Keshet Shalom Ceases its Activities
Rosh Hashana is traditionally a time for new beginnings, but it is also a time to make decisions for the future while reviewing the past. Accordingly, the Interim Steering Committee of Congregation Keshet Shalom came together in the fall of 2001 to decide upon the direction of Congregation Keshet Shalom, Toronto’s organization for gay and lesbian Jews. After much discussion and deliberation, the decision was to shut down the operations of Keshet Shalom at the end of 2001. There was considerable regret surrounding this decision but, unfortunately, there was no alternative.
For three years, the Board of Keshet Shalom experienced difficulty in sustaining its composition and mandate. Attendance at the various events continued to decline. Last year’s Hanukah party did see a large turnout as a result of special and costly efforts to promote it, but the subsequent momentum did not materialize.
Keshet Shalom is the successor group to "Chutzpah" which was formed in the late 1980s and evolved from B’nai Kehillah that itself began in the mid 70s. The early years saw a small but determined group of Jewish lesbians and gay men constructing a welcoming organization where they could express and celebrate both their Jewish heritage and their sexual orientation within the City of Toronto.
At first, the Jewish community in Toronto ignored the existence of Chutzpah and refused requests for assistance. Even locating venues for various events was extremely difficult. However, it is important to recognize at least two organizations within the Toronto Jewish Community that did respond positively and warmly to Chutzpah and Keshet Shalom. The Holy Blossom Temple and the Bloor Jewish Community Centre readily accepted the legitimacy of the group’s needs and offered their facilities and assistance. Obviously, this was gratefully appreciated and allowed the group to grow and to ultimately establish itself as a member of the Toronto Downtown Jewish Council.
In 1988, Chutzpah became a member of what was then the World Congress of Gay and Lesbian Jewish Organizations, the international umbrella association representing thousands of gay and lesbian Jews from around the globe. In 1990, Chutzpah was host to the Mid-West Regional Conference of groups and individuals associated with the World Congress. Over 125 participants were energized over the Canada Day weekend that year as they attended the very successful event.
Chutzpah continued to expand its activities, following the conference with events that focused on the uniqueness of being both Jewish and gay. Discussion groups, Jewish holiday celebrations and film nights were scheduled throughout the year. At one point, the mailing list exceeded 200 and monthly Oneg Shabbat activities attracted many attendees to the Bloor J.C.C. In recognition of the increasingly religious focus, it was decided that Chutzpah would become Congregation Keshet Shalom, the "Rainbow of Peace". Although the Congregation never acquired its own facilities, the Bloor J.C.C. continued to provide a welcome mat, eventually refusing to even charge for the facilities. This will not be forgotten.
In the last decade of the last century, the world underwent profound changes. One of these changes centered on the emergence of Gay Liberation. The struggle for gay rights was a difficult one and is not complete. And without question the acceptance of Jewish homosexuals by Jews is vastly uneven and in dispute by many elements and segments that comprise Jewish society around the world. Nevertheless, the liberal movement within the Jewish universe has been at the forefront in accepting and welcoming lesbians and gay men. We are fortunate that this is increasingly evident in Toronto. We would like to believe that the need for Keshet Shalom has dissipated as many Jewish groups, agencies and associations have opened their doors to the lesbians and gay men that are also Jewish and form a significant and legitimate part of our City.
Keshet Shalom will not be forgotten but will be fondly remembered as fulfilling an important role within both the gay and Jewish communities of Toronto.
Thanks to all who participated in, contributed to, and supported Keshet Shalom.
L’Chaim!