Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jews and allies are our relatives, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. LGBT and allied Jews span the denominational and political spectrums. The Jewish communal world is full of LGBT and allied educators, cantors, rabbis, social workers, activists, and synagogue members. All too often LGBT Jews “assimilate” and hide their identities in order to participate in the Jewish world or “separate” and distance themselves from Jewish life, representing a collective loss in terms of the strength and vibrancy of the community.

Many in the Jewish world are ready to redefine the boundaries of the community to include Jews of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Jewish Mosaic’s work is to contribute to and build on that momentum and to foster a process of transformative integration. LGBT Jews should not have to choose between their sexual and religious identities; we can transform Jewish institutions to accommodate all forms of Jewish difference. LGBT Jews can and should participate fully and equally in Jewish communal life and its core institutions.

Cited as one of the 50 most creative and effective Jewish organizations in the United States¹, Jewish Mosaic encourages LGBT inclusion in Jewish life through the following goals:

• Visibility: Jewish Mosaic works to increase the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jews as integral members of Jewish communities and to insure that LGBT Jews are supported and encouraged to lead active Jewish lives with integrity and pride.

• Advocacy: Jewish Mosaic advocates on behalf of LGBT Jews and their allies who need support, partners and resources to bring about change in their own communities.

• Education: Jewish Mosaic educates Jewish institutions, communities and individuals of all denominations on how to create more inclusive and diverse communities.

• Research: Jewish Mosaic conducts needs assessments and policy research to help Jewish decision-makers, funders, and organizations create more inclusive communities and policies.

¹ Jewish Mosaic was included in the 2005, 2006 and 2007 editions of “Slingshot,” a guide to 50 “of the most creative and effective [Jewish] organizations” in America. Slingshot was compiled by 21/64, a division of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies.