Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT)

The Ohel Tzedek GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender) Action Team is a diverse, dynamic, and dedicated group of approximately 20 key organizers who enjoy working together within a larger pool of approximately 80 additional people interested in hearing about and participating in our activities.   We focus primarily on issues related to equal marriage and transgender education and awareness.  

In announcing the award, Rabbi Lerner said of Boston's Temple Israel, "Temple Israel has been a pioneer in the evolution of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality within the Jewish community in the Commonwealth and in the nation." More than twenty years ago, in the early 1980's, Rabbi Bernard Mehlman and Rabbi Ronne Friedman reached out to gay and lesbian staff and members of the Jewish community and asked them what the synagogue could do to make it a warm and welcoming place for lesbian and gay individuals and their families. Out of that first meeting a lesbian and gay chavurah, a small social group, formed. As word spread, lesbian and gay membership grew and has become integrated throughout the Temple Israel family. With the guidance, support and encouragement of its rabbinic staff, Temple Israel has become known for its full inclusion, support and advocacy on behalf of the lesbian and gay community and increasingly the bisexual and transgender community. This includes their dedicated work on behalf of marriage equality. Temple Israel's Ohel Tzedek, "Tent of Justice" is a national model of relational social justice organizing. During these last few years drawing on the leadership of Dr. Alex Coleman and the GLBT Action Team, Temple Israel's Ohel Tzedek community has worked diligently in cooperation with other congregations, Jewish organizations, and with the RCFM to organize and educate people about the importance of marriage equality for citizens of Massachusetts and for all people of faith and is currently engaged in education of transgender issues in the community. The award is current on display in the reception lobby.

• We took the lead in organizing a more effective contact list and data base to help with all Ohel Tzedek activities.
• We co-sponsored the Erev Pride Liberation Seder.
• In addition, many of us from the leadership team have been active within the many other Ohel Tzedek and 150th anniversary activities, including the Health Care Teach-In, Faces of Temple Israel, and Ann Bookman Work and Families Program.

Please check the MassEquality web site for links and current information.

New members are always welcome and anyone interested in any of these initiatives should contact Alex Coleman or call 617 738-0463.