In 1988, three people decided to form a group to meet the needs of Jewish g**s, le****ns, and bisexuals in the Pittsburgh area. By 1989, the group had grown and was regularly holding member-led services at a variety of locations in the Pittsburgh area, including a local gay-owned restaurant, a University of Pittsburgh campus building, and the homes of members. Since 1994, the congregation has met
for worship at Rodef Shalom, a prominent Pittsburgh synagogue. Although Rodef Shalom is a Reform congregation, Bet Tikvah is not affiliated with any particular branch of Judaism. In addition, services and events are open to and regularly attended by interfaith couples, those wishing to explore Judaism, and heterosexual Jews.
