Written in Collaboration with Dr. Dani Rosenkrantz, Licensed Psychologist and Expert in Jewish LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Judaism and Jewish culture are steeped in tradition. Traditions help us feel connected to our past, our community and ourselves. The midrash teaches us that Abraham and Sarah’s tent was open on all four sides, so they could greet anyone passing by and welcome them into their home (Bereshit Rabbah 48:9). Jewish tradition encourages us to be an “open tent” the community can walk into, which invites the question: How do we open up so LGBTQ+ people feel welcome? How can we explore the practice of rituals in new and exciting ways and learn about inspiring ways members of our community have enriched our tradition with inclusive additions? A creative reimagining invites us to explore tradition for connection opportunities that focus on belonging for all.
Drawing inspiration to transform Jewish rituals and traditions
We have many ways to connect to LGBTQ+ affirmation in Jewish tradition. We’re very lucky to have so many Jewish partners sharing resources to bring inclusion into our practices. For starters, Keshet, RitualWell and One Table offer an array of resources for adapting prayers and rituals. Try one or two — or all! — of the ideas below. If one in particular speaks to you, you can learn more about it on its website and discuss how integrating it might look and feel in your community.
Queering Daily Prayers: RitualWell provides a tool for considering how to make daily prayers more inclusive for all genders.
Begin with this blessing for all:
ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם שאשני בצלמו | Barukh atah Ad-nai Eloheynu melekh ha’olam sheh’asani b’tzalmo
Choose the appropriate continuation/s.
For a non-binary person:
ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם שעשני כרצונו | Barukh atah Ad-nai Eloheynu melekh ha’olam sheh’asani kirtzono
Orange on the Seder plate for LGBTQ+ inclusion: Keshet offers education about the addition of an orange to your Seder to symbolize LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Hosting a Pride Shabbat: Keshet offers a planning guide for making Shabbat dinners more inclusive. OneTable also provides a tool to help you create a Pride Shabbat in your home.
Creating inclusive LGBTQ+ life-cycle rituals
Jewish life cycle events afford ample opportunities for inclusion. Take the following inspiring examples:
- B-mitzvah: Keshet provides a look at how to create gender-inclusive coming-of-age experiences.
- Mikvah: Mayyim Hayyim offers diverse options for ways to use a mikvah in important moments, including for gender transition, coming out and b’mitzvah.
- Weddings: Keshet and RitualWell provide resources for ways to bring inclusion into wedding rituals.
- Name-changing ceremonies: RitualWell shares a positive and celebratory look at name-change ceremonies as a tool for affirmation:
Take some time to think about what reimaginings most speak to you.
Dr. Dani Rosenkrantz (she/they) is a Jewish + Queer licensed psychologist and owner of Brave Space Psychology, a virtual private practice rooted in Florida that provides therapy and coaching, gender affirming care assessments, consultation and training across the U.S. Dr. Dani helps Jewish, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC community members heal and connect to joy, identity affirmation, and empowerment despite ongoing oppression-based trauma, minority stress, and political overwhelm. Dr. Dani is passionate about building Brave Spaces that empower families and communities with tools for affirmation. Dr. Dani offers parent and grandparent affirmation coaching and support groups focused on empowering families to best support their LGBTQ+ children and grandchildren. Dr. Dani speaks and educates nationally to reduce the impacts of minority stress and build communities where all can feel seen and thrive.
Website: www.bravespacepsych.com Instagram: @Bravespacepsych