SRE Network invests in strengthening the capacity of Jewish organizations through grantmaking so that Jewish communities will be strengthened, become more cohesive, experience healing, and have deeper trust in each other, their institutions, and leaders. Over the past six years, SRE has invested over $6.5M across 108 projects and 52 organizations through its grantmaking, technical assistance, and partnerships.

Throughout the year, we provide grants to outstanding Jewish organizations whose organizations and projects focus on advancing the safety, respect, and equity across North America’s Jewish communal landscape. 

First up, is one of SRE's spring 2024 field building grant recipients – Eshel.

About Eshel

Eshel creates LGBTQ+ inclusive Orthodox Jewish communities by building community, supporting LGBTQ+ Orthodox Jewish individuals and families, providing education to Orthodox religious leaders and educators, and advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Orthodox community.

About the Grant

Through a two-year grant, Eshel will further the safety, equity, and respect of LGBTQ+ Jews in Orthodox spaces by launching the “Welcoming Communities Project.” This initiative will educate LGBTQ+ allies in Orthodox Jewish communities about the unique issues facing Orthodox LGBTQ+ individuals and their families and what they can do to make their communities more LGBTQ+ inclusive.

Q&A with Eshel

SRE: Why is Eshel excited to receive this grant? What change do you hope this grant will bring to your organization and the important work it does?

Eshel: We are excited to receive this grant because it empowers Eshel to build and educate a first-of-its-kind grassroots network of Orthodox allies who are trained to fight anti-LGBTQ+ bias and speak up against LGBTQ+ exclusion from Jewish life in their communities and institutions. LGBTQ+ Jews deserve a place and a future in the communities of their choice. This program will broaden and accelerate Eshel’s advocacy to create more LGBTQ+ inclusive Orthodox communities. 

SRE: How has being a member of SRE Network impacted Eshel?

Eshel: SRE Network provides Eshel with the concrete steps and resources necessary to increase equitable practices within and outside of Eshel and a community of embracing and empowering LGBTQ+ people and trained allies in leadership across the field.

SRE: What is your hope for the future of the broader Jewish nonprofit landscape?

Eshel hopes that Jewish nonprofits can lead the way in honoring and embracing differences, by embracing and empowering LGBTQ+ people and trained allies in leadership across the field.

Learn more about Eshel here.

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