Muswell Hill Synagogue Statement on LGBT+ Inclusion

Muswell Hill Synagogue, as part of the United Synagogue, is an Orthodox Jewish community. Working within Jewish Law, we endeavour to be open and accessible to all who wish to join us.

We affirm that our openness and accessibility apply to everyone, including people of all sexual orientations and gender identities — including those who are transgender or non-binary. We welcome the involvement and engagement of all members of our community, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.

We will always do our utmost to ensure that every individual can participate in as many aspects of synagogue and community life as possible within Orthodox Jewish law — and to feel that our community is welcoming to them. We continue to explore, with care and sensitivity, how best to ensure this.

We certainly call up to the Torah men who are gay or bisexual; similarly, women who are lesbian or bisexual are welcome to take part in our synagogue’s women’s services.

Our Rabbis have spoken from the pulpit on a number of occasions about how those who are LGBT+ and their families are valued members of our community. Whilst Orthodox Judaism may not be able to recognise or celebrate every aspect of LGBT+ Jewish life, all Jews are bound by the Torah’s command to show compassion to one another — and this includes those who are LGBT+.

We aspire to be a community that listens to, learns from, and works together with our LGBT+ members to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and essential to the life of our community.

If you would like to discuss these issues in confidence, our Rabbi, Rabbi Michael Rosenfeld, would be pleased to speak with you, please email him or call the Shul Office

Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh – All Israel is responsible for one another (Tractate Shavuot 39a).