Join Eshel for a Day at the Beach
2019-08-18 10:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
Register Today!
Shlomo Ashkinazy and his husband Michael Gomillion have generously invited members of Eshel to join them on Sunday, August 18, in Cherry Grove on Fire Island, where they will be spending the week in a lovely rented beach house.
Cherry Grove offers a variety of opportunities for fun activities to choose from including, beautiful beach, hotel pool, nature walks, an extremely friendly community, and a live cabaret pool show at 3 PM. There is also a live show at 6 PM in The Hotel’s Ice Palace Cabaret/Disco for those who plan to stay later.
(the last Ferry from Cherry Grove to Sayville leaves at 11:30 PM)
This invitation is limited to the first 30 people who register and are only open to people who are 21 years old or over.
EVENT INFORMATION:
The beach, the pool, the hotel, the disco, and Shlomo and Michael’s place are all within a 2-minute walk of each other. So, come with the expectation of an active day of fun, while taking advantage of having Shlomo and Michael’s place as a central meeting spot for resting up, washing up, bathroom spot, eating, and coordinating the day (and possible Mincha service) before, between, and after other activities.
We are also hoping to have a late Potluck lunch, so people are requested to bring along a food item to share that would be sufficient to serve 6 people. All food must be kosher and either dairy or pareve.
Don’t Forget to Bring:
Swim Suit
Towel
Beach Blanket
Sandals
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Please note: Cherry Grove is a world-famous, predominantly LGBT Community, with a reputation for skimpy attire and occasional nudity. Much of the entertainment includes off-color humor and coarse language. This event is restricted to adults and is not recommended for people who may be embarrassed or offended by such material.
GETTING THERE:
Cherry Grove is located on Fire Island and is accessible by Ferry from the Ferry Terminal in Sayville, Long Island.
Round Trip Ferry Fare is $18.00
Sayville Ferry Service
Travel to Sayville, Long Island via the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station:
(Mini-Buses transport passengers from the Sayville train depot directly to the Ferry Terminal, a few minutes away)
Long Island Railroad Schedule- Penn Station to Sayville:
https://lirr42.mta.info/index.php
Travel to Sayville, Long Island by car:
Sayville can also be reached by car via the Long Island Expressway or the Southern State Parkway.
Eshel will provide a link to the ride board for people looking for or offering rides. Cars are not allowed in Cherry Grove, so drivers will need to leave their cars in the Parking Lot at the Ferry Terminal and take the ferry (Parking is $10 per day).
Expect a minimum of 2 hours of travel time from Manhattan.
*the house address will be shared a few days prior to the event, with those who have registered.
**Please note that this is a public event, so comments, likes, and attendance will be visible to the public

St. Louis Parents Meetup
2019-08-27 19:00 - 21:00
WHAT: A private gathering for Jewish parents of LGBTQ+ people who may be struggling with their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity and/or wish to connect with other parents like themselves.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 7:00 pm.
Where: Please fill out this form to RSVP and for location information.

We, Too, Are YU: Students March for LGBTQ Representation
2019-09-15 11:00 - 14:00
R. Steve Greenberg will be the first speaker at the rally, at 12:15 pm!
Pride never ends. That is why, on September 15th, the YU College Democrats are hosting a march and rally, beginning at Bennett Park and ending at the Wilf Campus, in support of more LGBTQ+ representation for YU students. For far too long, LGBTQ+ students have been forced into the closet by the administration. They are given a difficult time about hosting events and gaining approval for a Gay-Straight Alliance. They are hidden away, with YU leadership pretending they don’t exist.
We are marching to prove that LGBTQ+ students belong at Yeshiva University. Not only do they attend YU, but they ARE YU. Join us if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, or an ally – friends, family, faculty – and believe that LGBTQ+ students deserve to be heard.
Bring your flags, signs, and t-shirts! Let’s show YU what we’re made of. Look for Eshel when you get there!
Register Today!

Cleaning Out the Closet
2019-09-15 19:00 - 21:00
What’s in your closet? Even once we’re OUT, there can be a lot of “stuff” that we leave behind in there. As religious Jews, it can be a struggle to build lives without some of that “stuff.”
This is an Eshel Group of GBTQ+ who wants to share, question, and learn facilitated by Rabbi Steve Greenberg, Eshel’s Founding Director.
Register here!

