In today's world, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah has become a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide range of people. Whether it's its impact on society, its influence on popular culture, its relevance in history, or its potential for the future, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah has captured the attention of individuals from all walks of life. From academics to entertainment lovers to professionals from various fields, everyone seems to find some value in further exploring and understanding the phenomenon of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. In this article, we will delve into different aspects and perspectives around Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, with the aim of offering a comprehensive and enriching vision of this topic that is so relevant today.
Synagogue in Manhattan, New York
"CBST" redirects here. For the defunct television station in Sept-Îles, Quebec, that used the CBST callsign, see CJBR-DT.
The congregation was founded in 1973, and is the world's largest LGBT synagogue. CBST serves Jews of all sexual orientations and gender identities, their families, and their friends. Members commute from as far away as the Bronx and New Jersey. The congregation is led by Senior Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum and Assistant Rabbi Yael Rapport. It is not affiliated with any denomination or branch of Judaism.
History
The congregation, founded in 1973 by twelve gay Jewish men led by Jacob Gubbay, originally met in Chelsea's Church of the Holy Apostles and brought its prayer materials to services each week. In 1978 they began renting space in the West Village at 57 Bethune Street, in the Westbeth Artists Community residential-artistic complex, for offices, a Hebrew school, and a sanctuary with a capacity of 300 which they use for Saturday morning services, while continuing to hold Friday night services in the church. In addition, the synagogue rents the Jacob Javits Convention Center for Yom Kippur services, which draw over 4,000 people.
Senior Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum celebrated her 20-year anniversary with CBST in 2012.
New building
In June 2011, after 16 years of searching for a home, the congregation purchased a large space in Midtown Manhattan, in a commercial condominium at 130 West 30th Street between Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue. The new space is located in the landmarked SJM Building designed by noted architect Cass Gilbert and built in 1927–28. Ground was broken in 2013 and construction was completed in 2016. The "Dedication of Our New Home" was marked that year with a celebration on April 3.
^"About". Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. October 5, 2012. Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. Retrieved February 24, 2021. Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) is a vibrant spiritual community and a progressive voice within Judaism. Founded in 1973, CBST attracts and welcomes gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, queer and straight, individuals and families who share common values. Passionate, provocative, and deeply Jewish, CBST champions a Judaism that rejoices in diversity, denounces social injustice wherever it exists, and strives for the human rights for all people.[self-published source?]
^Weiss, Anthony. "Gay Acceptance and Gay Synagogues". Keshet Ga'avah: The World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews. GLBTJews.org. Archived from the original on April 8, 2013. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
^Wiener, Julie (June 23, 2010). "CBST's 'Gay-by Boom'". The Jewish Week. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
Blumenthal, David R. (June 28, 2010). "Siddur B'Chol L'vav'cha: With All Your Heart – By Congregation Beth Simchat Torah". Reviews in Religion & Theology. 17 (3): 341–344. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9418.2010.00579.x.