Eshel Out Loud

News, Views, and Updates from the Eshel Community

Celebrating Purim as Coming Out Day

Celebrating Purim as Coming Out Day

What would it mean to celebrate Purim this year as a National Jewish Coming Out Day? Whether for those of us who has been out for years, or those who have yet to come out, Purim is an opportunity to celebrate who we are, whether hidden or revealed. As Rabbi Steve Greenberg has written previously, [more]
Every Neshama has a Place at Shul

Every Neshama has a Place at Shul

For several years, Eshel’s Welcoming Shuls Project has guided shuls and Rabbis in LGBTQ+ inclusion and helped LGBTQ+ people find the right shul for them and navigate shul life. Despite the increase in anti-trans media coverage and legislation, there is more interest than ever from our Welcoming Shuls to find ways to fully embrace transgender [more]
Spotlight on Social Events

Spotlight on Social Events

A critical part of Eshel’s mission is to build community for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families so that they can break isolation, grow, and thrive. We do this not just through support groups, but by coming together as a community to connect, enjoying one another’s company, and sharing experiences. It can be easy to feel [more]
Crafting Our Own Self-Care Practice

Crafting Our Own Self-Care Practice

I’m Sara Hessdorf, and I’m excited to be joining Eshel this year as a social work intern. I’m passionate about finding ways to strengthen the Jewish community through empathy and listening. I’m looking forward to meeting some of you at one of our support groups or at a social event in New York City! I [more]
Leaping Into a New Month

Leaping Into a New Month

Another new month! Last month, we explored journaling as a form of reflection. This month, as we enter Adar Aleph and February (a double leap year), let’s explore journaling as a form of self inquiry. Leap years are the way our calendar resets so that we don’t drift too far away from the cycles of [more]
The Story Behind the Warmline

The Story Behind the Warmline

Before Eshel began, I ran a support group for Orthodox women who were LBT. I opened a phone line so people could contact me. Not exactly knowing what I was getting myself into, I thought I would just get calls from women wanting information about the group: Where did it meet? When? Is it right [more]