Eshel Online

Eshel Thursday Happy Hour!
2020-05-21 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Register Today
Join us this Thursday for a conversation with Adam Eli who will discuss his new book:
The New Queer Conscience
In The New Queer Conscience, Voices4 Founder and LGBTQIA+ activist Adam Eli offers a candid and compassionate introduction to queer responsibility. Eli calls on his Jewish faith to underline how kindness and support within the queer community can lead to a stronger global consciousness. More importantly, he reassures us that we’re not alone. In fact, we never were. Because if you mess with one queer, you mess with us all.
Adam Eli is a community organizer and writer in New York City. He is the founder of Voices4, a nonviolent direct-action activist group committed to advancing global queer liberation and was included in Out Magazine’s100 most influential queer people of 2018.

Eshel Thursday Happy Hour!
2020-05-14 16:00 - 17:00
Join Us
Eshel’s Thursday Happy Hour

4 PM EST – 3 PM CST – 2 PM PST

Sign Up

This week: Guest speaker Naomi Seidman on Unorthodox.

Join us for Happy Hour with Professor Naomi Seidman, who will discuss her take on the Netflix film Unorthodox and the depiction of the OTD community.
Read her review here before we gather: Telling the OTD Tale; or, My Scandalous Rejection of Unorthodox
Naomi Seidman is the Chancellor Jackman Professor of the Arts in the Department for the Study of Religion and the Centre for Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the University of Toronto, a Guggenheim Fellow and, most recently, the recipient of the National Jewish Book Award.
Her publications include Faithful Renderings: Jewish—Christian Difference and the Politics of Difference (Chicago, 2006), The Marriage Plot, Or, How Jews Fell in Love with Love, and with Literature (Stanford, 2016), and Sarah Schenirer and the Bais Yaakov Movement: A Revolution in the Name of Tradition (Littman, 2019). She is presently working on a study of Freud in Hebrew and Yiddish translation.
If you have not signed up for the Eshel Thursday Happy Hours, you may do so here.

Try Our
Eshel-tini
Ingredients:

Vodka
Grenadine
Champagne
Blue Curaçao
Orange Juice

How to:

First, mix a 3-to-1 ratio of orange juice and vodka, using mostly orange juice.
Pour a desired amount of grenadine down the side of your glass and let it sink to the bottom.
Mix some Champaign and at least 0.25 oz. of Blue Curaçao together. Use a spoon to slowly pour the champagne mixture on top of your OJ layer.

Wrestling with God and Men with R. Steve Greenberg
2020-05-13 14:00 - 15:00
Wrestling with God and Men: A Six-part Series on Sex, Gender, Power and Love
with Rabbi Steve Greenberg
Register here!
In 2004 Rabbi Steve Greenberg’s groundbreaking book appeared on shelves in the US and created a new starting point for exploring the Jewish tradition’s engagement with same-sex love and relationship. Join Rabbi Greenberg in May and June as he lays out in six sessions the key insights of his book, along with an interview with Joy Ladin on her new book. The series closes with a presentation on what’s been accomplished and what remains to be done.

In the Beginning: Creation and Sex – May 13th 2pm ET

Starting with the key texts in Genesis and Leviticus we will begin our exploration in order to lay out the fundamental questions that the texts raise, both for us and in us. Close reading will help us meet the twin challenges of personal meaning making and society building which these verses offer us.

The Body and the Mind: Making Sense of Sex – May 20th 2pm ET

Employing a little known medieval reading of Leviticus that rationalizes the purpose of the law in Leviticus, we will embark on a journey of discovery that highlights the powers and the threats of the mind and the body.

Social Order and Marriage: Women, Wandering and the Problems of Desire – May 27th 2pm ET

An aristocratic rabbinic wedding becomes a scene of bawdy humor and bedtime worries about female sexual desire invite an array of questions on wealth, gender, marriage and most importantly, sex. These two key texts on male and female homosexuality will be studied side by side to see what can be discovered.

Gender and Identity: The Trans-formation of Difference – June 3rd 2pm ET

The tradition understands bodies as ordinarily either male or female. However, reality proves more slippery that the binary frame articulates. We will explore an array of texts that attest to multiple grey areas and at moments, with some anxiety, actively highlights the power of difference.

Interview: Transgender Religious Discourse – June 10th 2pm ET
Steve will lead a discussion with Joy Ladin on her book: The Soul of the Stranger: Reading God and Torah from a Transgender Perspective.

