LGBTQ

Reflection on Pride

Reflection on Pride

In just a few days it will be June, which means it is time to celebrate how far the LGBTQ community has come, band together as a community for more progress on the way, and reflect on what it all means to us. These journaling prompts are meant to guide you to contemplate what pride [more]
Celebrating Purim as Coming Out Day

Celebrating Purim as Coming Out Day

What would it mean to celebrate Purim this year as a National Jewish Coming Out Day? Whether for those of us who has been out for years, or those who have yet to come out, Purim is an opportunity to celebrate who we are, whether hidden or revealed. As Rabbi Steve Greenberg has written previously, [more]
Every Neshama has a Place at Shul

Every Neshama has a Place at Shul

For several years, Eshel’s Welcoming Shuls Project has guided shuls and Rabbis in LGBTQ+ inclusion and helped LGBTQ+ people find the right shul for them and navigate shul life. Despite the increase in anti-trans media coverage and legislation, there is more interest than ever from our Welcoming Shuls to find ways to fully embrace transgender [more]
Spotlight on Social Events

Spotlight on Social Events

A critical part of Eshel’s mission is to build community for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families so that they can break isolation, grow, and thrive. We do this not just through support groups, but by coming together as a community to connect, enjoying one another’s company, and sharing experiences. It can be easy to feel [more]
Between Acharei-Mot and Kedoshim

Between Acharei-Mot and Kedoshim

My bar mitzvah date was totally messed up. The synagogue bureaucrat who assigned it gave me the double portion of Aharei-Mot/Kedoshim to be read on April 26, 1969. But I was born in late June! I'm not sure why they thought it was ok, but this was a full two months before my 13th birthday. By mistake, I was given [more]