New York City Meetup
2019-10-02 19:00 - 21:00
Calling all adult members of the NYC queer community who are Orthodox, formerly Orthodox, or “Ortho-curious.” If you are interested in connecting with other individuals who are exploring their Orthodox LGBTQ+ identity please join us! Members will have the opportunity to mingle and engage in peer-led discussion in a casual and confidential environment.
WHAT: A confidential gathering for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and are Orthodox, Ortho-curious or formerly Orthodox.
WHEN: First Tuesday of Every Month | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Please RSVP by completing this form and we will email you the address.
Questions? Email new-york@eshelonline.org.
Participants are asked to adhere to strict confidentiality.

Parents of Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Children
2019-10-06 21:00 - 22:30
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: Sunday, October 6, at 9:00 PM EST
Where: Please fill out this form to receive the call-in number. If you have filled out this form before, you are already on a list to receive an email reminder with details about this group. There is no need to fill this out more than once.
Questions? Email info@eshelonline.org

Baltimore/D.C. Meetup for LGBTQ+ and Parents
2019-10-16 19:00 - 21:00
Get together with our Baltimore/DC Eshel family. Join us in this intimate, confidential setting to meet others, like yourself, in the extended Eshel network.
WHAT: A private gathering for LGBTQ+ individuals who are Orthodox, Ortho-curious or formerly Orthodox and for traditional Jewish parents of LGBTQ+ people who may be struggling with their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity and/or wish to connect with other parents like themselves.
WHEN: Meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of every month, 7:00-9:00 pm.
Where: Please fill out this form to RSVP and for location information.

Philadelphia Meetup
2019-11-10 17:30 - 19:30 | PA, United States
Get together with our Philadelphia Eshel family. Join us at a local kosher restaurant to meet and socialize with others, like yourself, in the extended Eshel network.
WHAT: A confidential gathering for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and are Orthodox, Ortho-curious or formerly Orthodox.
WHEN: Sunday, November 10, 2019
WHERE: Fill out this form to RSVP and for location information.
Participants asked to adhere to strict confidentiality.
Please contact philly@eshelonline.org if you have any questions about this group.

Bridging the Divides, Fostering Inclusivity
2019-11-12 19:00 - 20:00
Bridging the Divides, Fostering Inclusivity: Rabbinic, Psychoanalytic and Academic Perspectives on Traditional Judaism and Contemporary Gender/Sex Identities, featuring Miryam Kabakov of Eshel.
For more information and to register, click here.

Eshel Across America
2019-11-15 17:00 - 2019-11-16 22:00
The Extraordinary Power of a Shared Meal
This coming Shabbat VaYera, the Torah portion where the “eshel”, the sheltering tree is planted, we are urging individuals in communities across the country to emulate Sarah and Abraham’s fearless hospitality. On a daily basis, we ask our clergy, leaders, educators, parents, and allies to welcome in someone who has a very different story than their own. To engage with the unfamiliar, and be open to difference is a holy act. By stretching our tent pins and expanding our table conversations to include new people, we celebrate Abraham and Sarah’s open-heartedness and willingness to bring in the unfamiliar.
On Shabbat VaYera we find Abraham running to welcome in dusty bedouin travelers, total strangers, into his and Sarah’s tent, and to serve them a feast. Later in the reading Abraham plants an eshel, a tamarisk tree, beside their tent to mark their home as welcoming. The tree’s meaning is explained in various ways, all of which affirm Abraham and Sarah’s identities as the open-hearted, curious, and convivial matriarch and patriarch that they are.
On Parshat Vayera, we ask you to be like Sarah and Abraham.
If someone in shul seems out of place, if there’s a new person at work who has just come to town, if you know someone who would just like company, then take this opportunity to open your tent door.
We at Eshel urge our communities to become aware of the LGBTQ people in our midst. If all of our LGBTQ people and their families were overwhelmed this week with Shabbat invitations wouldn’t the Shechina (God’s earthly presence) rejoice? “Greater is welcoming in guests than receiving the face of the Shechina!”
So for Shabbat VaYera stretch the tent pins and open up the entryways. Sign up here to be a host, and as long as our supplies last, Eshel will send you a gift for extending yourself. We will also send along some divrei torah as conversation starters. Stay tuned!
Sign up here!

