LGBT+

"All Israel is responsible for one another"

Muswell Hill Synagogue, as part of the United Synagogue, is an Orthodox Jewish community. Working within Jewish Law, we endeavour to be open and accessible to all who wish to join us.

We want to affirm that our openness and accessibility applies to sexual orientation and gender identity. We welcome involvement and engagement in our community from all, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity.

We will always try our hardest to ensure that every individual is able to participate in as many activities as possible within Orthodox Jewish law, both within our synagogue space and in our community activities more widely – and to feel that our community is welcoming for them. We continue to actively explore how best we can ensure this happens.

We certainly call up to the Torah men who are gay or bisexual; and similarly a woman who is lesbian or bisexual is welcome to take part in the Synagogue’s Women’s service.

Our Rabbi, on a number of occasions, has spoken clearly from the pulpit about how those who are LGBT+ and their families should be able to play their part in the community. Whilst Orthodox Judaism may not be able to celebrate all that Jewish LGBT+ people and their families may need or want, all Jews are bound to show compassion to one another and this includes those who are LGBT+. We aspire to be a community that works with our LGBT+ members and listens to and learns from them to create an environment where they are a valued, respected and essential part of our community.

If you would like to discuss these issues, and in confidence, our Rabbi would be pleased to speak with you – please email Rabbi Mason

Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh Bazeh – All Israel is responsible for one another (Tractate Shavuot 39a)