Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, LGBTQ synagogue in West 30th Street, Manhattan, United States
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah is a synagogue in Manhattan located in a restored section of a building on West 30th Street. It offers modern facilities designed for religious services and community gatherings.
The congregation traces its roots to 1973 when Jacob Gubbay organized a Passover Seder in Chelsea to bring people together around shared values. It later grew into a more established religious organization.
The congregation gathers for weekly Shabbat services and holiday celebrations that blend Jewish traditions with LGBTQ experiences. This approach creates a space where people can express their whole selves within a religious community.
The synagogue offers regular religious services, life events, pastoral counseling, and educational programs available throughout the year for members and guests. Checking the website helps visitors find current information about services and access details.
For about 40 years, the congregation operated as a traveling synagogue without a permanent home, earning it the nickname "shopping bag synagogue." In 2016, it finally established a permanent location, marking a turning point in its story.
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