PRIDE at TBT

Temple B’nai Torah is a progressive Reform congregation that draws deeply from Jewish tradition while embracing diversity and inclusion as core values. Many of our clergy, staff, board members, lay leaders, volunteers, and community members openly identify as members of the queer community. In this way, LGBTQIA+ voices and experiences shape our community in meaningful ways.

We integrate LGBTQIA+ topics into our educational programs; we take part in larger LGBTQIA+ community initiatives; and life-cycle moments—baby namings, weddings, B'Mitzvah, aliyot, funerals, and yahrzeits—are celebrated openly and with intentional inclusivity. Our commitments are strengthened by advocacy, clear non-discrimination policies, and a culture of openness that ensures every individual is honored and supported.

At Temple B’nai Torah, we believe that Jewish life is strongest when all who seek to belong feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Whether you are looking for spiritual community, meaningful connections, or a place to raise your family, you will find a home here.

You can view more information about our temple the Keshet directory.  Keshet is a national Jewish nonprofit that works for the full equality, inclusion, and dignity of LGBTQ+ Jews and their families in Jewish life by strengthening communities, training Jewish organizations to be LGBTQ-affirming, creating spaces where queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued, and advancing LGBTQ+ rights across the United States.

Our History:

Temple B'nai Torah has a long and proud history of LGBTQ+ activism on account of our beloved Cantor Emeritus, David Serkin-Poole, who was one of the first openly gay cantors in the United States. He served TBT for 38 years, and during that time, fought for the right to adopt his three children, Gene, Danielle and Jason, with his husband Michael.

TBT supported Cantor David every step of the way and was one of the first religious institutions to fight for Marriage Equality in the state of Washington.

To learn more about Cantor David and his beautiful family, check out this Seattle Times article: Revisiting the Serkin-Pooles; A Gay Couple Who Now Have Three Adopted Children, by Sally Macdonald