAligned with the framework provided by the Society for Humanistic Judaism (SHJ), Or Emet is a proudly inclusive congregation dedicated to social justice and action, including for and with the LGBTQ+ community.