UJR-AmLat held the first meeting of Lab Netivot, an initiative created through the Netivot Leadership Program to strengthen dialogue, encourage the exchange of experiences, and foster increasingly connected, welcoming, and participatory Jewish communities.
The session featured Tamara Crespin, a member of CIP, researcher in Jewish Studies, curator and cultural organizer, and Institutional Development Manager at HINENI, an initiative dedicated to LGBT+ inclusion within the Jewish community of São Paulo.
The discussion explored both the challenges and the opportunities involved in creating Jewish communal spaces where LGBT+ Jews are not only present but also experience a genuine sense of belonging. Through practices of active listening, participation, and community building, participants reflected on the role of leadership in creating communities that are more diverse, inclusive, and committed to the dignity of every individual.
For Tamara Crespin, inclusion is a fundamental commitment of Progressive Judaism:
“We, Progressive Jews, have the responsibility to include LGBT+ people in our communal spaces. After all, every person is created in the image of God and deserves a place of love, respect, and belonging within Jewish life.”
She also emphasized that inclusive communities are stronger and more vibrant:
“I believe that a Jewish community where everyone can truly belong is a stronger, more vibrant, and more engaged community.”
Reflecting on her participation, Tamara said:
“Having the opportunity to take part in Lab Netivot was a deeply meaningful experience of learning and exchange. Speaking about LGBT+ inclusion in Jewish communal spaces from an inclusive perspective also means sharing part of my own journey and reaffirming the importance of building communities where everyone can belong and truly feel they belong. I believe that strengthening inclusion means strengthening the future of Jewish life.”
Lab Netivot will continue hosting conversations with different guest speakers, providing tools, inspiration, and spaces for dialogue to strengthen leadership and support the growth of Reform and Progressive Jewish communities throughout Latin America.
