Eshel Drop-In for Parents - Cancelled for Rosh HaShanah
2021-09-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Drop-in every Wednesday to shmooze, chat, ask questions, and hear topics of interest!
For notifications and sign-in information, please fill out the form below. (You only need to register for this group one time.)

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Eshel Brooklyn Women's LBTQ+ Meetup - Cancelled for Rosh HaShanah
2021-09-07 20:00 - 21:00
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 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: For notifications and sign-in information, register below. (You only need to register for this group one time.)

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Eshel Toronto & Montreal LGBTQ+ Meetup - Cancelled for Rosh HaShanah
2021-09-06 19:00 - 21:00
While all are welcome, this virtual meetup is for Eshel Toronto & Montreal community members (i.e. LGBTQ+ folks who come from Orthodox communities)!

For notifications and sign-in information, please register below (You only need to register for this group one time.)

Join the Meetup

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How People Change
2021-09-02 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for a virtual teaching event in preparation for the High Holidays entitled:
How People Change with Rabbi Steve Greenberg
Thursday, September 2, 2021
7:00 pm ET | 6:00 pm CT | 4:00 pm PT
How do people change? The question is asked by sociologists and psychologists, by moral philosophers, and, of course, by rabbis. How people change, as individuals and as groups, is a key question for us all.
In this shiur, we will explore our own longing for personal change during the Yamim Noraim, alongside the possibility of communal movement toward greater understanding, empathy, and embrace of LGBTQ+ people.
Join Rabbi Steve Greenberg as he explores the overlap between contemporary thinkers and traditional resources on the topic of change. Please register to receive the Zoom login details.

Register here to receive the Zoom login details:

Soon By Q: Picnic & Kayaking
2021-08-29 11:00 - 14:00
Join Eshel for a picnic and kayaking in Manhattan with familiar and new faces.
Picnic

11:00 am -1:00 pm

Eshel will provide drinks

Kosher Dairy/Parve

Bring enough to share with a few others

Optional Kayaking

1:00pm -1:45 pm

$10/person upon registration (after registering, you will be taken to a page where you can make your payment)

Single Kayaks

Double Kayaks

Dress comfyBring a mask if you are not vaccinatedRead Eshel’s Gathering PolicyThe address will be sent after registering

Eshel Parents Chaburah Group - Postponed Until Next Month
2021-08-18 20:00 - 21:30
The Parent Chaburah Group meets on the Third Wednesday of each month at 8 pm Eastern, 7 pm Central, 5 pm Pacific Time.

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Eshel Drop-In for Parents - Postponed Until Next Week
2021-08-18 12:00 - 13:00

Eshel Day on Fire Island
2021-08-01 08:00 - 17:00
Shlomo Ashkinazy and his husband, Michael Gomillion, have generously invited members of Eshel to join them on Sunday, August 1st, in Cherry Grove on Fire Island.
Cherry Grove offers a variety of opportunities for fun activities to choose from, including a beautiful beach, the hotel pool, walks through nature, 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.)
The beach, the pool 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 in the sun, with Shlomo and Michael’s place as a central meeting spot for washing, resting, eating, (and a possible Mincha service), between and after other activities. Feel free to stay together with the group, or wander off and explore on your own.
We are planning to have a late potluck lunch, so bring along a kosher, dairy, or pareve food item to share that would be sufficient to serve 6 people.
Items to bring: Swimsuit, Towel, Beach Blanket, Sandals, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
*This invitation is limited to the first 30 people who register and is only open to people who are 21 years old or over.
**Please read Eshel’s Policy on in-person gatherings.
GETTING THERE
Because Fire Island is an actual island, the only way to get there is by taking the Ferry, which shuttles back and forth from Sayville, Long Island. There are NO cars in Cherry Grove, which adds to the beautiful storybook atmosphere of the community.
Here is a link to the Ferry Schedule and information: Sayville Ferry Service
How to Get to Sayville, Long Island:
Since the only way to get to Cherry Grove is via the Ferry from Sayville. You must first get to Sayville.
Sayville can be reached by car via the Long Island Expressway or the Southern State Parkway. ESHEL will provide a link to a ride board for people looking for, or offering rides. If you come by car, you will be able to park in the parking lot which is direct across the street from the Ferry.
You can also get to Sayville via the Long Island Railroad, from Penn Station. You will find Shuttle Buses waiting at the train station to transport people to the Ferry. It’s less than a five-minute ride. Just follow the people who are carrying their beach paraphernalia.
Here’s the LINK to the Train Schedule Long island railroad Sunday schedule Penn Station to Sayville
*The House Address will be shared a few days prior to the event., with those who have registered.
What is Fire Island? Fire Island is a Barrier Reef approximately 3 miles off the south shore of Long Island. While it is 31 miles long, it is less than 1,000 feet wide, so you are always only steps away from either the bayside or the ocean side. There are 17 separate communities on Fire Island, each separated by undeveloped National Park Lands. Most of these communities are strictly private and residential. A few communities do have shops and restaurants. Two of these commercial communities are primarily LGBTQ. They are The Pines and Cherry Grove.
Here’s a link to more Fun Facts about Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove, New York – Wikipedia

