About The Rainbow Center

Rebecca Stapel-Wax, Director (in orange) and Friends of The Rainbow Center

The Rainbow Center was founded by members of the Atlanta Jewish Community. It is currently managed through Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) and sponsored by Congregation Bet Haverim (CBH), a synagogue founded to serve the needs of Jewish gay men and lesbians.  In 1999 Rabbi Joshua Lesser, CBH’s first full-time rabbi came back to Atlanta where he grew up. He was inundated by questions from clergy and individuals.  The clergy sought information and a support network for their congregants.  Individuals wanted a safe place to question their faith and their feelings. As a new and very busy rabbi with a growing congregation, Rabbi Josh worked with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to address gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender inclusion. The Rainbow Center/Mercaz Keshet has been operating since 2001.

The Rainbow Center is located at the main office of Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS).  JF&CS has over 40 programs that cover across the lifespan.  Services address adoption, homelessness, domestic violence, career counseling, developmental disabilities and many, many more!