In 1988, three people decided to form a group to meet the needs of Jewish gays, lesbians, and bisexuals in the Pittsburgh area. Thus was Bet Tikvah (“House of Hope”) created. 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, the Israel Heritage Room at the University of Pittsburgh, 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.