Philadelphia Meet Up
2019-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 | William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia
Get together with our Philadelphia Eshel family. Join us in this intimate, confidential setting to meet others, like yourself, in the extended Eshel network.
WHAT: A confidential gathering for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and are Orthodox, Ortho-curious or formerly Orthodox.
WHEN: First Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fill out this form to get the location.
Refreshments and conversation.
Participants asked to adhere to strict confidentiality.
Please contact philly@eshelonline.org if you have any questions about this group.

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Baltimore/DC LGBTQ+ & Parents Meetup
2019-12-04 19:00 - 21:00
What: A private gathering for LGBTQ+ individuals who are Orthodox, Ortho-curious, or formerly Orthodox and for traditional Jewish parents of LGBTQ+ people.
When: The first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm.
To get more information and the call-in number, fill out this form.

Eshel Parent Retreat
2019-12-06 14:00 - 2019-12-08 12:00
“We wait all year for the Eshel Parent Retreat”

Your wait is over. Registration is open for The 7th Annual Eshel Parent Retreat for Parents of LGBTQ+ Children.

Join parents in a Comforting, Caring, Community!

Read more and register here!

Phone-In LGBTQ+ Support Group
2019-12-19 21:00 - 22:00
What: Join this anonymous phone-in support group for LGBTQ+ individuals who are unable to attend one of our in-person sessions.
When: Fourth Wednesday of every month | 9:00 PM EST
Where: Please fill out this form to receive the call-in number. If you have filled out this form before, you are already on a list to receive an email reminder with details about this group. There is no need to fill this out more than once.
Questions? Email info@eshelonline.org
For more information visit our website.

Candles and Nosh - Eshel Toronto
2019-12-22 17:00 - 20:00
Come celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with your fav queer fam LGBTQ at the J and Moishe House Toronto followed by an optional shlep to the village to see some Jewish drag (https://www.facebook.com/events/528215351108250/).
Please contact the organizers or email moishehousetoronto@gmail.com for the address.
ACCESS INFO: Moishe House is located one block north of Davenport, on Oakwood Ave. It is a 5-minute walk from the #63 bus stop or a 10-minute walk from the St Clair streetcar. There is parking on the west side of Oakwood or on the side streets just north of Davenport. There are 16 stairs from street level to the front of our home, and then 7 more steps to get to the door. Alternatively, we have a back entrance that can be accessed down the driveway just north of us. In the back, there are 7 steps up to our back door. This event will take place upstairs in the living room. We have no pets. Our home is not kosher, however, we always have kosher and vegan options. Please contact moishehousetoronto@gmail.com if you have any access-related questions.

Festival of Lights - Eshel Toronto
2019-12-26 18:30 - 21:30
Gather with the Eshel community for a sweet and casual Chanukkah party on the 5th night!
LGBTQ+ Orthodox, observant, and formerly Orthodox folks are welcome to join us for lighting at 6:45 PM, followed by some festive singing, snacking, and dreidel spinning. You are welcome to bring your friends/partners/allies, as well as a favourite game or song to share!
This will be a Kosher, sober, all-ages event.
Pay what you can/donations appreciated; no one turned away for lack of funds!
Access info: The event is held in a private apartment, with elevator access. Please be in touch with us if you have any specific accessibility needs.
For more information and to RSVP, contact Mira at toronto@eshelonline.org or miragoldstein613@gmail.com.

Baltimore Shabbat Lunch
2019-12-28 12:30 - 15:30
Join Eshel Baltimore/DC for a Shabbat Lunch for LGBTQ identified individuals, family and allies at the home of one of our local Eshel participants. Please come, eat delicious food, and schmooze while sharing the spirit of Shabbat in an open, welcoming space.
WHAT: Shabbat Lunch
WHEN: December 28, 2019
WHERE: RSVP for location
Please RSVP by December 22 and tell us how many people we can expect and whether you have any food allergies.
Contact leahmarks18@yahoo.com for any questions and to RSVP

Eshel Baltimore/DC Chanukah Party
2019-12-29 11:00 - 13:00
Eshel DC/Baltimore will be hosting a Chanukah party on Sunday, December 29 from 11:00AM-1:00PM. LGBTQ identified, family, and allies are all welcome. We would be delighted if you brought your family with you, including children, who will be fed large quantities of sugar and sent home very happy.
Please contact itta.englander@gmail.com to RSVP or inquire about details.
Hope to see you there.