From Trembling to Thinking
2021-07-29 19:00 - 21:30
A Three-Part Eshel Summer Beit Midrash Series:From Trembling to Thinking
Thursdays: July 29, August 5 & 127:00 pm ET | 6:00 pm CT | 4:00 pm PT
Eshel will conduct a Summer Bet Midrash with Rabbi Ysoscher Katz as he marks the movement of his own thinking on LGBTQ issues.
1 Hour chavruta (Bring your chavruta or we’ll find one for you.)
1 Hour Shiur with Rabbi Katz
30-Minute Q&A

Session 1: Same-Sex Relationships: Thursday, July 29, 7:00 pm ET.This foundational learning will address the key halakhic issues relating to both female and male homosexual relations. The central texts will be studied, analyzed, and discussed.
Session 2: Gender Torah: Thursday, August 5, 7:00 pm ET.This session will address the complexities of gender in biblical and rabbinic sources and conclude with the halakhic insights that can help to expand our understanding of gender and its variability.
Session 3: God in Technicolor: Thursday, August 12, 7:00 pm ET.Our study of homosexuality, gender, and non-binary identities leads to an inquiry about G-d and the limits of our understanding of God. This session will explore the theological implications of taking gender and sexuality seriously.

Register here for the Zoom login details:

Background to this SeriesThe 2001 documentary, Trembling Before G-d, began a public engagement on the overlap of queer and Orthodox identities. The film was a powerful acknowledgment of the existence of queer frum Jews, but it did not and could not embark on the work of integration. For that, more of us needed to exit the shadows of the closet. Our stories need to be told to wider audiences and the desire of some of us to remain “inside” the community (in various ways) needed to come to fruition.It has been a time of experimentation as queer Jews have begun to vote with their feet to reconnect, challenging Orthodox communities in various ways to move incrementally toward inclusion.
BioRabbi Ysoscher Katz is the chair of the Talmud Department at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. He received ordination in 1986 from Rabbi Yechezkel Roth, dayan of UTA Satmar. Rabbi Katz studied in Brisk and in Yeshivat Beit Yosef, Navaradok for over ten years. A graduate of the HaSha’ar Program for Jewish Educators, Rabbi Katz has taught at the Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls and SAR High School. He was a leading teacher of a daf yomi class in Boro Park for over eight years.

Many Thanks to Our Co-Hosts!

Tisha B'Av
2021-07-18 14:00 - 15:30
After the suicide of her daughter, Anna, in February of 1997, Mary Lou Wallner found herself faced with a spiritual journey to try to comprehend the events of their stormy mother-daughter relationship and the implications of her refusal to accept Anna’s homosexuality.
On Tisha B’Av, we sit on the ground and remember both our loss and our complicity in it. After midday, we get up off the ground and begin the work of reconciliation and recommitment.
This year, on Tisha B’Av, July 18th at 2:00 pm ET (1:00 pm CT | 11:00 pm PT), Rabbi Steve Greenberg will offer a teaching about Tisha B’Av touching on the rabbis’ sense of their own complicity in the destruction of Jerusalem.
After this short study, Mary Lou Wallner will share her story with us and describe her transformative work over the past twenty years to make meaning out of loss.

Eshel Grandparents of LGBTQ+ Meetup - On Break for Summer
2021-07-14 20:00 - 21:30
Grandparents with LGBTQ+ children from traditional communities who would like to meet for support and socializing gather and learn how to understand and be there for their LGBTQ+ grandchild and their family. Gather over zoom once a month.
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8:00 pm ET – 7:00 pm CT – 5:00 pm PT.
Please sign up below to receive the login information. You only have to register once.

