Abstract
An anonymous letter to the editor in the July 27, 1989, Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh announced the existence of a new Jewish congregation. A group of “gay and bisexual Jewish women and men” had recently begun meeting for prayer and fellowship under the name Bet Tikvah, or “House of Hope.” As the writer explained, “Bet Tikvah is a place where gay Jews can unite two areas of importance in their lives; a place where they can begin to heal the wounds of separation from their heritage. The views of people who believe we should not exist pains us but will not make us go away. For too long we have let others define the terms of our religion. We have chosen to no longer participate in their dictates and have created a community for ourselves.”
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