Rejected elsewhere, these LGBTQ Jews find love and acceptance in the Connecticut woods

In the scenic foothills of the Berkshire Mountains at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, 96 queer Orthodox Jews recently gathered for a three-day retreat. Organized by Eshel, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ Jews in Orthodox communities, the event offered participants a rare opportunity to celebrate Shabbat, pray, sing, and share their stories in an accepting environment.

Many attendees, like 29-year-old Zippy Spanjer from Rochester, New York, expressed relief at finding a space where they could comfortably embrace both their Jewish and queer identities. In many Orthodox settings, strict adherence to traditional interpretations of Torah law has led to the exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Eshel aims to challenge this by fostering discussions and advocating for change within these communities. Co-founder Rabbi Steve Greenberg, himself openly gay, emphasized that tradition is dynamic and can evolve in response to changing realities.

The retreat featured sessions on personal safety, effecting meaningful change in Orthodoxy, and provided a platform for participants to connect and support one another. While some Orthodox congregations have begun engaging in discussions about inclusivity, many LGBTQ+ Jews still face challenges in finding fully accepting communities.

Events like Eshel's retreat offer a sanctuary for those seeking to reconcile their faith with their identity.

Read Original Article: Independent

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