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Eshel Pride
2021-06-24 20:00 - 21:30
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month at Eshel Pride, which will kick off with a virtual Pride March!
Grab your flags, find those rainbow beads, don your hats, and get ready to stroll!
On Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 7:30 pm ET, we will begin the celebration with an introduction to Gathertown for those of you who are unfamiliar with the platform.
The lineup for the Pride March will begin promptly at 8:00 pm ET.
In addition to the Pride March down Rainbow Way, we have planned a host of activities and meeting spaces where you can shmooze, meet and greet, play games, and learn.
For a quick tutorial to Gathertown, click here. But be sure to join us at 7:30 pm ET for an in-depth introduction.
Now, check out the Schedule Below or Download the Schedule here.

Admission is free, but you can support this event by making a donation or becoming a sponsor after registering.

Eastern Time
Activity
Location

7:30-8:00
Explore Eshel’s GatherTown
Visit the Lost & Found/Help Desk (Open til 9)

8:00-8:05
Line up for the Parade
Rainbow Way

8:05-8:15
Eshel Pride Parade
Rainbow Way

8:15-9:00
Mix & Mingle
Barroom & Lounge

8:15-9:00
Regional Meetups
Eshel Local Chapters & Wannabees

8:15-9:00
Parents Meetup
Parents Town Hall

8:15-8:30
Yente Over the Rainbow, Soon by Q – (Intro with Joanna 8:15-8:30)
Lounge

8:15-9:00
Create Eshel Art – (Intro with R. Greenberg 8:15-8:30)
Imaginarium

8:15-9:00
Trans & Non-Binary Meet & Greet – (Meet Eshel Coordinator, Joshua, 8:30-9:00)
Trans + Non-Binary Meet & Greet

8:30-9:00
The Torah of Pride with Rabbi Greenberg
Beit Midrash

8:45-9:00
Pride Cocktail Demo
Mixology Lab

9:00 –
Final Explorations

Eshel Parents Chaburah Group
2021-06-16 20:00 - 21:30
The Parent Chaburah Group meets on the Third Wednesday of each month at 8 pm Eastern, 7 pm Central, 5 pm Pacific Time.
This Week’s Special Guest: Rabbi Shimon Brand
Topic: What to do when your child is no longer religious

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Marry Me However: Cleveland Panel
2021-06-13 11:00
Marry Me However

Eshel is partnering with Go2Films and Rabbi Mordechai Vardi, to bring his groundbreaking film, “MarryMe, However” to North American audiences.

View Trailer

About This Film

The documentary tells the story of three gay men and one women who marry against their orientation in order to fulfill religious and cultural expectations. We hear painful accounts of confusion, deception, anger and guilt. The film exposes how both the gay partners and their straight spouses suffer devastating consequences when they are expected to follow these norms.

Join the Marry Me However Panel Discussion with Q&A, hosted by Eshel and the Cleveland Jewish Film Fest.
Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 11:00 am Cleveland time.
You must be a resident of Ohio to view the film. Anyone in the US can join the Panel Discussion.
The panel discussion will include: (Moderator) Miryam Kabakov, Executive Director of Eshel; Rabbi Mordechai Vardi, Filmmaker/Director; Nadav Schwartz, Ex-spouse; Eliana Stein, Ex-spouse; Susan Borison, Parent.

Register for the Panel Discussion & Film Screening Here:

Support the Panel Discussion

Click here and, on the donation form under Please Use My Donation in Support of, check off Marry Me However. Thank you for your support!

Marry Me However: Toronto Panel
2021-06-10 19:00 - 21:00
Marry Me However

Eshel is partnering with Go2Films and Rabbi Mordechai Vardi, to bring his groundbreaking film, “MarryMe, However” to North American audiences.

View Trailer

About This Film

The documentary tells the story of three gay men and one women who marry against their orientation in order to fulfill religious and cultural expectations. We hear painful accounts of confusion, deception, anger and guilt. The film exposes how both the gay partners and their straight spouses suffer devastating consequences when they are expected to follow these norms.

Join the Marry Me However Panel Discussion with Q&A, hosted by Eshel and the Toronto Jewish Film Festival.
June 10, 2021 at 7pm Toronto Time.
View the film and join the Panel Discussion by registering here. Apply the code ESHEL@TJFF for 25% off the ticket price!
While the panel discussion is open to all, film viewers must reside in Ontario.
Panelists
Susan Starkman, ModeratorMotti Salzberg, Former SpouseEliana R., Former SpouseFaigy Gelbstein, Former SpouseSteve Greenberg, RabbiYocheved Lindenbaum, ParentYitzi Lindenbaum, Counselor

Support the Panel Discussion

Click here and, on the donation form under Please Use My Donation in Support of, check off Marry Me However. Thank you for your support!