5. Gladiators and Kings: Stories of Love and Violence between Men – June 17th 2pm ET
This session introduces us to two very powerful narratives of male same-sex sexuality that helps to clarify the concerns we discovered in Genesis and the law we have been exploring in Leviticus. This last rationale for the prohibition will be explored for its redemptive possibilities alongside others.
6. Goldilocks and the Three Orthodoxies: Facing the Challenges of Same-Sex Relationships – June 24th 2pm ET
While the work is still in motion, over the past decade of Eshel’s work, real substantive movement can be seen. On the basis of contemporary rabbinic responses and alongside recent Eshel Surveys of 175 Orthodox congregational rabbis we will discover how far we’ve come, where resistance still thrives and the way forward toward a more embracing Orthodoxy.

Eshel Thursday Happy Hour - Scotch Tasing with the Brimms
2020-05-07 16:00 - 17:00
Join Us
Eshel’s Thursday Happy Hour

4 PM EST – 3 PM CST – 2 PM PST

Sign Up

This week: Scotch Tasting with Anna & Rob Brimm. Bring your own bottle of Scotch and join in the tasting!

The Brimms live in Chicago, and have 8 children, and joined Eshel because of their two LGBTQ sons.
The Scotch tasting will start with a brief overview of the Scotland landscape, then a brief overview of the Scotch making process from fermentation, distillation, and cask aging. Included in the discussion will be the kashrut issues associated with Scotch aged in Sherry casks. Followed by a tasting, Rob will provide an overview of the flavor profiles from his collection.

Try Our
Eshel-tini
Ingredients:

Vodka
Grenadine
Champagne
Blue Curaçao
Orange Juice

How to:

First, mix a 3-to-1 ratio of orange juice and vodka, using mostly orange juice.
Pour a desired amount of grenadine down the side of your glass and let it sink to the bottom.
Mix some Champaign and at least 0.25 oz. of Blue Curaçao together. Use a spoon to slowly pour the champagne mixture on top of your OJ layer.

Baltimore/D.C. Meet Up for LGBTQ+ and Parents
2020-05-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2020-04-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2020-03-26 20:00 - 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.

Parents Meet Up in Chicago
2020-05-06 19:00 - 20:00
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: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 7:00-8:00

Where: Please fill out this contact form. 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 chicago@eshelonline.org

Sefirat HaOmer - Making Every Day Count
2020-05-06 14:00 - 15:00
with Sunnie Epstein, Director of Eshel’s Welcoming Shuls
Sefirat HaOmer – Making Every Day Count
We are counting days in our lives now as citizens of the world — how many days of social isolation and missing the normalcy we all know. How can we reframe this during this period of Sefirat HaOmer, where each day has special meaning; and compare that to systems used in other cultures and religious groupings?
RSVP here.

Women's New York Area Weekly Meetup
2020-05-05 19:30 - 21:00
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.

Eshel Thursday Happy Hour!
2020-04-30 16:00 - 17:00
Join Us
Eshel’s Thursday Happy Hour

4 PM EST – 3 PM CST – 2 PM PST

Sign Up

Learn about Eshel’s Ally Month! Bring an Ally!

NEW!Ally MonthAt Eshel, we are holding up our allies during the month of May. In honor of Allies month, raise a glass during Happy Hour Thursdays, tell your story about how an ally has been there for you; bring an ally with you.

Try Our
Eshel-tini
Ingredients:

Vodka
Grenadine
Champagne
Blue Curaçao
Orange Juice

How to:

First, mix a 3-to-1 ratio of orange juice and vodka, using mostly orange juice.
Pour a desired amount of grenadine down the side of your glass and let it sink to the bottom.
Mix some Champaign and at least 0.25 oz. of Blue Curaçao together. Use a spoon to slowly pour the champagne mixture on top of your OJ layer.

From Memory to Celebration: Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut
2020-04-30 13:00 - 14:00
with Sunnie Epstein, Director of Eshel’s Welcoming Shuls
From Memory to Celebration — Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut
We are in the month of “the days” — historical markers of pivotal events in our lives as Jews; filled with memory and sadness and loss as well as celebration and joy. How are these two dynamics joined? A historical perspective and lessons for our lives collectively and individually.
RSVP here.

Eshel Parents Kabbalat Shabbat
2020-04-24 18:00 - 19:00
Join Eshel parents every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat at 6 PM.
Sign up here to receive the Zoom login details.

