Bet Mishpachah, D.C.’s LGBTQ synagogue, has announced it will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1975 at an Oct. 25 gala. “Bet Mishpachah was born out of a need for a safe space where LGBTQ+ could come together, practice Judaism, and embrace our identities,” it says. “I would say it is a special milestone that we are celebrating our 50th anniversary,” Maxey told the Washington Blade. “This congregation was started by members of the LGBTQ Jewish community who did not feel comfortable, and may I dare say safe being in their respective communities and respective synagogues,” he said. “So, they really had to step out, take a leap of faith, and start their own community,” Maxey said.