Eshel Grandparents of LGBTQ+ Meetup - On Break
2021-06-09 20:00 - 21:30

Eshel Chicago Parents Meetup
2021-06-08 20:30 - 22:00
What: A confidential support group for observant/Orthodox Jewish parents of LGBTQ+ individuals who may be struggling with their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity and/or wish to connect with other parents like themselves.

When: 7:30 pm CT

Where: For notifications and sign-in information, please register below. (You only need to register for this group one time.)

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Marry Me However: Rabbi Panel
2021-06-06 11:00 - 12:00
Marry Me However

Eshel is partnering with Go2Films and Rabbi Mordechai Vardi, to bring his groundbreaking film, “MarryMe, However” to North American audiences.

"

View Trailer

Rabbi’s Only
Marry Me, However: Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion: Sunday, June 6, 2021 at 11:00 am ET.
Film Screening: Viewing link will be available from June 3, 2021.
Eshel is partnering with Rabbi Mordechai Vardi and Go2Films to carry this powerful documentary into the North American Jewish community. The film has begun to spur awareness among Orthodox religious leaders that the absence of an approved life arc for young gay Jews damages them and many others as well.
Panelists
Peninah Gershman, ModeratorMordechai Vardi, DirectorRaphy Ostroff, Israeli Orthodox RabbiMotti Salzberg, Former SpouseShoni Braun, Former SpouseTalli Rosenbaum, Orthodox Sex Therapist

If You Are a Orthodox Rabbi, Please Register for the Panel Discussion & Film Viewing Here:

Eshel Baltimore/DC Parents & LGBTQ+ Joint Meetup
2021-06-02 19:00 - 21:00
We are excited to launch Gay Pride Month with a panelist forum of two artists: Agnes Borinsky and Rena Fruchter. They will discuss the upcoming Parsha and how its lessons can be used in the creation of LGBTQ+ inspired art.
Emphasis for this workshop will be on the process and not the product. Prior to the event, a few writing and artistic prompts will be emailed to get your imagination flowing.
The event is free but a suggested donation of $5 is appreciated. Sponsors for the event are welcomed.

Rena Fruchter is an artist and arts educator who has explored the power of the arts to build communal experiences and to spark imagination, as well as to allow opportunities for deeper and bigger feeling and thinking in a safe and positive environment. Rena, who received her BS in Art Education from the University of Maryland, was awarded her MA from George Washington University in Experiential Education and Jewish Cultural Arts. The business she founded, Big Picture Mosaics is Rena’s initiative to create lifelong learning, connecting and reflecting through the process of making art. She has facilitated and made mosaics with groups of individuals, as well as with groups in shuls, schools, daycare centers, museums, private homes, hospitals, senior facilities and a mikvah. Rena lives in South Philadelphia with her husband Chaim, musician and PA. They love being part of their daughter, Rabbanit Dasi Fruchter’s shul community, the South Philadelphia Shtiebel,and contributing their skills to that community. Besides the Rabbanit they have three other grown children all living in Brooklyn with their beautiful families; Temim, Yoshie and Ora.

Agnes Borinsky is a writer and theater-maker, originally from Baltimore, currently living in Los Angeles. She makes work about how and why people gather. Her plays have been developed with theaters and community centers in New York, Los Angeles, and Beirut. Her play, Brief Chronicle, Books 6-8, is published by 3 Hole Press. Her first young adult novel, Sasha Masha, is a queer coming-of-age story, and came out this fall.

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The Queer Jewish Arts Festival
2021-06-01 09:00 - 10:00
Eshel is Partnering with the Queer Jewish Arts Festival:
June 1-13, 2021
This summer, the JCC and the Gordon Center will be hosting their Inaugural Queer Jewish Arts Festival: a new series of programs celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and experiences through film, theater, music, literature, and dance.
This festival will highlight local and national queer Jewish artists who are making art with Jewish content. The events will amplify intersectional identity and creative expression. Read more here.

Orthodox+* People of Trans Experience Support Group
2021-05-27 21:00 - 22:30
Welcome to Eshel’s Newest 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 transgendered 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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Marry Me However: DC Panel
2021-05-27 16:00 - 18:00
Marry Me However

Eshel is partnering with Go2Films and Rabbi Mordechai Vardi, to bring his groundbreaking film, “MarryMe, However” to North American audiences.

View Trailer

About This Film

The documentary tells the story of three gay men and one women who marry against their orientation in order to fulfill religious and cultural expectations. We hear painful accounts of confusion, deception, anger and guilt. The film exposes how both the gay partners and their straight spouses suffer devastating consequences when they are expected to follow these norms.

