Our Mission Statement
We envision a safe environment where LGBTQ people, inclusive of all our intersecting identities, are fully liberated within our congregation.
Our goal is to promote tolerance and acceptance throughout our Jewish community and to provide a safe, non-judgmental space as a support network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and/or Questioning individuals, and straight allies who share a common vision of social equality.
By inspiring and connecting with individuals, Ga’ava at CBI hopes to realize an environment/safe zone that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all through engagement and education. Together we will work towards creating a community that is inclusive of all identities and strive to end discrimination against LGBTQ identified people.
Activities, Events, and Education
LGBTQ Jews in history – Discovery of prominent LGBTQ identifying Jews in history
Study LGBTQ in the Torah, Talmud - or in Judaism in general. Focus on the positive and embracing aspects of our community. Primarily to create a safe environment for those seeking acceptance and recently coming out- having come from various backgrounds that teach they are “wrong” or sinful.
Pride Shabbat! – 2022 Erev Shabbat with guest speaker and rainbow challah!
Zoom Happy Hours/Nosh and Schmooze happy hour- mix and mingle. Let’s get to know each other!! For now, over zoom, and hopefully one day soon in person.
Phone tree- mental health support where LGBTQ+ members can call or email for a loving and nonjudgmental ear/support. Coming out, depression, gender identity, etc.
FB Group Page – Please join so we keep in touch and have a live bulletin board.
Volunteer opportunities in Travis County for the LGBTQ+ youth, homeless, elderly, etc. Gay Pride parade. OUT Youth, Queer Bomb
Ally Education for all those who love us and want to learn about terms and proper ways to address certain issues.
Queer Movie Night LGBTQ Movies with Jewish leads or stories
Book Club - Queer Jewish Narratives
LGBTQ Parents with children - Playdates; family day; playdates; family gatherings
Resources
Religious Websites:
https://svara.org/
Books:
https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/books/reading-lists/queer-jewish-narratives-lgbtqia-reads
Informative:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LGBT_Jews
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_LGBT_Jewish_history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT-affirming_denominations_in_Judaism
Non-Binary:
https://www.nonbinaryhebrew.com/?fbclid=IwAR1pUzzPc5_WsIKx4bhpRgvRn0pGTltGfV0nCwyH9F3KsvBXe-xbSQI08L8
