LGBTQ

Judaism teaches us that everyone is created b’tzelem elohim – in the image of God. At Temple Beth Am, we welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to become involved in the religious, social, and educational life in our congregation. We also actively work for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) rights, not only in Seattle but on a state and national level. 

At the 2015 URJ (Union for Reform Judaism) Biennial, delegates from our temple cast their votes with pride to help pass an historic resolution on the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming people. In 2011-2012, Temple Beth Am was one of the pilot congregations of the Welcoming Synagogues Project, a national effort to create something similar to the “Open and Affirming” designation used by many Christian denominations. Our work as a Welcoming Synagogue continues today with outreach, education, and programs for the entire community.

For our members' enthusiastic work on Washington state's landmark marriage equality resolution in 2012, Temple Beth Am received the Irving J. Fain Social Action Award from the national Commission on Social Action of the URJ.

Our congregation has celebrated life cycle events, such as weddings and baby namings, with our LGBTQ members for decades, and, throughout the year, we work for LGBTQ rights in the greater Seattle community, help sponsor Jewish/LGBTQ events, and joyously participate in the annual city-wide Pride Shabbat every June. To participate in future activities, contact Amanda Ginovsky.