Congregation Beit Simchat Torah ("CBST") is a non-denominational Jewish, pluralistic, progressive, and LGBTQ+ synagogue located at 130 West 30th Street in Manhattan, New York City.
The congregation was founded in 1973 by and for LGBTQ people, and is the world's largest LGBTQ synagogue as of 2016. CBST serves Jews of all sexual orientations and gender identities and their families and friends. During 1992âÂÂ2024, the congregation was led by Senior Rabbi Emerita Sharon Kleinbaum. Current clergy include Associate Rabbi Yael Werber and Cantor Sam Rosen. CBST is not affiliated with any formal denomination or branch of Judaism.
The congregation, founded in 1973 by twelve gay Jewish men and led by Jacob Gubbay, originally met in Chelsea's Church of the Holy Apostles and brought its prayer materials to services each week in a brown paper bag. In 1978, they began renting space in the West Village at 57 Bethune StreetâÂÂin the Westbeth Artists Community residential-artistic complexâÂÂfor offices, a Hebrew school, and a sanctuary. However, the space was not large enough for Friday night services (i.e., Kabbalat Shabbat and maariv), which continued to be held in the church. The synagogue has also held annual Yom Kippur services at the Jacob Javits Convention Center: the only free-to-attend High Holy Day services held in the city. Yom Kippur services have drawn over 4,000 people.
In June 2011, after 16 years of searching, the congregation purchased a large space in Chelsea, Manhattan, at 130 West 30th Street between Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue. Built in 1927âÂÂ28, the landmarked Assyrian Revival-style building was designed by architect Cass Gilbert. It underwent renovations between 2013 and 2016. The "Dedication of Our New Home" was marked that year with a celebration on April 3.