The congregation was founded in 1973 by and for LGBTQ people,[3] and is the world's largestLGBTQ synagogue as of 2016.[4] CBST servesJews of all sexual orientations and gender identities and their families and friends.[5] During 1992–2024, the congregation was led by SeniorRabbi EmeritaSharon Kleinbaum.[6] Current clergy include Senior RabbiJason Klein, Associate Rabbi Yael Werber, andCantor Sam Rosen. CBST is not affiliated with any formal denomination or branch of Judaism.
The congregation, founded in 1973 by twelve gay Jewish men and led by Jacob Gubbay, originally met in Chelsea'sChurch of the Holy Apostles and brought its prayer materials to services each week in a brown paper bag. In 1978, they began renting space in theWest Village at 57 Bethune Street—in theWestbeth Artists Community residential-artistic complex—for offices, aHebrew school, and a sanctuary. However, the space was not large enough forFriday night services (i.e., Kabbalat Shabbat andmaariv), which continued to be held in the church.[7] The synagogue has also held annualYom Kippur services at theJacob Javits Convention Center: the only free-to-attendHigh Holy Day services held in the city. Yom Kippur services have drawn over 4,000 people.[8]
^"About".Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. October 5, 2012.Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. RetrievedFebruary 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 fromthe original on April 8, 2013. RetrievedOctober 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.
