Eshel Out Loud
News, Views, and Updates from the Eshel Community
Just Like Us study shows disproportionate LGBT+ school struggles
This December our #YoungerMe campaign is raising awareness of the need for inclusive education. A new survey by Just Like Us has found that LGBT+ people struggled with bullies and family rejection while at school, whereas straight peers wanted advice on dating and money. Our research found that LGBT+ people growing up disproportionately needed advice [more]
2 JTA Articles on an Orthodox Jewish Framework for Relationships
Leana Tapnack, seen here with mikvah attendant Talia Lakritz at the West Side Mikvah in New York, decided to observe the laws of niddah together with her wife, Sandy. (Courtesy of Tapnack) Some queer Jews are finding meaning in the laws of family purity, traditionally observed by married Orthodox couples Like many observant Jewish women, [more]
The Only Unnatural Way to Be Is Alone
Lo tov heyot ha-adam levado, it is not good for the earthling to be alone (Gen. 2:18). As the product of a traditional Jewish education, I have always heard this verse cited as an aphoristic observation about human nature and the need for companionship. No one wants to be alone their whole life. Life is [more]
Kept At A Distance
Isolation is an unfortunate norm for LGBTQ Jewish youth. The Coronavirus pandemic has only made things worse. By Idit Klein, Rachael Fried, Asher Gellis, Miryam Kabakov, and Rebecca Stapel-Wax As leaders of organizations that advance LGBTQ equality in Jewish life, we know how important it is to create antidotes to loss, fear, and isolation – especially [more]
Changing Not Changing by Joy Ladin – Video
How Orthodox Jewish Communities Respond When Members Come Out as LGBTQ For much of the 21st century, Miryam Kabakov and Rabbi Steven Greenberg have been agents of change in Orthodox Jewish communities built on continuity and tradition. Through their own coming out processes, their writings, and their organizing – both are founders of Eshel, an organization [more]
