Keshet and Nehirim inclusion in 2011‘Slingshot’ Guide signals integration of LGBT community within Jewish world

Slingshot, the prestigious guide to the most innovative Jewish organizations in the country, included two LGBT organizations, Keshet and Nehirim, in its new edition, released today.

Keshet is a leader in education, training, and grassroots organizing for LGBT inclusion in the Jewish community.  Nehirim is the leading national provider of community programming for LGBT Jews, partners, and allies.

“Whereas a few years ago, gays and lesbians were shunned from much of Jewish communal life, today we are recognized as being among its leaders,” said Jay Michaelson, founding director of Nehirim.

Idit Klein, executive director of Keshet, agreed and added, “As far as we have come, there is much more work to do until we reach the day where all LGBT Jews are fully seen and celebrated. We envision a future where the ethos of justice, caring, and inclusion that encapsulates the best of Jewish tradition is seen and felt by all Jewish youth and adults – gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, and/or transgender.”

The Slingshot Guide is available at http://www.slingshotfund.org/.