Eshel Online

IGY in Brooklyn Shabbat Dinner
2025-03-28 18:30 (America/New_York)
Join PHS and Eshel for an inspiring evening with the leaders of IGY, the Israeli LGBTQ+ youth and young adults’ organization. Come for Tefillah, just dinner, or join for the panel conversation!
Meet the women and LGBTQ+ people that are advocating for equality, fighting discrimination, and paving the way for a more inclusive society for all of us. Open to Brooklyn LGBTQ+ Jews and Allies!

Learn More and Register

NYC | Pre-Pesach Pours
2025-04-07 19:30 - 21:00
Raise a glass and bid farewell to chametz! Join us for a Pre-Pesach whiskey and beer tasting, where you’ll sip, savor, and learn about the flavors and stories behind your favorite drinks. Delicious pours and great company await. L’chaim!

LGBTQ+ Support Group
2025-04-21 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-15 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-20 20:00 - 21:00
A confidential space for LGBTQ+ adults who are Orthodox, formerly Orthodox, or Orthodox-adjacent to access peer support, share their experiences, and connect and gain insights from others.

Second Monday of the month
8:00 pm ET, 7:00 pm CT, 6:00 pm MT, 5:00 pm PT
Register below for Zoom link and to receive notifications each month.

Rockland County Jewish Film Festival
2025-04-24 19:00
Thursday, April 24 at 7pm
Join Eshel at the Rockland County Jewish Film Festival for a screening of the new Israeli Film Pink Lady, followed by a talkback with Ely Winkler, Eshel’s Director of Advancement. Pink Lady tackles the complex intersection of Orthodox Jewish life, community pressures, and LGBTQ+ identity in a simultaneously moving and humorous way. After the screening, Ely will share more about the experiences of being LGBTQ+ and Orthodox, and how Eshel is working to create Orthodox communities where we all feel we belong.
About the Film:In an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem, Bati has a seemingly perfect life. She is happily married to Lazer and the young couple have three children. But their world starts to crumble when Lazer is blackmailed and Bati discovers his secret affair with his male study partner. Desperate to protect her family and keep the man she loves, she supports Lazer as he attempts to “cure” his homosexuality, whilst uncovering her true desires.

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New York City Paint and Sip
2025-05-05 19:30 - 21:00
Unwind and get creative at our evening of painting, sipping, and socializing. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can tap into your artistic side while savoring a glass of bubbly, a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, and light refreshments. All art supplies are provided—just bring your imagination and a sense of fun. It’s the perfect night to explore your creativity, enjoy some tasty snacks, and connect with others over drinks and art.

Israel Parent Meetup
2025-05-07 12:30 - 13:00, 2025-09-17 19:00, 2025-10-23 12:30 - 13:30
Join Eshel’s local chapter in Israel for parents of LGBTQ+ children.
This group will provide support and build community in an intimate, confidential setting in English. This group meets in person most months, with a Zoom meeting once per quarter.
Register below for monthly reminders, links, and location details.

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2025 Eshel Parent Retreat
2025-05-08 - 2025-05-11
Learn More!

UWS Shabbat Dinner
2025-05-16 19:00 - 22:00
Join Eshel at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan for a vibrant and festive Shabbos meal. We’ll welcome Shabbat with candle lighting, song, and divrei Torah, followed by a delicious meal and meaningful conversation in a warm, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ Jews. Come celebrate the beauty of Shabbos and the joy of queer community.
7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat with Or Chayim8:15 pm Community Dinner

This week’s Shababt dinner is full!

Celebrate Israel Parade 2025
2025-05-18
Join A Wider Bridge, Eshel and JQY as part of the LGBTQ+ Cluster in the Celebrate Israel Day Parade on Sunday, May 18 in NYC.

Baltimore | Lag B'omer BBQ Picnic
2025-05-18 12:00 - 14:00
Join Eshel Baltimore for a BBQ picnic to celebrate Lag B’omer! This event is family-friendly and open to LGBTQ+ people, parents, and any other family members you’d like to bring. We’ll be gathering under a covered pavilion at the park, rain or shine!
📅 Sunday, May 18⏰ 12:00 – 2:00 pm📍 Marriottsville, MD

NYC | 20s and 30s Game Night
2025-05-27 18:30
Join Eshel and JQY for a pre-Pride pizza and game night on Tuesday May 27 at 6:30 pm.

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Silver Spring Parent Meetup
2025-05-27 19:00
Interested in connecting with other parents of LGBTQ+ children?
Join us for an exploratory meeting in Silver Spring for parents in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We’ll gather and connect as parents of LGBTQ+ kids, and explore the option of getting together more regularly.
Sign up below if you’d be interested in meeting up with other local Eshel parents, even if you can’t make this meeting.

Israel | Re-learning Our Children Yom Iyun
2025-06-13 09:30 - 14:00
Connect with other parents of LGBTQ+ children at a Yom Iyun devoted to learning and reflecting on our children’s identities and experiences. Come away with new skills, and knowledge that will help you parent your LGBTQ child while taking care of yourself.
This confidential event is open only to parents of LGBTQ+ children.
📅 DATE: Friday, June 13⏰ TIME: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm📍 LOCATION: Modiin – address shared after registration
Suggested Donation: ₪‎100, payable via PayBox after registration. No one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Atlanta | Cocktails and Conversation
2025-06-15 18:00
An evening of connection and conversation over cocktails. The perfect way to start your summer with fellow LGBTQ+ Jews looking to connect for friendship and camaraderie.

