About Congregation Etz Chaim

For 35 years, Congregation Etz Chaim has been the only place that Gay Jews have been able to worship as Jews without stares, nods, winks, condescension or “tolerance”.
Congregation Etz Chaim has grown to a membership in excess of 200 Jews, with a Torah of its own, a Rabbi, a Cantorial Soloist and an Office Manager.  

The dream of the original seven has grown into a force of meaning in the South Florida community. 
Etz Chaim has become the Tree of Shelter for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender and all other Jews who need openness and spirituality in a warm and accepting atmosphere.  WE ARE UNIQUE!

Background and History

The Congregation was formed in 1974 by seven Gay Jews who had been attending services at the MCC Church in Miami.  At the time the MCC was the only place in South Florida where a Gay person could worship in openness.  Among the seven founders was Howie Sorkin who has continued to be a pillar of the Congregation.

The original seven reached out to others and there was a minyan formed for the services that were at first held at member’s homes.  There was no Rabbi, Cantor, Office nor even a Torah.  There was warmth, love and the desire to pray as Jews regardless of sexual orientation.  Soon the homes proved too small for the growing Congregation and there was movement to larger spaces.  Services were held at a Lutheran Church , at a YMCA, an Art Studio, a Storefront, a chapel in a Funeral Home, at the Unitarian Sanctuary in Oakland Park / Fort Lauderdale, and presently at 1881 NE 26 Street, Wilton Manors, FL  33305.