A New Partnership for Inclusive Community

On September 27, Project Kesher Israel (PKI) launched a new collaboration with Moishe House Tel Aviv. PKI CEO Rabbi Olya Weinstein led a Hanukat HaBayit (Jewish house dedication) ceremony and affixed the mezuzah at the entrance of Moishe House in central Tel Aviv.

The evening continued with a panel moderated by social activist and gender researcher Nikolai Nachshunov, featuring Rabbi Weinstein and Anna Talisman, head of PKI's LGBTQ+ support work. The panel took up a question at the heart of PKI's work: how do we build a community where people can bring their whole selves, without leaving any part of their identity at the door?

Drawing on PKI's experience creating pluralistic spaces for women, LGBTQ+ people, and Russian-speaking immigrants, the speakers shared approaches to building communities grounded in equality, safety, openness, and genuine belonging. They also explored how gender and traditional expectations shape who feels entitled to speak, lead, interpret Jewish tradition, and take up space in a community.

The gathering marked the start of a promising partnership. As Tel Aviv neighbors with shared values, PKI and Moishe House are exploring joint programming that will bring their communities together around Jewish texts, feminism, and pluralistic Jewish learning.