In a significant public statement, Dovid Bashevkin, Director of Education at NCSY, the youth division of the Orthodox Union, voiced his unwavering support for the Jewish queer community. Through his social media platform, Bashevkin emphasized the importance of fostering connections between gay Jews and their rich Jewish traditions while encouraging them to remain connected to their families. His candid message is a noteworthy step toward inclusivity and acceptance within the Orthodox Jewish community.
A Personal and Public Stand
Bashevkin, 39, grew up in Lawrence, New York, and now resides in Teaneck, New Jersey. As a prominent educator and religious thinker, he took to Twitter to address an often sensitive and polarizing issue within the Orthodox Jewish world. Despite previous hesitations, he expressed his resolve to speak openly and firmly about supporting LGBTQ+ Jews.
“I was hesitant about sharing because I get so much grief anytime I share something related to this issue,” he admitted in his tweet. But Bashevkin declared his resolve, stating, “Well, I’m done being intimidated into certain views.”
Encouraging Connection and Tradition
In his statement, Bashevkin underscored the value of encouraging LGBTQ+ Jews to remain connected to their heritage. “There is nothing wrong encouraging gay Jews with finding connections to our incredible tradition and remaining connected to family,” he said. His words reflect a compassionate approach to bridging the gap between faith and identity, emphasizing unity over division.
A History of Leadership
Beyond his role at NCSY, Bashevkin has an extensive academic and professional background. He serves as an adjunct professor at Yeshiva University, where he teaches courses on public policy, religious crises, and rabbinic thought. Previously, he contributed a column to Mishpacha magazine, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the Orthodox Jewish community.
Proud to Share Jewish Queer Youth (JQYouth) Video
In his tweet, Bashevkin shared a video produced by Jewish Queer Youth (JQYouth), an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ Jews. He expressed pride in promoting the video, which aligns with his advocacy for inclusivity. “This video does exactly that and I am proud to share it. Deal with it, haters,” he concluded, delivering a bold message of support and defiance against critics.
FAQs
1. Who is Dovid Bashevkin?
Dovid Bashevkin is the Director of Education at NCSY, an adjunct professor at Yeshiva University, and a thought leader in the Orthodox Jewish community.
2. What is NCSY?
NCSY is the youth group of the Orthodox Union, providing educational and social opportunities for Jewish youth to connect with their faith and traditions.
3. What did Bashevkin say about supporting gay Jews?
Bashevkin stated that there is “nothing wrong encouraging gay Jews with finding connections to our incredible tradition and remaining connected to family.”
4. What is Jewish Queer Youth (JQYouth)?
JQYouth is an organization that supports LGBTQ+ Jews by fostering community, offering resources, and promoting inclusivity within Jewish life.
5. Why did Bashevkin hesitate to speak out before?
Bashevkin hesitated due to the backlash he has faced in the past for addressing LGBTQ+ issues within the Orthodox Jewish community.
6. What courses does Bashevkin teach at Yeshiva University?
He teaches courses on public policy, religious crises, and rabbinic thought.
Conclusion
Dovid Bashevkin’s outspoken support for LGBTQ+ Jews represents a progressive and empathetic stance within the Orthodox Jewish community. By encouraging inclusivity and connection to Jewish traditions, Bashevkin paves the way for meaningful dialogue and unity. His leadership is a reminder that faith and compassion can coexist, fostering stronger ties within the community.