May 9, 2025 | Eshel Out Loud
For years I have grappled with the pasuk in this week’s parsha: וְאֶ֨ת־זָכָ֔ר לֹ֥א תִשְׁכַּ֖ב מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י אִשָּׁ֑ה תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה הִֽוא׃ Starting around 13 years old, I began to feel immense guilt and shame whenever this pasuk was read aloud in shul, usually by the Rabbi, who also happened to be my father. I thought that Hashem [more]
Mar 31, 2025 | Eshel Out Loud
Last week, I had an opportunity to witness an incredible moment of community at our Orthodox Allies Training in Detroit. Towards the end of our time together, one woman raised her hand to speak. Her voice was full of emotion and she began to tear up as she shared that one of her children had [more]
Feb 21, 2025 | Eshel in the News
FALLS VILLAGE, Conn. (RNS) — In many Orthodox Jewish settings, including the vast Haredi world, strict adherence to Torah and Jewish law has kept many closeted or unable to live openly in synagogue settings. At Eshel retreats they are embraced. The Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in Falls Village, Conn., was the site of an annual [more]
Jan 24, 2025 | Eshel Out Loud
Every year, as I stand in the closing circle of the Eshel National Retreat, I hear the attendees defining what belonging to this community means to us: connection, friendship, joy, and peace. This weekend is a kickstarter for building the community we need, forming bonds that last far beyond this weekend. What makes these gatherings [more]
Sep 12, 2024 | Eshel in the News
chaofann/Getty Images Beyond the Shabbos table: LGBTQ+ allyship as a communal responsibility by Ely Winkler Since Oct. 7, I have personally felt caught between my Jewish and LGBTQ+ identities, as though I have to take a stand on one side or another — choose between posting a slogan or a violent meme on my social [more]
