LGBTQIA+ Task Force

The LGBTQIA+ Task Force was established in 2021, and our purpose is to build on Or Shalom’s mission to meet the diverse needs of our congregants within a caring, inclusive, and supporting environment. Guided by Reform Judaic practices and principles, we aim to fully embrace, equally value, and support all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We will do so through education and programming initiatives designed to build a sense of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion, in a safe and caring environment.

We meet on the third Tuesday of each month, and work together to attend and create events to ensure all members of the community feel a strong sense of belonging.  Some of the things we have done to date include:

• Hosted Or Shalom’s first Safe Zone training, through LGBTQ+ Center Lake County. Among other things, this training taught us how the words and pronouns we use can make Or Shalom a safe place for others. Watch for Safe Zone window clings to appear at Or Shalom soon!

• Represented Or Shalom at the second annual Lake County PrideFest. It was great to be really seen in our community – we were the only Lake County synagogue there, and we had lots of interest!

• Showed our support of the LGBTQIA+ community and marched in the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade. Perfect weather, wonderful togetherness and joy.

• Presented various offerings at Or Shalom’s Pride Shabbat this past June.

Future plans include:

• Sharing at LGBTQIA+ History Month Shabbat on Friday, October 17th. Come learn with us!

• Publishing a book! We need YOUR contributions, be they poetry or essay, short story or limerick, photography or other artwork. Send your questions or contributions to Nina Hoffman or Bill McNulty at OrShalomLGBTQIA [at] gmail [dot] com. 

• Offering a second Safe Zone training experience.

YOUR ideas! We would love to know what programming you, the Or Shalom community, is interested in. Email us at OrShalomLGBTQIA [at] gmail [dot] com to learn more or join the Task Force.