Jewmos - which was created post Oct 7th - is an organisation that supports Jews who identify as LGBTQI+. it includes hosting talks, film nights, community events, and also - Shabbat dinners with the Progressive Jewish congregation and synagogue “Temple Beth Israel”.
For LGBTQI+ jews - some of whom have moved away from Jewish life, while finding a sanctuary within the general rainbow community, it provides a place where both identities can feel belong.
We are alone together, we've had a shared experience of loneliness and there's something incredibly powerful about thatJarod Rhine Davis
A key part of Jewmos’ Shabbat dinner tradition is sharing personal stories. That evening two members have shared their stories - Joshua Finn shared his experience as a gay Jew and his first visit to Israel as part of a one-of-a-kind initiative.
Jarod shares his views on why stories are an important part of the evening: "Why do we tell stories? To not feel so alone and to walk in someone else's shoes for a bit and hopefully break down some barriers between the Jewish and queer communities and hopefully make everyone feel a little less alone".
Dassi Hirshberg, who grew up as child in an ultra-orthodox community, shared her story as well and reflected on her feelings when she first attended one of the community events: "In my wildess dreams I didn't think there would be a community of LGBTQI+ people and Jews".
This story was part of our series about loneliness and how community initiatives help bring people together. If you have a story about loneliness you’d like to share with us please message us on Facebook
