Beth Israel Center is a place where all sexes, sexual identities, and genders are welcomed, fully included, and celebrated. Beyond hosting meaningful Pride Shabbat celebrations and performing LGBTQ+ marriages, Rabbi Betsy will work with you to mark the many points in your life journey in sacred and beautiful ways. She can help you find personal meaning in conventional life cycle events and Jewish holiday observances based on your LGBTQ+ experience, and she will also be delighted to help you with rituals to mark coming out, your first intimate relationship in your affirmed identity, gender transition, changing your name, and more. These rituals may include immersion in our beautiful mikvah.
Rabbi Betsy will happily meet with you to understand your needs. She will then co-create, guide, and facilitate rituals grounded in Jewish tradition that affirm the dignity of all people and celebrate who you are.
At Beth Israel Center, we are excited to help you answer questions like…
How can your family’s holiday Rosh HaShanah observance be enhanced if you have just come out?
What might your adult “bar mitzvah” look like, if you were raised female?
Would you like your pre-wedding aufruf (going up to the Torah) to reflect your LGBTQ+ journey?
How can your Passover Seder help you celebrate the joy of your own liberation?
What Jewish resources offer knowledge and empowerment on your journey?
Please contact Rabbi Forester to discuss these questions and any related issues.