Israel Parent Meetup
2025-02-20 19:30 (America/New_York)
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.
This month, we’ll be joined by Debora Resnick, former teacher and school administrator and author of “The One of their Relationship,” a lightly fictionalized account of Debora’s own family life and coming out as gay in the orthodox community in Montreal. When she came out she was married and the mother of three.

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NYC | Karaoke Night
2025-03-03 19:30 - 21:00
Get ready to sing, kvell, and belt your heart out at a fabulous night of queer Jewish karaoke! Whether you’re a shower singer, a Broadway star in disguise, or just here for the vibes, this is your time to shine. Enjoy delicious kosher pizza, sip on drinks, and take the stage with your favorite hits—pop bangers, Broadway classics, Hebrew jams, and more!

NYC | A Wicked Queer Purim
2025-03-13 19:00
This Purim, we’re defying Haman, gravity, and all expectations! Step into a night of enchantment where the courage of Esther meets the magic of Wicked for an unforgettable celebration of costumes, cocktails, and queerness. Join us for Orthodox and egalitarian Megillah readings, sip on themed drinks inspired by the world of Oz, and dance the night away in a swirl of revelry. Whether you’re channeling your inner Glinda, Elphaba, or Esther herself, come ready for a night of joy, mischief, and unexpected twists—because this Purim, anything can happen!
📅 Date: Thursday, March 13⏰ Time: 7:00 pm Megillah Readings (egalitarian and Orthodox), followed by break fast8:30 – 11:30 pm Party📍 Location: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
Featuring:🔊 DJ Shua spinning beats🍸 Open bar🍹 Wicked themed cocktails🍡 Delicious bites
Tickets $30 in advance, $36 at the doorRegistration required for both megillah reading and party.
Thanks to our community partners: Keshet, JQY, Sephardic Mizrahi Q Network, A Wider Bridge, Shalom Dykes, UJA, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

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South Florida | Post-Purim Meetup
2025-03-16 19:00 - 21:00
Connect with other LGBTQ+ Jews and family members at Eshel’s South Florida Post-Purim Meetup. Join us for a relaxed evening together at a local restaurant. Light appetizers will be served, with additional food and drink available for purchase.
Date: Sunday, March 16Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pmLocation: Grand Cafe, 2905 Stirling Rd, Hollywood, FL

Orthodox+* People of Trans Experience Support Group
2025-03-19 21:00 - 22:30
Welcome to Eshel’s Meetup!
What: This virtual support group will be a space for people who identify as transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning. All shades of Orthodox including Chareidi, Modern Orthodox, Ex-Orthodox, are welcome to come and share in a safe and confidential virtual group.
When: Meetings will be held on the third Thursday of every month at 9 pm EST – 6 pm PST.
Where: For notifications and sign-in information, please register below. (You only need to register for this group one time.)
This group is confidential: all attendees are required to adhere to the privacy of its members.
About the Group Coordinator
This Eshel Meetup is led by Joshua Avishur, a transgender Orthodox Jew who enjoys connecting with people and embracing the beauty in all individuals. Joshua is a Masters-in-Social-Work student with experience in mentoring LGBTQ+ folk and developing and leading therapy groups for children and individual counseling with at-risk youth. Joshua is also a transgender panel moderator and panelist.

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Israel Parent Meetup
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-07 12:30 - 13:00, 2025-09-17 19:00
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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Detroit Allies Training
2025-03-24 19:30
During this training, you will learn to identify ways to be an ally and support LGBTQ+ people in your Orthodox community. This training will cover information about the nature of the LGBTQ+ population and their needs, skills for allyship in a variety of situations and institutions, and opportunities to practice. Open to anyone who would like to be an ally in Orthodox settings including in synagogues, schools, camps, and at home.
When: Monday, March 24 at 7:30 PM
Where: Detroit, MI (Address provided upon RSVP)

IGY in Brooklyn Shabbat Dinner
2025-03-28 18:30
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
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.

Get Tickets

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.

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.

Sign Up!

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 9:00 PM ET | 8:00 PM CT | 6:00PM PT
Where: For notifications and sign-in information, register below. (You only need to register for this group one time.)
