Kulanu Toronto Resources

Kulanu Toronto listserv- Our own very own listserv, operating since the beginning of 2004. Currently at 315 subscribers. Hosted by Yahoo Groups.

UJA Website-Doing Jewish in Toronto Doing Jewish in Toronto is a community resource of UJA FEDERATION's Jewish Information Service. Doing Jewish highlights and celebrates Toronto’s tremendous Jewish community. This web site offers access to a variety of information about what's happening in the Greater Toronto Area.

The 519 Church Street Community Centre "The 519 Church Street Community Centre is the hub of community life in Toronto's diverse Church and Wellesley Village. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer (LGBTTQ) communities and our allies and friends have always found a welcoming place at The 519. The 519 provides a wide spectrum of programs and services meeting the needs of our diverse LGBTTQ communities and the broader Church and Wellesely Village neighbourhood. Services include weekly support groups for gay, lesbian, bi, and trans people...or people who are unsure of their sexual orientation and want insight about the LGBT community to gain a better understanding of themselves.

Nehirim "Nehirim (“Lights”) builds community for GLBT Jews, partners, and allies (mainly in the USA). Our retreats and other programs celebrate GLBT culture and spirituality, and empower GLBT Jews to become active voices in their home communities. Through this work, we welcome GLBT Jews into the Jewish community, and in turn, build a more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive Jewish community by incorporating the gifts of GLBT people." Nehirim holds annual queer Shabbatons, e.g., at the Manhattan JCC in New York City - a great way to meet and mingle with Canadian and America LGBT Jews! If you have questions, want to volunteer, or would like more information, email Nehirim at info[at]nehirim.org or call them at 347-677-3542.

Ga'ava Ga'ava or “pride” in Hebrew is a non-profit organization for the LGBT Jewish community of Montreal. Ga’ava promotes equality of sexuality and gender identity within the Jewish community through social events, community services, educational programming, and advocacy. Ga’ava is committed to provide services and programs that are inspired by Jewish values, in which we create an atmosphere that fosters understanding and tolerance.

Keshet Ottawa Keshet Ottawa is a Jewish non-profit social group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (or questioning) individuals and their allies. The word "Keshet" means "Rainbow". Keshet members come from a variety of Jewish affiliations, linguistic, and national backgrounds. Membership is free, though donations are requested to cover costs for some events. Keshet members host a variety of events, such as Shabbat dinners, potlucks, summer BBQ's, movie nights, and Jewish holiday parties.


TWICE BLESSED An extraordinary web site created bv the late Johnny Abush (a Torontonian queer Jewish activist) cataloging over 50,000 books, music and art created by and/or about queer Jews.

Jewish Feminist Resources Directory of resources from a Jewish feminist perspective. Access to information, such as listservs.

Jewish Women's Archives Content-rich web site, includes virtual exhibits, virtual photo exhibits, and a section on research and teaching. This web portal is an excellent resource for scholars, activists, mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons.

JewishFilm.com JewishFilm.com is an online Jewish film archive. It includes a list of queer Jewish films.

INCLUSIVE SYNAGOGUES IN TORONTO

Congregation Shir Libeynu Congregation Shir Libeynu is unaffiliated, liberal, inclusive and egalitarian. Our participatory services combine tradition and innovation. Shir Libeynu is Hebrew for "song of our hearts," and our services include prayers and music both ancient and modern. Our diverse community is a welcoming one. The congregation holds Shabbat services on the first Saturday morning of each month, in the Michael Bernstein Chapel, on the 3rd floor of the Miles Nadal JCC, followed by a Kiddush. Free childcare is available during the services. We also offer adult education workshops and programs, the possibility to participate in our choir and chanting events, as well as holiday celebrations and Oneg Shabbat dinners throughout the year. If you have any questions, just leave a message at (416) 465-5488 or shirlibeynu@yahoo.ca

First Narayever Congregation A warm and welcoming traditional-egalitarian synagogue located in downtown Toronto. Same-sex marriages are performed by Rabbi Ed Elkin. Non-Jewish friends or family members are welcome at services. Location: 187 Brunswick Ave (Harbord and Brunswick) Tel: 416.927.0546

Congregation Darchei Noam A reconstructionist synagogue located in North York. “Religious services are traditional in form, and progressive and egalitarian in content. Members participate in leading services, chanting Torah, or presenting a D'var Torah. Women and men participate equally in all areas of synagogue life.” Location: 864 Sheppard Avenue West (Bath/Sheppard) Tel: 416.638.4783 Website: http://www.darcheinoam.on.ca/ Rabbi: Tina Grimberg

