Feb 24, 2026 | Eshel Out Loud
The Megillah is, among its many faces, a story about the complexities of identity. A number of its characters are imposters of sorts, struggling to be something that they are not. However, according to Rabbi Yonason Eibshitz, while this may be true of Achashverosh, Haman and even Esther, Mordechai alone does not live a [more]
Mar 3, 2025 | Eshel Out Loud
It’s easy to look at Purim and see a story opposing extremes - either very quiet, with hidden identities and secret meetings, or loud with parades in the streets, month-long parties, and even a regional war. There’s also the lavish extravagance of the Persian empire, juxtaposed with Mordechai decreeing Jewish people wear rags and fast. [more]
Mar 18, 2024 | Eshel Out Loud
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]
Jan 25, 2021 | Eshel Out Loud
I just saw a truly amazing and profounding moving performance by Derrick DelGaudio in a one-man show, In And Of Itself. We are inviting everyone in the Eshel community and beyond to view it and then to come to a discussion of its meaning alongside a reading of Esther to discern the relationship between mask and [more]
Mar 19, 2019 | Eshel Out Loud
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.8.2" text_font="||||||||" text_text_color="#000000" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"]…Esther is told by her cousin, guardian, and Jewish conscience Mardochee (Mordecai) that the time for her revelation has come; at this moment the particular operation of suspense around her would be recognizable to any gay person [more]
