Support for LGBTQ Individuals

Do you think you might be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered? Do you have questions about sexual orientation or gender identity? Are you thinking about “coming out”? Are you struggling to stay in your community? Are you unsure how to approach your rabbi about these topics? Do you want to meet other people like you?

Eshel offers several sources of support for LGBTQ Orthodox Jews, their families, and their communities.

Pikuach Nefesh

If you are considering taking your life, don’t hesitate to reach out for help:

The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. It operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

Trevor Helpline: 1-866-488-7386

Suicide.org Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Support For a full list of suicide hotlines in the and out of the United States, click here.  

Talk to Someone

In addition to finding us on Facebook and Twitter, you can call us any time from anywhere: 1-724-ESHEL01 (1-724-374-3501). 

If you are in the Los Angeles area, you can call our Warm Line. We have partnered with JQInternational’s warm line to train volunteers who are sensitive to the needs of Orthodox LGBTQ individuals. Call 855.JQI.HLPS (855-574-4577) or email: warmline@jqinternational.org.

If you are in the New York area, Eshel staff are available to support you with resources and referrals. Contact maia@eshelonline.org to schedule a meeting.  

Support Groups

Eshel is in the process of developing national and local support groups for LGBTQ individuals. If you are interested in participating or organizing a group, please contact miryam@eshelonline.org.  

Community Events

Join us and meet others in the Eshel community at one of our many upcoming events nationwide.