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 to Cara Gold, carag@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.
Shir Libeynu's Lunch and Learn
Bring your lunch, midday snack, coffee or tea and join Cantor Wunch on the third Tuesday of the month at noon on Zoom for our new Lunch and Learn program. We'll chat and engage in some casual text study. We'll begin with the weekly Torah portion (in English), and see where our interests take us. No previous experience with text study is necessary--just an inquisitive spirit! Presented by Shir Libeynu in partnership with LGBTQ+ at the J.
Shir Libeynu is Toronto's longest running explicitly LGBTQ+ inclusive synagogue. All of their programs and services are presented with openness and inclusivity as their core values.
Upcoming dates:
Tuesday May 17
Tuesday June 21
Register here
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 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 launching a pilot program in spring 2022 to convene the first cohort of participants from the end of March until the end of August 2022. Applications are due Monday, March 21st at 7 pm.
Program details and application questions can be found here.
Please send your application to carag@mnjcc.org with the subject line “Queer Jewish Incubator Application.” See page 4 for application details.
If you have questions, please contact Cara Gold, carag@mnjcc.org