lgbtq+ at the j
ABOUT US
Mission
LGBTQ+ at the J strives to be the heart of Toronto’s LGBTQ+ Jewish community, providing queer Jews opportunities to gather, celebrate and thrive. We aim for the full inclusion and celebration of LGBTQ+ Jews across Jewish communal institutions, in Jewish life, arts and cultural initiatives, and informal and formal education and more.
Vision
LGBTQ+ at the J fosters rich and diverse LGBTQ+ Jewish life in Toronto through dynamic programming – focused on social events, advocacy and education. We aspire to be a resource, safer space and home for all LGBTQ+ Jews across the spectrum of identities and affiliations. We intend to offer social and networking events and to provide opportunities for queer Jews to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions. We will partner with Jewish community organizations – including synagogues, schools and summer camps – to make their spaces and services more inclusive for LGBTQ+ Jews.
Looking to connect more to the community or have questions? Feel free to reach out! laurens@mnjcc.org
UPCOMING PROGRAMS/EVENTS
LOCAL RESOURCES
Alex Richler, Community Builder
Alex is a white, Jewish, queer, neurodivergent, pickle-loving human who's excited to keep creating intentional community around Toronto and around the world.
CUT Toronto throws parties for Gay Jews.
The Danforth Jewish Circle is a joyous & inclusive, accessible & inspiring, egalitarian & independent Jewish community. Our members include singles and families of all ages who come from diverse Jewish backgrounds and cultural traditions, interfaith and intercultural families, and the full spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities.
A community organization for Orthodox and formerly Orthodox LGBTQIA+ people and their families. We do social events, holiday celebrations, and peer support.
Machane Lev is a one-week, Jewish overnight camp for children and youth who are LGBTQ+ or who come from LGBTQ+ families/communities.
Moishe House Maple Leaf Gardens
Moishe House Maple Leaf Gardens provides meaningful Jewish experiences for young adults by supporting Toronto leaders as we create a vibrant Jewish community.
Our shul community welcomes all, including interfaith, LGBTQ+ and non-traditional individuals and families. Inclusive and diverse, Shir Libeynu embraces an egalitarian and progressive Judaism.
A space for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies at UofT and beyond to create community together, host events and speakers, and explore the intersection of Jewish identity and LGBTQ+ identity. More information: seth.goren@hillelontario.org.
A new initiative bringing together Queer Jewish families for programming in downtown Toronto.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
SUPPORT OUR WORK
We’re so proud of the team we’ve put together, and the outstanding line-up of programs and events we offer. Now we’re hoping we can count of you to support us! We’re still in the early stages of this work but we have lots of plans that will need financial support! Any amount helps.
LGBTQ+ at the J is proud to actively partner with the following downtown/downtown-adjacent community initiatives:
Alex Richler
Annex Shul
Danforth Jewish Circle
Machane Lev
Moishe House Maple Leaf Gardens
Congregation Shir Libeynu
Rainbow Jews/Hillel UofT
Congregation Beth Tzedec
TORONTO'S JEWISH LGBTQ+ CALENDAR
Best viewed on desktop/laptop or through the Google calendar app.
LGBTQ+ INCLUSION TRAINING
We're working in collaboration with Keshet to offer local LGBTQ inclusion training to Jewish organizations. Click here for more information.
QUEER JEWISH INCUBATOR
Queer Jewish Incubator is a new gathering space for LGBTQ+ Jewish people in the GTA to grow queer and Jewish connections while building stronger ties to the LGBTQ+ Jewish community. The incubator nurtures LGBTQ+ people as the visionaries, storytellers, guides, weavers, and disrupters currently missing – and needed - within our Toronto Jewish communal context. We are excited to share the six amazing individuals that participated in our first Queer Jewish Incubator in the spring and summer of 2022. QJI brought together these individuals to support them in initiating an ‘exploration’ growing the participant’s connection to queerness and Jewishness or strengthening the fabric of queerness and Jewishness in Toronto.
In grateful recognition of Community One Rainbow Grants for their financial support of Queer Jewish Incubator.
Pride Shabbat 2023
As a part of our Pride Month celebrations, we invite you to our annual Pride Shabbat 2023. We will gather as a diverse Jewish community to celebrate Pride and be in community with one another. Please join us on June 16 from 6:00-8:30pm for a Pride Shabbat service, followed by a Kosher vegan dinner. This year's Pride Shabbat will take place at the Cecil Street Community Centre, 58 Cecil Street at Spadina. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children. Thank you to all of the partners supporting this event, including: Annex Shul, BBYO Maple, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Camp Gesher, Camp Shomria, CIJA LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, Congregation Shir Libeynu, The Danforth Jewish Circle, Eshel Toronto, Holy Blossom Temple, LGBTQ+ at the J, Machane Lev, Makom: Creative Downtown Judaism, MAZON Canada, Miles Nadal JCC, Moishe Pod, Prosserman JCC, UJA LGBTQ+ Division.
LGBTQ+ at the J: Rainbow Babka with Shauna Godfrey
Chag Pride Sameach – Happy Pride! LGBTQ at the J launches a month of celebrations with a Babka Bake-Along led by Chef Shauna Godfrey. Amaze your friends and yourself; this sweet yeast-risen bread will surprise and delight when sliced to reveal a delectable white chocolate tahini rainbow filling. This event is designed and intended for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, whatever that means to you. Supported by the Kolel Legacy Fund at the Jewish Foundation. For more information on Chef Shauna Godfrey, and the tools and ingredients you'll need to bake along with us, please click the Learn More & Register link below.