Our Story

Founded in 2024, Shleesh was born out of a need for a third place dedicated to the rigorous pursuit of matters of the soul. Realizing the lack of space available for people to ask and explore the big questions and bring creative ambitions to life in community with the traditional liturgies, but without traditional hierarchy, we built “HaMakom HaShleeshee”, The Third Space. We are a women-led, intergenerational community where intellect, theology, justice, and creativity can thrive. We cultivate an environment that combines religious practice, music, and justice work with the intellectual exploration of the soul.

Core Values

As an ever-evolving community, in spirit and in practice, we are uncompromising in our commitment to the following:
We are not evil – in intention, in action, in apathy, or via proxy.
We are not idle – creation takes many forms, everybody contributes something.
We are not passive – acceptance is permission. We defend ourselves, each other, and our greater community. We center the impacted and the vulnerable. Justice is not a spectator sport.
We are not idolatrous.

Community Rules

No jerks. This is not a safe space, but it is a protected space, so don’t be mean on purpose.
No AI. Bring your own thoughts and consideration of the environment.
Assume good intent (within reason). We give each other grace to find the right words, but we don’t tolerate abuse of any variety.

In-person spaces are for people, not phones, so turn them off or leave them elsewhere.