The holidays are here and the D.C. area is home to plenty of LGBTQ-affirming options for celebrating Christmas, Shabbat, and Kwanzaa. (This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, as many churches and synagogues in the area are affirming.) Jewish services Hanukkah ended Dec.
15, but the area’s affirming synagogues offer Shabbat services during the holidays. Bet Mishpachah is Washington’s Egalitarian Synagogue embracing diverse sexual and gender identities, founded in 1975 by members of the LGBTQ community.
Shabbat services are held every Friday evening at 8 p.m. both in-person and virtually at the Edlavitch Washington DC Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC), located at 1529 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
The entrance is on Q Street. Join Bet Mish on Dec. 25 for a movie and dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. Details at betmish.org Ohr Kodesh Congregation (8300 Meadowbrook Lane) offers Shabbat services at 5 p.m.