Nehirim was a national community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) Jews, families, students and allies that was founded in 2004.[1] The organization ceased operations at the end of 2015.[2]
Nehirim was founded in 2004 by Jay Michaelson. He served as Executive Director until 2010, when Michael Hopkins succeeded him.[3] Rabbi Debra Kolodny assumed the role in 2013.[4] Nehirim's Board of Directors included Corey Friedlander, Rabbi Joel Alter, Rabbi Julia Watts Belser, Rabbi David Dunn Bauer, Dr. Joel Kushner, and Dr. Alyssa Finn.[5]
Nehirim means "lights" in Hebrew.[6][3] The name comes from the Hebrew word Zohar, referring to the lights of heaven and rainbow colors seen at sunset.[7] Its goal was to create and foster a more just and inclusive world based on the values of the Jewish tradition. Nehirim's primary programs were intensive weekend retreats and service programming promoting LGBT inclusion and equality.[8] It was also a member of the Coalition for Liberty & Justice organized by Catholics for Choice and the National Council of Jewish Women[9] and the National Religious Leadership Roundtable as part of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.[10]
Nehirim retreats offered a means for LGBT Jews and their families to connect, learn, and grow together.[11] Retreats have included East Coast gatherings at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in Connecticut,[8][12] a transgender gathering at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California,[13][14] student retreats at Boston University,[15][16] West Coast gatherings at the Walker Creek Ranch in Petaluma, California,[17] men's summer camps at the Easton Mountain Retreat Center in upstate New York,[18][19] queer Jewish weekends in New York City at the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan,[20] and women's retreats at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center.[21]
Nehirim's first retreat for LGBT rabbis, rabbinic pastors, cantors, and students was held in 2014 in San Francisco.[22][23]
