CONGREGATION BEIT SIMCHAT TORAH (CBST): THE WORLD’S MOST PROGRESSIVE JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
📜 Overview & History
• Location: 130 West 30th Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA
• Established: 1973
• Affiliation: Non-denominational, pluralistic, progressive
• Leadership:
• Senior Rabbi: Sharon Kleinbaum
• Associate Rabbi: Yael Werber
• Cantor: Sam Rosen
• Main Attraction: The largest LGBTQ+ synagogue in the world, dedicated to inclusion, social justice, and vibrant Jewish spirituality.
Founded in 1973 by and for LGBTQ+ Jews, CBST (Congregation Beit Simchat Torah) has grown into the most progressive and inclusive Jewish community in the world. While many synagogues embrace inclusivity, CBST was founded on it, making it a unique beacon of Jewish tradition blended with radical acceptance, social activism, and joyful spirituality.
🕍 The Spiritual Experience (Score: 25/25)
CBST offers a deeply moving Jewish experience that combines tradition with progressive values, welcoming all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or background.
🌿 How to Engage in Worship & Receive Blessings:
1. Attend Shabbat Services – Friday evening services blend traditional Jewish prayer, progressive themes, and music in an inspiring community setting.
2. Participate in Communal Torah Study – Open discussions on Torah and Jewish ethics from a modern, justice-focused lens.
3. Receive a Special Blessing – Visitors can receive personal blessings from the clergy, honoring life events, healing, or personal reflection.
4. Join the Social Justice Minyan – A unique prayer service dedicated to activism and healing through Jewish prayer.
5. Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Shabbat – CBST’s annual Pride Month services are a powerful blend of worship and celebration, drawing people from all over the world.
📖 Sacred Prayers & Readings Often Heard at CBST:
• Shema Yisrael (Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One).
• Mi Sheberach (A prayer for healing, honoring those in need).
• Aleinu L’Shabeach (A prayer for transformation and hope).
• Liturgical Innovations – CBST incorporates feminist, LGBTQ+, and justice-centered readings into its prayer services.
💰 Donations & Tzedakah (Score: 10/10)
CBST is a donor-supported synagogue, with contributions funding its worship services, educational programs, and advocacy efforts.
🙏 Ways to Contribute & Give Back:
✔ General Synagogue Fund – Supports CBST’s community services and outreach programs.
✔ Social Justice Fund – Donations go directly to initiatives supporting LGBTQ+ rights, immigration justice, and racial equality.
✔ Sponsor an Inclusive Prayer Book – CBST’s customized gender-inclusive, justice-focused prayer books are available for dedication.
✔ Tzedakah Box at the Entrance – Visitors can make an offering upon arrival, symbolizing justice and giving.
✔ Support the Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth Program – CBST actively helps at-risk LGBTQ+ youth by funding housing, food, and community support.
🥯 The Progressive Jewish Breakfast Experience (Score: 25/25)
A visit to CBST is best paired with New York’s iconic Jewish food culture, blending Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and modern kosher-friendly cuisine.
🔥 Must-Try Breakfast & Brunch Items Near CBST:
1. Bagels & Lox from Russ & Daughters – A New York Jewish deli classic, featuring hand-rolled bagels, smoked salmon, and fresh cream cheese.
2. Vegan Shakshuka at Hummus Place – A plant-based take on the traditional Israeli breakfast dish, made with rich tomato sauce and spices.
3. Challah French Toast from Barney Greengrass – A sweet and satisfying brunch made with fresh challah bread, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
4. Matzah Brei at B&H Dairy – A comforting scrambled egg and matzah dish often enjoyed during Passover.
5. Rugelach & Babka from Breads Bakery – Flaky, chocolate-filled Jewish pastries perfect with a cup of coffee.
6. Classic NY Jewish Deli Coffee – Strong, dark, and slightly sweet, often served in an iconic blue “We Are Happy to Serve You” cup.
7. Latke Benedict at Veselka – A modern Jewish-Ukrainian fusion dish, featuring potato pancakes topped with eggs and hollandaise.
🍽 Best Cafés & Eateries Near CBST for Breakfast:
• Sadelle’s – Famous for its hand-rolled bagels and smoked fish platters.
• Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish – A great grab-and-go option near the synagogue.
• Baz Bagel & Restaurant – LGBTQ+-owned, serving rainbow bagels and traditional Jewish comfort food.
🚶 Logistics & Practicalities (Score: 10/10)
✔ Best Time to Visit: Friday evening for Shabbat services or during LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June.
✔ Shabbat Service Schedule:
• Friday Evenings (Kabbalat Shabbat): 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday Morning Torah Study: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
• High Holy Days: Special services at larger venues to accommodate thousands of attendees.
✔ How to Get There:
• By Subway: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E trains to 34th Street – Penn Station (5-minute walk).
• By Bus: M7, M20, or M34.
• By Foot: Located in the heart of Manhattan, easily accessible from Times Square, Penn Station, and Chelsea.
✔ Where to Stay Nearby:
• The High Line Hotel – Historic and LGBTQ+ friendly, blending modern design with classic NYC charm.
• Moxy NYC Chelsea – Stylish and affordable, just a short walk from CBST.
• Pod 39 Hotel – A budget-friendly option with great city views.
✔ Respect & Inclusivity:
• All genders, identities, and backgrounds are welcome.
• CBST is wheelchair accessible and provides ASL interpretation for services.
• Kippot (head coverings) are available at the entrance, but not required.
💎 Valuation & Final Rating (Score: 5/5)
✔ Inclusivity & Spiritual Depth: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)
✔ Cultural & Historical Significance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)
✔ Jewish Culinary & Social Scene: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)
✔ Accessibility & Location: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)
💰 Estimated Cost Per Visit
• Entry Fee: Free
• Donations & Tzedakah: $10 – $250 (Optional, recommended)
• Food & Brunch: $15 – $50 per person
• Accommodation (Budget to Luxury): $100 – $350 per night
• Total Budget for a Full CBST Experience: $50 – $500 (depending on meals & donations)
🕊️ Blueprint Evaluation Summary (100/100)
✅ Strengths:
✔ The most progressive, LGBTQ+ affirming Jewish synagogue in the world.
✔ A fusion of tradition and innovation, blending ancient Jewish prayers with modern justice-oriented themes.
✔ A rich Jewish food culture experience, from bagels to babka.
✔ Centrally located in NYC, with great transit access.
🌟 Final Score: 100/100 – A must-visit for progressive Jewish travelers, spiritual seekers, and those passionate about inclusivity and justice.
Would you like a custom NYC Jewish itinerary, a travel guide, or an anime-style illustration of CBST with a classic Jewish breakfast scene?
MY DIGITAL HOME 