Keruv’s mission is to assist Beth El Synagogue Center in holding its doors wide open for congregants and visitors to feel welcomed, included, and comfortable. We embrace diversity in its many forms, among them age, gender, color, sexual orientation, interfaith partnerships, and the full spectrum of Jewish background and observance. We welcome those with physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities. We know that we are enhanced by our diversity and are committed to building our synagogue family together.
The Keruv Committee is always looking for new members to join our committee and contribute to our work to enhance inclusivity at Beth El. Please contact Carrie Fox at csfox99@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved or if you have suggestions or requests.
We Belong Together: Neurodiversity in the Synagogue – February 8, 2024. Presenter: Michelle Steinhart of Matan (www.matankids.org). Presentation and replay available upon request.
Embracing my Multitudes: At the Intersection of Queerness, Jewishness, and Beyond – June 24, 2023. Shabbat morning sermon by Rachel Kundstadt for Pride Shabbat.
Chiaroscuro: The Light and Darkness of My Vision – February 25, 2023. Speaker: our member Judy Schmeidler.
Fostering LGBTQ+ Inclusion – June 25, 2022. Shabbat morning sermon by Corey Friedlander for Pride Shabbat.
The Power of Voice – February 6, 2022. Speaker: Rabbi Lauren Tuchman. Source sheet and replay available upon request.
Jews of Color: A Discussion On Jewish Diversity
Sponsored by the Beth El Keruv Committee, October 21, 2021
Speakers: Heather Miller, Kendell Pinkney
Moderator: Rabbi Zach Sitkin
Replay can be viewed here.
The Minyan: Jews with Disabilities by Abigail Pogrebin in Tablet Magazine
Matan, offers community consultations, training, workshops and other resources to help Jewish community leaders and educators provide purposeful, enriching and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.
The Multitudes by Heather Miller.
I Helped Coin the Term ‘Jews of Color.’ It’s Time for a History Lesson by Shahanna McKinney-Baldon.
Beyond the Count: Perspectives and Lived Experiences of Jews of Color report.
Where Have you Been Since Selma? by Kendell Pinkney.
Negroes Are Anti-Semitic Because They’re Anti-White by James Baldwin.
How Focusing on Diversity and Inclusion Can Save Synagogues by Aimee Close.
Keshet, working for the full acceptance of LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life.
18 Doors, supporting interfaith families exploring Jewish life.
Removing the Stumbling Block, blogging by inclusive Jewish educator Lisa Friedman.
Jewish Multiracial Network, advocating for Jewish diversity in the Jewish community.
Respectability, fights stigmas and advances opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of faith communities.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Westchester, building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
PFLAG Westchester, aka “The Loft,” offering peer support groups and a monthly, open topic drop-in center for parents, friends, family members, and LGBT people.
Center Lane, a program of Westchester Jewish Community Services, supporting LGBTQ youth (13-21) through fun, relaxed, horizon-expanding, age-appropriate activities.
Eshel, creating community and acceptance for LGBTQ Jews and their families in Orthodox communities.
JQY (Jewish Queer Youth) supports and empowers LGBTQ Jewish youth with a special focus on teens and young adults from Orthodox, Chassidic, and Sephardi/Mizrahi communities.