Cherishing and protecting relationships
Rabbi Menachem Penner is the co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Kesher Families. Rabbi Penner and his wife speak widely about their experience with the goal of educating and sensitizing the Orthodox world to the realities of families like theirs. They initially attempted conversion therapy, now known to be ineffective at best and harmful at worst. They have since come to a happier, closer place in their relationship, characterized by love and mutual respect — but the road to this happy ending was long and indirect.
Menachem Penner and Gedalia Ro…
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, originally aired in March , we talk to Rabbi Menachem Penner—dean of RIETS at Yeshiva University—and his son Gedalia—a musician, cantor-in. Kesher Families was inspired by the many families who contacted the Penners seeking a safe, warm and compassionate space where they could openly discuss their experiences, conflicts and emotions. Kesher Families also works with various Orthodox communities and their leaders across the United States and in other countries, as well as with schools, rabbinic leaders and organizations to provide education and support. 18Forty Podcast
Rebbetzin Penner is the director of Kesher Families, an organization created to allow Orthodox parents the opportunity to speak with other Orthodox parents about having an LGBTQ+ family member, and Rabbi Penner is the dean of Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. They initially attempted conversion therapy, now known to be ineffective at best and harmful at worst. They have since come to a happier, closer place in their relationship, characterized by love and mutual respect - but the road to this happy ending was long and indirect. 
FAQ
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Menachem Penner—dean of RIETS at Yeshiva University—and his son Gedalia—a musician, cantor-in-training, and member of the LGBTQ community—about their experience in reconciling their family’s religious tradition with Gedalia’s sexual orientation. .
Menachem Penner and Gedalia Robinson
I recently posted about the important and moving conversation between father and son, Rosh Yeshiva and talmid, Rabbi Marc Penner and his son Gedalia, on the 18Forty podcast. It was an elegant conversation about challenge and struggle, about connection and love. It was a conversation about homosexuality and Orthodox Jewish life. . Supporting your LGBTQ+ loved one
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Menachem Penner—dean of RIETS at Yeshiva University—and his son Gedalia—a musician, cantor-in-training, and member of the LGBTQ community—about their experience in reconciling their family’s religious tradition with Gedalia’s sexual orientation. When Gedalia realized he was gay as a young teenager, his parents weren’t sure. . Rabbi Penner
The Penners began their residency with a Friday night discussion at Congregation Ahavath Torah. Rebbetzin Adeena and Rabbi Penner took turns speaking from the podium, retelling the story of Gedalia’s coming out process and all the emotions and tribulations that followed. Their authenticity and vulnerability was obvious to all in the room. . 
Englewood’s Ahavath Torah Hosts the Penners
In this March episode of the 18Forty Podcast, host David Bashevkin talks with Rabbi Menachem Penner—dean of RIETS at Yeshiva University—and his son Gedalia—a musician, cantor-in-training, and member of the LGBTQ community—about their experience in reconciling their family’s religious tradition with Gedalia’s sexual orientation. A transcript of the Podcast is included on the. .