Synagogues
“The training was practical and accessible, thought-provoking and engaging, and delivered in an extremely sensitive way.”
– Claire Mandel, Chief Executive, New North London Synagogue
Our work with Synagogues
Synagogues are important centres of Jewish life and experience for many Jews. KeshetUK works with synagogues and Rabbis across all denominations - including Orthodox, Masorti and Progressive communities, so that LGBT+ people and their families can feel included within the synagogue’s tradition.
Through training and consultancy, KeshetUK use a mixture of methods to understand how including LGBT+ people can work in Jewish communities. We create spaces where any question can be asked without fear of judgement.
KeshetUK offers a wide range of training for a diversity of audiences, both bespoke and via our training menu of pre-built trainings. All are designed to support organisations wherever they are at in fostering inclusive spaces for LGBT+ Jewish people. As the only education and training organisation of our kind in the UK we understand the intersectionality of Jewish and LGBT+ experiences and with over a decade of experience, we can support you in taking your next steps. Contact us in confidence to find out more or book a session.
KeshetUK’s Consultation Support Service (CSS) is unique, it is the only consultation service to support synagogues and organisations focussed entirely on LGBT+ Jewish inclusion. The Jewish community is diverse and there is not a one-size-fits-all measure that will work for everyone. As such, our Consultation Support Service works with you to choose objectives and areas you want to work towards. Once you choose these areas of focus, we will support you to achieve these goals. We will carry out all this work with the sensitivity and non-judgemental approach that has made KeshetUK’s previous community work so successful.
The aim is to provide enough support over a set period of time, that you and your community feel confident to support your LGBT+ community and stakeholders. And that in the long run, we can support you through top up trainings and other opportunities.
As the only organisation of our kind in the UK, we have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who understand how to support communities. In addition to all of our services, we also love to meet our communities across the UK and hear more about your goals and ambitions. Whilst we are not an advisory service, we will always do our best to help.
If you would like to get in touch confidentially to find out more about our work and how we can support your community, please contact us.
Synagogues we are proud to have worked with:
Testimonials
“Words have real power... The truth of this was brought home to me recently during a workshop with KeshetUK… No one should ever face dislike or prejudice within the Jewish community because of their sexuality.”
Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum
Community Rabbi
“LGBT inclusion within faith communities can be a difficult topic tobroach. The training by KeshetUK did so with intelligence, candor and in a non-judgemental spirit. They communicated effectively with a group who were diverse in their ideological views, their experience of working with the LGBT community and their understanding of the issues. We would strongly encourage all Jewish organisations to take advantage of this training for their professional and lay leadership teams.”
Jon Pam
Development Director
“The feedback from our headteachers was unanimously positive and we can’t thank the KeshetUK team enough.”
Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers
Community Educator
“The training was practical and accessible, thought-provoking and engaging, and delivered in an extremely sensitive way.”
Claire Mandel
Chief Executive
"It was great how you worked with us in advance to ensure that your presentation was age appropriate and aligned with our synagogue's inclusive values. The sessions were delivered well with spot-on differentiation, appropriate language, and varied content. The young people loved your energy, openness and knowledge. We'd definitely like to have you back to do sessions next year."
Frankie Gruzd
Head of Chai School (cheder),