Join the Marry Me However panel discussion and Q&A, hosted by Eshel and JxJ on
Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 4pm ET
Panel: Miryam Kabakov (Moderator), Mordechai Vardi (Director), Motti Salzberg (Former Spouse), Shoni Braun (Former Spouse), Steve Greenberg (Eshel), Peninah Gershman (Eshel Parent).
The screening link will be sent out one day prior to the screening period, which is May 23-30, 2021.
Anyone residing in the U.S. will be able to view the film and join the Panel Discussion.

Register for the Panel Discussion & Film Screening Here:

Support the Panel Discussion

Click here and, on the donation form under Please Use My Donation in Support of, check off Marry Me However. Thank you for your support!

Marry Me However: Boston Panel
2021-05-26 16:00 - 18:00
Marry Me However

Eshel is partnering with Go2Films and Rabbi Mordechai Vardi, to bring his groundbreaking film, “MarryMe, However” to North American audiences.

View Trailer

About This Film

The documentary tells the story of three gay men and one women who marry against their orientation in order to fulfill religious and cultural expectations. We hear painful accounts of confusion, deception, anger and guilt. The film exposes how both the gay partners and their straight spouses suffer devastating consequences when they are expected to follow these norms.

Join the Marry Me However Panel Discussion with Q&A, hosted by Eshel and the Consulate General of Israel to New England. Special thanks to our community partner: Keshet.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 4pm ET.
Panel: Miryam Kabakov (moderator), Mordechai Vardi (director), Nadav Schwartz (spouse), Shoni Braun (spouse), Steve Greenberg (rabbi), and Susan Fuld (parent).
The screening link will be sent out one day prior to the screening period, which is May 23-26, 2021.
Anyone residing in the U.S. will be able to view the film and join the Panel Discussion.

Register for the Panel Discussion Here:

Support the Panel Discussion

Click here and, on the donation form under Please Use My Donation in Support of, check off Marry Me However. Thank you for your support!

Eshel Parents of Trans People & Gender Non-Conforming Support Group
2021-05-24 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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Marry Me However: LA Preview Screening & Discussion
2021-05-20 19:30 - 21:30
Marry Me However

Eshel is partnering with Go2Films and Rabbi Mordechai Vardi, to bring his groundbreaking film, “MarryMe, However” to North American audiences.

"

View Trailer

May 20, 2021 in Los Angeles
7:30 pm Pacific Time
This is a private screening by invitation only.
Eshel is partnering with Rabbi Mordechai Vardi and Go2Films to carry this powerful documentary into the North American Jewish community. The film has begun to spur awareness among Orthodox religious leaders that the absence of an approved life arc for young gay Jews damages them and many others as well.

Register for the Panel Discussion Here:

Partnering Community Event for Shavuot
2021-05-16 15:00 - 18:00
Join the Center CIty Kehillah of Philadelphia for Shavuot Learing!
On Zoom: Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 3:00-6:00 pmOutdoor Classes In Person: Monday, May 17, 2021
Read more & Register here!
Download the source sheets of Dr. Sunnie Epstein’s class:Shavuot and What It Means to Be Truly Human

Eshel Chicago Parents Meetup
2021-05-11 20:00 - 21:30
What: A confidential support group for observant/Orthodox Jewish parents of LGBTQ+ individuals who may be struggling with their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity and/or wish to connect with other parents like themselves.

Where: For notifications and sign-in information, please register below. (You only need to register for this group one time.)

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Eshel Baltimore/DC Parents & LGBTQ+ Joint Meetup
2021-05-05 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: Shavuot is two weeks away. Join us for a flower arranging demonstration that will give you some amazing tips for creating a beautiful holiday centerpiece. Christine Bloom, a floral designer who owns her own business, will be sharing her expert advice and secrets. She will be aided by a surprise zoom assistant. Read more about Christine’s Floral Arrangements here.
Where: For notifications and sign-in information, please register below, if you haven’t already. (You only need to register for this group one time.)

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Eshel Community Discussion
2021-05-05 13:15 - 14:30
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
1:15 pm ET | 12:15 pm CT | 10:15 am PT
Immediately following Ohr Torah Stone event, R. Steve Greenberg will be moderating a Community Discussion on the issues raised during this panel.
You are invited to share your thoughts and responses. Please register in order to receive the Zoom login details.

Register Today!

Eshel Drop-In for Parents - Not Meeting Today
2021-05-05 12:00 - 13:00