Eshel Thursday Happy Hour!
2020-04-23 16:00 - 17:00
Join Us
Eshel’s Thursday Happy Hour

4 PM EST – 3 PM CST – 2 PM PST

Sign Up

This week: We raise a glass to salute the healthcare workers in our community. If you are out there on the front lines and can join us, we will be on zoom cheering you on.

Guest Speaker TBD

Try Our
Eshel-tini
Ingredients:

Vodka
Grenadine
Champagne
Blue Curaçao
Orange Juice

How to:

First, mix a 3-to-1 ratio of orange juice and vodka, using mostly orange juice.
Pour a desired amount of grenadine down the side of your glass and let it sink to the bottom.
Mix some Champaign and at least 0.25 oz. of Blue Curaçao together. Use a spoon to slowly pour the champagne mixture on top of your OJ layer.

Women's New York Area Weekly Meetup
2020-04-13 20:00 - 21:00, 2020-04-06 19:30 - 21:00
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 Wednesday from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sign up here for details.

Toronto Open Mic
2020-04-13 19:00 - 21:30
We’re going to have a virtual open mic night to celebrate Pesach on April 13, from 7-9:30 PM. Sign up to participate by April 6 here.

Kids Talent Showcase
2020-04-13 18:00 - 19:00
Join Kids Talent Showcase!
For more information, write to Miryam at info@eshelonline.org

Baltimore/D.C. Meet Up for LGBTQ+ and Parents
2020-04-12 20:00 - 21:00
What: LGBTQ+ folks and parents of DC/Baltimore. Topic TBD
WHEN: Sunday, April 12, 2020, at 8:00 pm. 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.

NYC LGBTQ Pre-Pesach Check-in
2020-04-07 19:00 - 19:30
What: Pre-Pesach check-in! Join us for a quick Zoom call just before Pesach. Chat for 5 minutes or longer, whatever fits your schedule.
When: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 | 7:00 pm
Sign up here for details.

Parent community Kabbalat Shabbat-lite
2020-04-03 18:00 - 18:30
Fancy Hat Kabbalah Shabbat
What: Kabbalat Shabbat-lite and say Shabbat Shalom to each other.
When: Fridays at 6 pm ET (5 pm CT- 3 pm PT)
Bring your siddurim. Wear your fanciest hat, otherwise, come as you are.
Sign up for the Orthodox Parent Phone-in Support Group to register.

Eshel Thursday Happy Hour!
2020-04-02 16:00 - 17:00
Join Us
Eshel’s Thursday Happy Hour

4 PM EST – 3 PM CST – 2 PM PST

Sign Up

TBD

Guest Speaker TBD

Try Our
Eshel-tini
Ingredients:

Vodka
Grenadine
Champagne
Blue Curaçao
Orange Juice

How to:

First, mix a 3-to-1 ratio of orange juice and vodka, using mostly orange juice.
Pour a desired amount of grenadine down the side of your glass and let it sink to the bottom.
Mix some Champaign and at least 0.25 oz. of Blue Curaçao together. Use a spoon to slowly pour the champagne mixture on top of your OJ layer.

Phone-In Orthodox Parent Support Group
2020-04-01 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.

Phone-In LGBTQ+ Support Group
2020-04-01 20:00 - 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.

Get in the mood for Pesach
2020-04-01 17:00 - 18:00
Get in the mood for Pesach
Weds. April 1 @ at 5 pm EASTERN:
Doubt and Delight: The Seder as the Meeting of Curiosity and Gratitude
With Rabbi Steve Greenberg. Register here.

LA Orthodox Happy Hour with Eshel and JQ International
2020-03-31 20:00 - 22:00
LA’s Orthodox and formerly Orthodox LGBTQ+ group is back for a late-night happy hour!
When: Biweekly, starting on Tuesday, March 31st at 8:00 pm!
Join us for an online gathering to connect and share in our own private virtual space.
Anonymity will be honored so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
The Zoom link will be sent upon free RSVP at the link below – catch you online and BYOB!
www.JQinternational.org/events/laorthodoxhappyhour

New York City Meetup
2020-03-30 19:30 - 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: Every other Monday | 7:30 – 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.

Eshel Toronto & Montreal LGBTQ+ Meetup
2020-03-23 19:00 - 21:00
This bi-weekly group for Toronto/Montreal LGBTQ+ folks from Orthodox communities generally meets over Zoom the second Monday of every month, and in-person in Toronto on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

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

Join the Meetup

Subscribe to a Newsletter

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!

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.