Eshel Philly Chanukah Party
2019-12-29 17:00 - 19:00
What: Eshel Philly is hosting a Chanukah party on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
When: 5:00-7:00 pm
Open to LGBTQ+, family, and allies and expect latkes, donuts, and music!
For questions or to RSVP, please write to Eliana at kereliana@aol.com

Baltimore/D.C. Meet Up for LGBTQ+ and Parents
2020-01-08 19:00 - 21:00

Phone-In Orthodox Parent Support Group
2020-01-08 21:00 - 22:00 | Phone In: Nation Wide
This group is for Orthodox Jewish parents with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children seeking peer support. We will also discuss ways to help parents and families navigate in their communities and to become advocates for their children.
FIRST WEDS OF THE MONTH!

This group meets by phone conference call at 6 PM PT/8 PM CT/ 9 PM ET on the first Wednesday of each month.
To get more information and the call-in number, fill out this form. If you have questions, write to info@eshelonline.org.
Confidentiality: Everyone is asked to keep what they hear in the group completely confidential. Participants should feel free to use a pseudonym.

MohoMTL & Eshel/JQUEER Reunion Tour
2020-01-26 13:00 - 16:00
Event co-hosted by Eshel Montreal, JQueer, and Moishe House Montreal
The last time we made an event with Eshel/JQueer was in May. How can that be? We know how much you all loved the event “Love is a terrible thing to Hate”, well long story short. We’re back baby! …And our love is stronger and better than ever before. We’re taking it to the next ESCHELON. We’re JQueer and Here and maybe we’ll drink beer, with a guest appearance from Dvir? (Is he back?) We put the QUE– in QUEbec. So does that make us QUEERbec? We don’t know, but maybe you do? Come hang out with us on January 19th from 1-4 to decipher what all of this means.
Free tickets are available here.

Tu B'Shevat in LA
2020-02-02 16:00 - 18:00

Soon by You Premiere & Screening
2020-02-03 15:00 - 18:00
We are excited to announce that Eshel will be featured in Soon by You! Come out and join the Premiere Screening & Celebration!
Watch the Episode
Q&A with the Cast
After Party
When purchasing tickets, just enter the discount code: Walden
Get tickets here!

Funky Fruit Tu B'Shevat Seder
2020-02-09 19:30 - 22:00
Eshel Toronto, with support of Moishe House without Walls
RSVP here!

Brooklyn Women's Weekly Meetup
2020-02-18 20:00 - 21:30
Women’s New York Area Meetup on Zoom
Meet other individuals who identify as female and who are exploring their Orthodox LGBTQ+ identities.
Meeting Weekly: Every Tuesday from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sign up here for details.

Parents of Trans & Gender Nonconforming Children Support Group
2020-02-24 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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St. Louis Parent Meetup
2020-03-01 19:30 - 21:30
The Eshel Parent Meetup will gather Sunday, March 1st, at 7:30 p.m. in a private home.
For details and the location, please contact Pat at pnharris115@gmail.com.

Pre-Purim Eshel Party in Toronto
2020-03-08 17:00 - 20:00
Join the Eshel community for a Mishloach Manos exchange and pre-Purim gathering! A light dinner and some sweet treats will be served! Costumes and Queer-Feminist Purim Torah very welcome 🙂
Mishloach Manos Exchange: To participate in this exchange, please bring a gift of 2+ treats of $5-8 value*!
RSVP: email – toronto@eshelonline.org
*If money is a barrier, please contact us and we will be happy to help!
Access info: Please note that this will be an all-ages, alcohol-free event. The event is taking place in a Kosher-observant home, with a pet dog! It is a 5-minute walk from the TTC #160 and YRT #88 bus stop. There are 5 steps in the front and 2 steps into the back. Please let us know if you have any access or dietary needs.

Eshel Los Angeles - Cancelled
2020-03-15 16:00 - 20:00
Save the Date: Sunday, March 15th at 4 pm in West Hollywood. More info coming soon!
