Jonathan Shmidt Chapman

Congregation Beit Simchat Torah is committed to the idea that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews are wholly legitimate members of the Jewish people, are equally legitimate members of civil society, and have a unique and essential contribution to make to the life of Judaism and society. It is this commitment to social justice and gender equality that has also attracted straight and even non-Jewish adults to our community. A Spiritual Community We are active in many dimensions through which we seek to transform ourselves from a collection of individuals into a spiritual community in which we can create a profound sense of purpose and meaning in our lives and in which we can experience the presence of G-d. We are a house of prayer, offering both traditional and liberal services within an egalitarian framework. We are committed to developing the ritual, liturgical, and theological heritage of Judaism to meet our widely ranging needs as a congregation. We are a spiritual community, warm and nurturing, intense and challenging. We are committed to one another and to our sense of purpose as a significant voice in the gay community, in the world of Judaism, and in the dialogue of the world’s religions. Even m’asu habonim haitah l’rosh pinah: the stone that the builders rejected has indeed become the corner-stone. May G-d grant us the vision and the strength to continue with the building.