Widening Our Gates

Supporting congregations in their mission of inclusion and providing a welcoming home for all.

IFF Logo.png

Don't Say "Non-Jew":

How to Embrace Interfaith Families

​

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 8:30-10am

JCC North Shore

4 Community Road, Marblehead, MA 01945

​

We are proud to embark on a new partnership, with InterfaithFamily, as part of SCM's "Widening our Gates" stream of work. We are committed to supporting congregations in becoming the most welcoming spaces possible.

​

Don't Say "Non-Jew": How to Embrace Interfaith Families will help participants' congregations become more welcoming and comfortable places for interfaith individuals, couples, and families. We will discuss who interfaith families are, how to use sensitive and affirming language, and how to effectively communicate your welcome on everything from a website to a membership form.

 

Don't Say "Non-Jew" seminars are in development for more locations. Stay tuned for announcements.

​

Click Here for more information on InterfaithFamily.

Keshet.png

Keshet Leadership Project: LGBTQ Inclusion

Western Massachusetts

​

TBD: STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION

​

  • Learn how to evaluate current programs, policies, and culture, and identify areas for growth in LGBTQ Inclusion.

  • Discover how to recognize opportunities and challenges for welcoming and affirming LGBTQ members of your community.

  • Create an achievable action plan for making your community more LGBTQ inclusive within twelve months.

  • Receive expert coaching and support from Keshet to implement your action plan.

Celebrating Inclusion:

Opening Doors to Jewish Community

​

Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Cocktail reception 6:30 p.m.
Program 7:30-9:15 p.m.
Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA 02459

 

The evening featured keynote speaker, author Tom Fields-Meyer, who wrote the best-selling book Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism and Love from his Extraordinary Son.

His talk, Following Ezra: We Didn’t Know Where our Son Would Fit into our Community, opened new perspectives on the power of inclusive synagogues to transform lives and strengthen and uplift the community.

The evening also featured a special a series of vignettes from our current RSIP Partners on how their synagogues have become more inclusive and the positive impact this project has made within the congregation.

transgender pride flag.png
Transgender Inclusion In The Jewish Community
 
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St. West Newton, MA 02465
​

An evening of listening, sharing, and learning for Jewish communal leadership, was presented by Keshet and URJ Reform Jewish Outreach Boston on Thursday, March 30, at Temple Shalom, Newton.

 

In 2015, congregations of the Union for Reform Judaism unanimously passed a resolution calling for the full inclusion of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in our communities.

 

This was an opportunity for Jewish communal leaders to learn about the experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in our congregations and communities and how to better welcome and honor people of all gender identities.