Eshel’s mission is to create community and acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Jews and their families in Orthodox communities. Founded in June of 2010, Eshel provides hope and a future for Orthodox LGBT women, men, and teens. Eshel accomplishes its goals in a number of ways. Eshel trains its members to speak out and act as advocates for LGBT Orthodox people and their families; Eshel creates bridges into Orthodox communities to foster understanding and support; through community gatherings Eshel helps LGBT Orthodox people pursue meaningful lives that encompass seemingly disparate identities while also fulfilling Jewish values around family, education, culture, and spirituality. Over the past four years, Eshel’s work has gained national recognition and broad media coverage for its innovative mission and unique reach.