Information in English

Beit Ha’Chidush (House of Renewal) is an independent progressive, open, inclusive and egalitarian Jewish community. We warmly welcome anyone with a Jewish background, both paternal and maternal. If you have a non-Jewish partner, s/he is  more than welcome to attend our services and celebrations.

History

The community was founded in 1995 by three homosexual expats with secular and religious backgrounds. They wished to create a welcoming Jewish congregation, LHBTG friendly, but open to all.

Modern sources

BHC uses Jewish tradition and modern sources for its services and celebrations.

Our services take place in a beautiful, historic synagogue in the vincinity of Amsterdam.

We use a unique trilingual siddur (Hebrew, English, Dutch). This prayerbook also has phonetic texts.

Kidddush

After the services we share a communal Kiddush – a wonderful opportunity for  conversation, connection, and community.

Democratic organisation

Beit HaChidush is a democratic organiszation with an elected board and general member meetings. Alle important decisons are submitted to the members. Members are encouraged to actively take up tasks and develop their own initiatives.

Other Religious Jewish Movements

BHC has working relations with European and American rabbis from different denominations. We cooperate with the Masorti Movement (the Netherlands, England), the Liberaal-Joodse Gemeenschap (the Netherlands), Liberal Judaism (England), the Reform movement (world wide), Jewish Renewal (USA), the Reconstructionist Movement (USA) and Humanistic Judaism.

Children

Do you have children? They can join Ledor Wador (From Generation to Generation), our Jewish education program for children age 4-12.

Bar or Bat Mitsva

Teenagers are trained for their Bar of Bat Mitzvah, with personal lessons by several teachers.

For adults, we have our adult Bar / Bat Mitzvah program.

Monday Evening Lectures (zoom)

Also, every Monday evening a lecture on Jewish topics takes place: on zoom. Language: Dutch or English. Whoever is interested is welcome, also non-BHC-members/friends. If you want to attend: tamarah@dds.nl

Conversion

Those who wish to convert can contact rabbi Benima for information. At present a conversion course is organized for BHC-candidates by the Masorti kehilla (Jewish Community) in the Netherlands. This conversion program is recognized by Jewish communities world wide.
Admission is necessary: tamarah@dds.nl

Questions

For all sorts of questions see Contact.

Attending services

For attending services: sjomriem@beithachidush.nl

We look forward to welcoming you.