One of the best things about being a gay, Jewish, New Yorker is access to the many activities emanating from Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, better known as the Gay Synagogue.

Founded in 1973 by a small group of worshippers who did not even know each other’s last names, meeting in a tiny room rented from a church, CBST has grown in the ensuing thirty-three years into a thriving, year-round congregation with nearly 1,000 members, two full time rabbis and both a secular and social agenda.

Since many "straight" congregations are no kinder to gay Jews than many churches are to gay Christians, the Gay Synagogue has no trouble attracting members who come from all other branches of Judaism, giving its religious services a feeling of diversity in terms of ritual and music. A Friday night service might include orthodox cantorial music,English language readings borrowed from the Reform branch of Judaism, and a sermon from the rabbi that begins with detailed reference to the Torah and grows into an impassioned, political exhortation.

An invitation to address the CBST congregation has become a highly prized accolade to many city and state politicians. Several congressmen, and more than a few city council people, have been asked to deliver "sermons" (more like political manifestos). To celebrate Gay Pride Week this spring, Christine Quinn, the recently elected New York City Council President, the first lesbian to hold that post, spoke to great acclaim. In fact, when elections are looming, more than a few candidates simply show up just to be seen in a gay milieu.

The membership of the Gay Synagogue is as diverse as one could hope to find. The mix includes many teachers, several municipal and federal judges (including a pair of twin sisters), a number of writers, Broadway composer William Finn (Falsettoland, A New Brain), a virtuoso actor who is seen, from time to time, on Law and Order. There is a retired school principal whose public persona is so...well...formidable, that some male teachers who know her tremble at her approach. There’s also an absolutely delightful lady of 97 years, still sharp and alert, who is usually introduced as "America’s oldest, Jewish Lesbian!"

The head rabbi is Sharon Kleinbaum, abrilliant dynamo who is as articulate when discussing theological issues as when delving into political matters, and possessed of a highly developed social conscience—there are always service and charitable projects to take part in.

CBST’s second rabbi, a scholarly and self-effacing young woman, Ayelet Cohen, also a fine orator, dedicates herself to pushing for gay marriage, and gay rights in general. This has earned her the enmity of the Conservative Board of Rabbis which is not pleased that Rabbi Cohen found a career at the Gay Synagogue without its authorization. They have been trying to pressure her into leaving CBST. The rabbi has eloquently and courageously fought for her right to stay at the Gay Synagogue. Her struggles have been chronicled in The New York Times, among other publications. It might be added that Rabbi Cohen, who is not gay, is fiercely loyal to CBST.

These two women have often spoken out at demonstrations calling for our right to wed. Rabbi Kleinbaum is particularly hated by Orthodox rabbis, one of whom called her "the greatest terrorist in the world today."

Congregants are often urged to pray for "every single person, Jew, Christian or Muslim in Israel. Beyond the rabbinical fireworks, Sabbath services are also marked by wonderful music—there is a full time music director, the CBST Community Chorus, and alternating cantors (chanter/singers of liturgical materials), making each service seem like a concert.

There are several dozen young children of members, and the Synagogue has opened a Sunday School, as well as a "Lehrhaus" where both religious and secular adult courses are taught.

CBST has participated in the annual Gay Pride Day parade for many years, providing its own float. As the sound system plays Israeli music and a hundred or more marchers walk right behind the float, the crowd always waves and shouts encouragement. It’s very cheering to be greeted so cordially by thousands of people, most of whom are not Jewish. I guess the gay world still believes in the "melting pot."

While the synagogue has its own small suite of offices on Bethune Street, it uses the Church of the Holy Apostle on Ninth Avenue for Friday night services—which can attract several hundred worshippers. The socially-minded Episcopal congregation sponsors New York City’s largest soup kitchen and CBST folk volunteer their time for it.

Taking care of its own, the synagogue boasts a well organized committee that provides comfort to the sick and bereaved. As these words are being written, several dozen CBSTsters are on their way to the International Gay Pride conference in Jerusalem.

CBSThosts High Holiday services in larger venues, notably Yom Kippur at the enormous Javits Convention Center, where we can watch the sun set over the Hudson River during services. There is an "open door" policy—all are welcome without charge.

Clearly, for an engaging "take" on Judaism, a fine place for gays to worship, socialize, and speak outabout activism and culture, CBST has come to play a large role in New York Jewish life. So don’t be a stranger—come visit us on your next trip to the Big Apple Strudel!