Shoval (organization)

Shoval - All is created for your glory, Hebrew logo

Shoval - All is created for your glory (Hebrew Synonym: שׁב"ל - שהכל ברא לכבודו) is an association of Jewish orthodox lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Israel that actively promotes tolerance and understanding of LGBT people within religious communities in Israel through educational programs and initiatives.

Mission statement

Shoval promotes tolerance and understanding of LGBT people within the religious communities in Israel. Shoval's main focus is to create a safe place within the religious communities in Israel for LGBT adolescents. It provides educational programs that are directed at educators, social workers, and people that affect LGBT adolscents directly, in order to raise awareness about LGBT issues. Additionally, Shoval holds a hot-line in cooperation with Keshet, offering support and advice to LGBT religious adolescents and adults.

Core values

Shoval members hold to the following core values:

• Sexual orientation and gender identity are significant and central parts of a person’s life.
• Acceptance and being at peace with one’s sexual orientation is the way to an ethical life of health and fulfillment.
• There should be a place within religious society for LGBT people, without contradiction or denial.
• The religious society has a responsibility for the physical and mental well being for all youth with alternative sexual orientation and alternative gender identities.

Joint project

Shoval works closely with Bat Kol, the orthodox lesbian organization, and Havruta, the orthodox gay organization, in the areas of dialogue with Rabbis, press releases, internet sites and other resources. Shoval also cooperates with the Israeli LGBT Keshet hot line, in holding a hot line for orthodox LGBT people. Along with Keshet, Shoval hot line volunteers use the resources of Beit-Dror, a youth refuge which gives temporary housing and board to LGBT adolescents from unaccepting homes.

External links

• Shoval - All is created for your glory (official site)
• Shoval on Havruta web site - A call for religious educators (Hebrew)