Eshel Out Loud

News, Views, and Updates from the Eshel Community

Curiosity Over Contempt

Jul 10, 2023 | Eshel Out Loud

“Two Jews, three opinions.'' I was raised to appreciate multiplicity within our tradition. Through my study of Gemara, I learned to wrestle with texts, to ask lots of questions, and to challenge initial assumptions. I was taught the value of makhloket leshem shamayim, conflict in the name of heaven. Basically, I was encouraged to be [more]

It’s Not About Us vs. Them

Jul 5, 2023 | Eshel Out Loud

This Sunday, Eshel will be hosting a forum in West Orange to discuss and learn about what it means to be an Orthodox ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Several members of the West Orange community asked for our support and guidance in the wake of a recent controversy within the community - the owner of [more]

When It Comes to a Future for LGBTQ+ Jews, Seeing is Believing

Jun 19, 2023 | Eshel Out Loud

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://www.eshelonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Holy-Closet-Wedding.png" title_text="Holy Closet Wedding" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]When I got married (almost two years ago!), my best friend was our officiant. This past Shabbat, we kicked off celebrations for her wedding - the second this month of one of my close [more]
Everything is Above Ground Now

Everything is Above Ground Now

Jun 9, 2023 | Eshel Out Loud

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Why I Celebrate Pride

May 30, 2023 | Eshel Out Loud

Pride Month, to me, is an occasion to celebrate visibility. It provides an opportunity for a community that can sometimes operate under the radar to proudly showcase our unity. Living in Chicago's official gay district (since 1997!), it is quite common to see LGBTQ+ individuals and rainbow flags around. Yet I still get excited each [more]
Inside Our Families, Outside in Our Orthodox Community

Inside Our Families, Outside in Our Orthodox Community

May 22, 2023 | Eshel Out Loud

2019 Parent Survey and Report Parents are finding ways to manage, but shuls and schools largely fail LGBTQ+ Jews and their families. In December 2019, Eshel held its seventh annual retreat for Orthodox parents of LGBT+ children. For the first time, other close family members were invited to the retreat, as well. Approximately 100 parents [more]