JFSA gathers "fringe"

KYLE BERGER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

As times change, the Jewish Family Service Agency (JFSA) works constantly to keep up with community needs. This principle is reflected in a new program called Twice Blessed: The Jewish LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans-sexual and Transgender) Project.

The need for the group became evident after the rabbis of the three Lower Mainland Conservative congregations initiated, in their High Holy Day sermons, discussions of gay or lesbian religious participation in synagogue life. Based on the responses he received from LGBT congregants or their families, Beth Israel's Rabbi Charles Feinberg shared some of their concerns with the JFSA. As a result, a new discussion group, made up of the parents of LGBT community members, was formed.

The Twice Blessed project consists of a collection of LGBT community members and parents who are meeting regularly to assess the unique needs of the group in terms of the greater Jewish community.

"Most of these people are actually fringe Jews," said Jacqueline Walters, the JFSA counsellor heading up the program. "We've had two meetings and one of the things that has come forth is the idea that part of [the reason for] them being fringe Jews has to do with their sexual orientation.

"A lot of them deeply identify with being Jewish but have not been practising their Judaism because of their sexual orientation," she continued. "It's been too difficult for them or they haven't felt included in the community."

The group has met three times now and will continue to meet monthly. Growing in numbers at each meeting, Walters said she continues to receive e-mails and phone calls from LGBT Jews interested in the group. She estimates that the Jewish community is likely to be consistent with the general community, with about 10 per cent of the population being non-heterosexual.

Walters said that the group is working on the design of a logo and is also in the process of creating an e-mailing list and a Web site. The next several meetings will continue to help assess the group's requirements.

"We will then probably start building resources and doing some more networking," Walters explained. "This group is more like a planning group rather than just a needs assessment group."

Separate meetings for the parents of LGBT community members will continue. However, the next meeting of Twice Blessed: The Jewish LGBT Project will take place April 20. For more information about either group, contact Walters at 604-257-5151 or [email protected].

Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer living in Richmond.

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