Question 1

What is Belonging in Ritual?

Accepted Answer

Belonging in Ritual is a digital resource portal supporting Jewish communities to create ritual, lifecycle moments, and communal practices where LGBT+ Jews can fully belong. It combines practical resources with anecdotal reflections and stories drawn from real community experience.

Question 2

Who is Belonging in Ritual for?

Accepted Answer

The portal is designed for anyone involved in Jewish communal life, including clergy, educators, youth workers, volunteers, professionals, lay leaders, and allies. Resources are relevant across denominations and settings.

Question 3

Do I need to be LGBT+ to use the portal?

Accepted Answer

No. Belonging in Ritual is designed for both LGBT+ Jews and allies who want to support inclusive, safe, and meaningful Jewish practice.

Question 4

Do I need to be Jewish to use the portal?

Accepted Answer

No, whilst the content is rooted in Jewish ritual, tradition, and lived experience, it is open to all who are engaging with or supporting Jewish communities.

Question 5

Who created Belonging in Ritual?

Accepted Answer

Belonging in Ritual was created by KeshetUK and sits within KeshetUK’s Community Life programme.

Question 6

What stage is the project currently at?

Accepted Answer

Belonging in Ritual is in its first phase of launch. Not all categories will have resources available immediately, and content will continue to be added over time.

Question 7

Can I share or reuse content from the portal?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome and encouraged to download the resources to a PDF for use. Please credit Belonging in Ritual where appropriate, and do not reproduce personal reflections or stories publicly without permission.

Question 8

How do I use the Belonging in Ritual portal?

Accepted Answer

You can see a full guide on how to use the portal on the Resources Library page.

Question 9

Are the resources for individual or community use?

Accepted Answer

Resources are intended primarily for use in community settings, though they may also be used by individuals or small groups who have taken a step back from the community and want to explore reconnecting with Jewish ritual and practice.

Question 10

Why is there not a wider range of resources currently available?

Accepted Answer

Belonging in Ritual is a long-term project, and not all resource categories or materials will be available from the start. We are adding resources and contributions on an ongoing basis.

Question 11

What are Reflections and Stories?

Accepted Answer

Reflections and Stories are individual contributions that share personal or community experiences of Jewish ritual, belonging, and inclusion.

Question 12

What types of contributions are appropriate for Belonging in Ritual?

Accepted Answer

Reflections on experiences of ritual, lifecycle moments, or communal practice
Stories from professional, voluntary, or lived perspectives
Learning drawn from practice, challenges, or change over time
Contributions from LGBT+ Jews and from allies working in Jewish spaces

Question 13

What types of contributions are not appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Content that identifies individuals without consent
Material that is discriminatory, inflammatory, or unsafe
Contributions that are potentially and purposefully divisive in nature or are not in line with our mission and vision
Detailed accounts of harm that may be distressing without appropriate framing

Question 14

Who can submit a contribution?

Accepted Answer

Contributions are welcome from across Jewish communal life, including clergy, educators, volunteers, professionals, allies, and LGBT+ Jews.

Question 15

Do I need to be an expert to contribute?

Accepted Answer

No. Contributors do not need to be experts or have definitive answers. Contributions should be thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in real experience.

Question 16

Can I submit a contribution anonymously?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contributors can choose how they are credited, including remaining anonymous.

Question 17

How long does the review process take?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond with feedback, questions, or suggested changes within 10–14 working days, and to approve a final version within 28 working days where possible.

Question 18

When would a contribution be rejected?

Accepted Answer

A contribution may not be accepted if it is not suitable, accessible, aligned with KeshetUK’s mission, or appropriate for the purpose of the portal.

Question 19

How is consent handled for contributions?

Accepted Answer

All contributions are published with consent. If a contribution touches on sensitive topics, the team will work with contributors to ensure it is shared responsibly.

Question 20

Does the portal offer pastoral or crisis support?

Accepted Answer

No. The portal does not provide individual pastoral care, counselling, or crisis support. If you or someone else is in immediate distress, please seek appropriate professional or emergency support.

Question 21

How can I contact the Belonging in Ritual team?

Accepted Answer

You can contact the team using the Contact Us form.

Question 22

What can the team not advise on?

Accepted Answer

The Belonging in Ritual team cannot provide individual pastoral care, legal advice, or crisis support.

Question 23

How long does it take to receive a response?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond to enquiries within 5–10 working days.

Question 24

How can I stay updated about new resources?

Accepted Answer

You can join the Belonging in Ritual mailing list to receive updates as the project develops and new resources become available.

Frequently Asked Questions