Danforth Jewish Circle “The Danforth Jewish Circle is an inclusive Jewish community centered in Riverdale in Toronto. Our community is committed to making Judaism meaningful and accessible through a wide variety of social, cultural and religious programs – nurturing Jewish life as we have interpreted it, a Judaism that is rooted in tradition yet reflective of change.” Location: 283 Danforth Avenue, Suite 125 (Danforth/Bowden – east of Broadview) Tel: 416.580.6303 Rabbi: Lynn Gotlieb

Temple Sinai (Reform) "Temple Sinai is an inclusive, caring Reform community that aspires to a dynamic, constantly evolving Judaism, and is committed to life-long learning, traditional Jewish culture, ethics and meaningful worship. It is a spiritual home to its many congregants of diverse ages, backgrounds and capabilities. It is a dedicated supporter of the State of Israel and of the principles of tikkun olam. Temple Sinai embodies the highest ideals of tzedakah within its own walls, in its outreach to the multi-faith community of Toronto , and to the wider sphere of the global community."
Location: 210 Wilson Avenue (Bathurst/Wilson) Tel: 416.487.4161 Website: http://www.templesinai.net/ Rabbi: Michael Dolgin

 Temple Har Zion
Temple Har Zion is an egalitarian, inclusive and vibrant community for Reform Jewish worship, learning, and personal growth. We are proud of our music-filled and engaging worship services, and our dynamic Religious and Hebrew Education Programs which offer a wide range of spiritual and educational experiences that meet the needs of each and every student
Location: 7360 Bayview Avenue Thornhill Ontario.
 Contact: Tel. (905) 889-2252 - email: information@templeharzion.com

Winchevsky Centre “The Winchevsky Centre provides a communal setting for all major Jewish holiday celebrations with a secular humanist twist. Our community-led celebrations offer a non-theistic, yet meaningful alternative to religious services. We provide the opportunity to reflect upon our cultural and historic heritage and to relate their significance to contemporary issues. Our community welcomes inter-cultural and alternative families. In an effort to keep our celebrations open and accessible to all, our ceremonies include passages and songs in English, Yiddish and Hebrew, and include words and lyrics that are pluralistic.” Location: 585 Cranbrooke Avenue (Bathurst/Lawrence) Tel: 416.789.5502 Website: http://www.winchevskycentre.org/ Rabbi: None because services are community-led


OTHER SYNAGOGUES THAT KULANU FOLKS RECOMMEND:

The Beach Synagogue A liberal-conservative shul in the beaches with a warm atmosphere. “People feel the shul has a warmth and an aura of hospitality...” Location: 109 Kenilworth Avenue (Woodbine/Queen) Tel: 416.694.7942

The Kiever Shul “Set like a hidden jewel in the residential heart of Kensington Market since 1917, The Kiever holds services every Shabbat and on all Holy Days. The format is a traditional but open-hearted modern orthodox service with a welcoming attitude that is respectful to all. This shul really evokes a genuine sense of roots and spirituality for all who enter her doors.” Location: 25 Bellevue Avenue (corner Bellevue and Dennison) Tel: 416.593.9702 Rabbi: Aaron Levy

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Day of Silence: April 19, 2013 was the annual Day of Silence, a day where schools, cafeterias and youth groups go silent in order to draw attention to the silencing effects of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment. here are some resources you can use to help your school, youth group or Hebrew school participate in this international movement 

Holocaust Rememberance Day (Yom HaShoah) was on Monday, April 8th in 2013. The last known gay Jewish Holocaust survivor, Gad Beck, passed away in 2012. Here are some LGBT educational Holocaust remembrance resources you can add to your observance of Yom HaShoah every year.

 A Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Ally Haggadah which follows the traditional structure of the Passover Seder but contains readings and discussion questions pertaining to GLBT identity and life.

JEWISH RITUAL 

Dr. Aubie Diamond MD, Mohel

Over 30 years of experience. Sensitive and welcoming to same sex couples who would like a Bris or non-ritual circumcision for their newborn son.

www.diamondcircumcision.com

LISTSERVS

LGBTOUT Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals & Trans People of the University of Toronto is an organization of students dedicated to providing support and advocacy for LGBTQ members of the U of T community.

National Union of Jewish LGBT Students National Union of Jewish LGBT Students (NUJLS) is the U.S. largest organization for Jewish LGBT students. Web site features information from annual conferences to guides on how to develop inclusive communities. NUJLS is an excellent informatin resource for LGBTQ students, professionals and their allies.

Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation - The Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation (IJSO) at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, California, is a unique entity within the Jewish community with its explicit mission of preparing Jewish leadership with the capacity, compassion and skills to change congregational attitudes, policies, and, indeed, Jewish society so as to include each and every Jew, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By encouraging dialogue on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues among the organizational arms of the Reform Movement in the United States, Israel and the rest of the world, as well as with local and national educational and social service organizations, the Institute will create a unique space where Jewish tradition, ethics and values combine in the spirit of social justice, holiness and community. The IJSO has resources on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender inclusion, major Jewish denominational resolutions on LGBT issues, news, organizational listings and a synagogue locator. The IJSO sponsors the Jeff Herman Virtual Resource Center with resources about marriage, parenting, coming out, liturgy, and more!

The National Jewish Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity (USA) The National Jewish Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity is an organization devoted to education and outreach to promote Jewish institutions to accommodate all forms of Jewish difference.

Nice Jewish Girls Nice Jewish Girls is a discussion list forself-identified Jewish lesbians and bisexual women.Members hail from many countries around the world,including Israel, UK, US and Canada.

JQYouth

World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Jews. The World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Jews. Student Groups

BOOKS

Books Relating to LGBT Jews

Balka and Rose, eds. "Twice Blessed: On Being Lesbian or Gay and Jewish". Boston: Beacon Press. 1989. *One of the first books published to give voice to the queer Jewish experience.

Beck, Gad. "An Underground Life: Memoirs of a Gay Jew in Nazi Berlin". Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. 1999. * A fascinating book capturing the extraordinary experience of one queer Holocaust survivor.

Boyarin, Daniel et al. "Queer Theory and the Jewish Question". New York: Columbia University Press. 2003. *An anthology that traces the theoretical connections between queer theories in cultural studies and critical theory and the Jewish question.

Cooper, Aaron. "No Longer invisible: Gay and Lesbian Jews Build a Movement in Homosexuality and Religion". New York: Haworth Press, 1989 *One of the only historical works about queer Jews published to date that traces the early years of queer Jewish community making in North America, with a focus on religious discourse in the Seventies.

Greenberg, Rabbi Steven. "Wrestling With God and Men: Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition". University of Wisconsin Press, 2004.

Rapoport, Hayim, and Rapoport, Rabbi Chaim. "Judaism and Homosexuality: An Authentic Orthodox View". Mitchell Vallentine & Company, 2004

Shneer, David and Aviv, Caryn, eds. "Queer Jews". New York: Roultedge, 2002. *The most recent anthology published documenting the struggles and triumphs of queer Jews worldwide. LGBTQ

SUPPORT SERVICES

Nurit Adler at Jewish Family and Child Nurit Adler of Jewish Family and Child has been running a Jewish LGBTQ social and support group for the past 15 years. The group is intended for adults of all ages and focuses on anything from coming out issues to ongoing daily struggles with or without partners.The group is open to both men and women and people in transition as well. The group meets every Tuesday from 6-8 pm at 35 Madison Avenue (one block east of the Miles Nadal JCC) off Bloor St. If you are interested in attending a meeting, please contact Nurit Adler at 416 961-9344 ext. 806.

Judi Siklos, MA, Psychotherapist Judi Siklos, MA, is a Psychotherapist in private practice in Toronto. She has been involved in LGBT and Jewish community groups for over 15 years and has extensive training in working with diverse populations. She believes that one’s emotional and spiritual health are areas that must be actively addressed as part of a holistic wellness model. She also understands that there can be unique challenges for LGBT youth and adults, and especially so if one’s gender identity or sexuality appears to be in conflict with one’s religious affiliation. Counselling can help increase one’s confidence, allow one to gain clarity about one’s identity, and help create an environment for oneself that is supportive and healthy. For more information, please email Judi at info@judisiklos.com or visit her website at http://www.judisiklos.com/.

The 519 Church Street Community Centre "The 519 Church Street Community Centre is the hub of community life in Toronto's diverse Church and Wellesley Village. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer (LGBTTQ) communities and our allies and friends have always found a welcoming place at The 519. The 519 provides a wide spectrum of programs and services meeting the needs of our diverse LGBTTQ communities and the broader Church and Wellesely Village neighbourhood. Services include weekly support groups for gay, lesbian, bi, and trans people...or people who are unsure of their sexual orientation and want insight about the LGBT community to gain a better understanding of themselves.

PFLAG Toronto Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: SUPPORT, to cope with an adverse society, and EDUCATION, to enlighten an ill-informed public in order to end discrimination and secure equal rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunities for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of all human beings. Support Line: (416) 406-6378 e-mail: toronto.office@pflag.ca

 The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual, Queer, Questioning (LGBTQQ) Program at Family Services of Peel offers one-on-one counselling as well as a weekly group called “Generations” for all LGBTQ residents of Peel. The spring session of the Generations group will be starting on May 14th and will run each Tuesday evening until July 30th. For more information please call Michael at 905-270-2250 ext. 256