Pride Challah Bake
2025-06-23 19:30 - 21:30
Dough it with Pride! Join us for a colorful evening of queer joy, challah braiding, and creative toppings. Twist up rainbow loaves, sprinkle on your favorite flavors, and celebrate community, carbs, and pride.
When: Monday, June 23 7:30-9:30PM
Where: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Silver Spring Parent Meetup
2025-07-16 19:00 - 21:00
Interested in connecting with other parents of LGBTQ+ children?
Join us for a meeting in Silver Spring for parents in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We’ll gather and connect as parents of LGBTQ+ kids, and explore the option of getting together more regularly.
Sign up below if you’d be interested in meeting up with other local Eshel parents!

Parent Retreat Brunch Reunion
2025-07-20 10:00 - 11:00
This is a Zoom reunion for anyone who attended the 2025 Eshel Parents Retreat. To enjoy a festive brunch together, we’re digitally sending a $5 Starbucks gift card for anyone who signs up by July 18. This will be a space where we can all connect with a cup of tea or coffee while we discuss topics of interest or just catch up.
When: July 20 10-11AM EST
Where: On Zoom

Eshel Israel Meetup
2025-07-24 12:00
On Thursday, July 24 at 7:00PM, we will have our final meeting of the year in Ramat Beit Shemesh. Our guest will be Dr. Debbie Rubel, a child psychologist for Beit Shemesh City. She also coordinates the suicide task force for the Beit Shemesh schools and will discuss this serious topic with us.
Location: Ramat Beit Shemesh
A lovely dinner will be served

Elul Empowerment
2025-09-08 19:30 - 21:30
Join Eshel for a night of spiritual introspection as we approach the Yamim Noraim, with text study and meditation led by our new Program Director, Mendel Weintraub. At this event, we will explore lessons relevant to the High Holidays from Chassidic texts, which offer an uplifting and joyful vision of how to achieve divine connection in Elul, even in the face of self-doubt. Pizza and refreshments will be served. Admission free. All ages welcome.
When: September 8 at 7:30 pm
Where: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Floor 1.5 classroom

Silver Spring Parent Meetup
2025-09-09 19:00
Connect with other parents of LGBTQ+ children in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. This is a great opportunity to learn from one another and build our community. At this meetup, we’ll be discussing coming out to extended family, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and more, and the impact on our larger family dynamics.

Women's LBTQ+ Support Group
2025-09-16 21:00 - 22:15
Women’s New York Area Meetup on Zoom
What: Meet other individuals who identify as female and who are exploring their Orthodox LGBTQ+ identities.
When: Meeting Weekly: Every Tuesday from 8:30 pm – 9:45 pm
Where: For notifications and sign-in information, register below. (You only need to register for this group one time.)

Parents of Trans & Gender Nonconforming Children Support Group
2025-09-29 21:00 - 22:00
What: This group is for traditional Jewish parents who may be struggling with their child’s gender identity and/or wish to connect with other parents like themselves.

When: Fourth Monday of each month, 9:00 PM EST – 8:00 PM CST – 6:00 PM PST
Where: For notifications and sign-in information, please register below. (You only need to register for this group one time.)
Questions? Email info@eshelonline.org

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LGBTQ+ Community Sukkot Party
2025-10-12 19:00 - 22:00
Join Us for the annual LGBTQ Community Sukkot Party!
On Sukkot, it is traditional to celebrate the holiday with a Simchat Beit Hashoevah, a joyous gathering commemorating the holiday’s Temple service. Come experience this celebration with a special LGBTQ+ Jewish twist at JCC’s rooftop Sukkah, featuring breathtaking views of the NYC skyline, an open bar, Israeli cuisine, snacks, and plenty of laughs with friends old and new.
This event is open to the entire 21+ LGBTQIA+ community, along with family and allies.
The JCC facilities are elevator and ramp accessible. If you have additional access needs or questions, email info@eshelonline.org.
General Admission Price – $36Student Ticket – $18
A limited number of comped tickets will be offered to volunteers. To learn more about volunteer opportunities and expectations, please contact info@eshelonline.org.
We are completely sold out!

NYC - Cider and Schmooze
2025-10-20 19:00 - 21:00
Make mar Cheshvan mar no more! Join us for some post-Tishrei rest and relaxation after this busy holiday season. Decompress with the assistance of apple cider, donuts, and other fall-themed treats and transition out the High Holidays and Sukkot with friends old and new! This event is free to attend.
Where: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
When: Monday October 20 7pm
Who: LGBTQ+ people ages 21+ (alcohol will be served)
We are full! See you at our next event.

DC | Striving to Belong
2025-10-21 18:30 - 20:00
This roundtable discussion examines shifts in the Orthodox community towards greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ Jews. Panelists include Peninah Gershman and Rabbi Hyim Shafner, more panelists coming soon. Moderated by Miryam Kabakov.
This event is offered both in person and virtually. For the virtual event, click here.

Sign Up!

October Oneg Shabbat Dinner featuring Or Chayim Minyan
2025-10-24 17:50 - 21:00
Join Eshel and Or Chayim for October Oneg Shabbat Dinner, our upcoming Shabbat Dinner on the Upper West Side! Enjoy a warm Shabbat and a festive evening with LGBTQ+ community. Davening is free and open to everyone, and dinner is 21+.
📆 Friday, October 24
⏰ 5:50 pm Davening with Or Chayim | 6:45 pm Kiddush | 7:30 pm Community Dinner
📍 Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan 334 Amsterdam Ave at, W 76th St
Registration closes Friday morning, 12:01am. After this time, late registrations will be charged $50/ticket.
