The Experiences of Orthodox Jewish Lesbians

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Experiences of Orthodox Jewish Lesbians Running head: THE EXPERIENCES OF ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIANS “I DON’T FEAR GOD. I FEAR GOD’S PEOPLE”: HOW TEN ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIAN WOMEN EXPERIENCE THE ORTHODOX JEWISH COMMUNITY A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF APPLIED AND PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY OF RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY BY SHELBY E. WELTZ IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY AUGUST 2018 APPROVED: ___________________________ Monica Indart, Psy.D. ___________________________ Brook Hersey, Psy.D. DEAN: ___________________________ Francine P. Conway, Ph.D. ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIAN WOMEN Copyright 2018 by Shelby E. Weltz ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIAN WOMEN ii ABSTRACT Informed by the critical ideology of feminist theory and psychology, this qualitative study provides an in-depth exploration into the experiences of Orthodox Jewish lesbian women. Aiming to redress the lack of literature on Orthodox Jewish lesbians, this investigation endeavors to understand how this collective navigates tight-knit communities while living at the intersection of identities assumed to be conflicting. Ten cisgendered Orthodox Jewish lesbians, ages 21 to 46, participated in phenomenologically oriented semi-structured interviews that offered women the platform to discuss various facets of gender, sexual orientation, religion, family, community, and identity. Through a grounded theory analysis of the data, three major thematic areas emerged: Orthodox Jewish lesbians experience multiple barriers; Orthodox Jewish lesbians rely on numerous coping strategies and systems to help manage these barriers; and Orthodox Jewish lesbians hope for communal change and improvement. Findings suggest that community, serving simultaneously as a source of both stress and resilience, is a powerful force in the lives of Orthodox Jewish lesbians. Driven by the data, the discussion features directions for future research as well as specific recommendations for clinical and community wide interventions that have broader implications for those working with religious sexual minorities. ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIAN WOMEN iii DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this work to Uri Naftali, my Great Uncle Irving Schachter, who taught me by example what it means to fight passionately for social justice, no matter the social cost. I would also like to dedicate this work to the women who participated in this study. This project would not have been possible without their brave involvement. Their honesty, openness, and vulnerability inspired me to see this project as more than a graduate requirement, but a mission of sorts. Finally, and most importantly, I would like to dedicate this work to the beautiful children of participants Devorah, Batya, Miriam, and Sarah. You, the next generation, are living proof that love prevails. ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIAN WOMEN iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This dissertation would not have been possible without the guidance, input, and encouragement of many people. I feel truly indebted to each one of you for helping me complete one of the most emotionally meaningful and satisfying projects of my doctoral career. First and foremost, I want to thank my family for their endless love and support. Mom, you have always been my cheerleader, empowering me to take on any task, no matter how challenging. By expressing nothing but faith in my capabilities, you helped me develop faith in myself. I have witnessed your excitement for this project blossom over time; an observation that helped motivate me when I was at my most overwhelmed. Dad, you have always put my dreams first and supported my professional endeavors. Thank you to my GSAPP family. First, to Sylvia Krieger: For the past five years, you have surpassed your position as Senior Administrator by voluntarily assuming the role of a nurturing and protective mother. Knowing that you were there to guide me from the minute I started GSAPP has provided more comfort than words can capture. To Julie Skorny: thank you for the support, laughter, nail polish recommendations, and chocolate. GSAPP is incredibly lucky to have you. To my committee members, Drs. Monica Indart and Brook Hersey: Thank you for joining me on this research journey. Monica, in you I have found more than a dissertation chair, academic advisor, professor, and supervisor: I have found a lifelong mentor. Thank you for taking a chance on me as your advisee and for believing in me before I gave you reason to. Brook, you were the first professor who opened my eyes to the multiple motivations and determinants that go into the complex task of identity construction. In addition to being an inspiring educator and gifted editor, ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIAN WOMEN v you have been an incredibly supportive and grounding presence for me over the last five years. Thank you for always making yourself accessible and for modeling what it means to provide firm, yet gentle, feedback. This project would have never gotten off the ground without the help of Dr. Michael Greenberg. Your willingness to be my pilot-study “guinea pig” helped me gain a sense of this study’s potential, and your success in helping me recruit participants helped me see that potential through. Your mentorship over the last few years has touched me tremendously. I also want to thank Dr. Jeremy Novich, whose study “The Experiences of Gay Jewish Men in the Orthodox Community: Social Justice, Oppression, and Winnicott” helped frame the foundation of this project. Brainstorming study design and instrumentation with you during the early stages of this research was incredibly valuable. Finally, a very special thanks to my friends whose encouragement and patience have helped me persevere during this challenging time. Khadija Mohamed, your commitment to “checking in” during our weekly Sunday study sessions is largely what kept me focused and on-task. More than admiring your attention span and work ethic, I value the friend and person that you are. To Marisol Valencia-Payne, your skills with Microsoft Word got me through formatting much like your friendship and sense of humor have gotten me through internship. To Dr. Melissa Frankford, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and mentorship. Your exceptional editing skills helped get me through some of the most challenging hurdles of graduate school. To the friends whose social engagements I neglected due to doctoral demands, thank you for never tiring of my saying, “I promise I’ll get my life back soon,” and for supporting my dreams in the process. ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIAN WOMEN vi TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ ii DEDICATION ................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................... iv Chapter I: Introduction and Background ............................................................................ 1 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................. 1 Theoretical Approach .................................................................................................. 4 Chapter II: Review of the Literature ................................................................................... 7 Orthodox Judaism in Context ...................................................................................... 9 Contemporary Rabbinic and Communal Perspectives on Homosexuality ................ 14 The Gay Orthodox Jewish Experience: A Review of the Research .......................... 26 Implications for the Present Study ............................................................................. 37 Chapter III: Methods ......................................................................................................... 40 Grounded Theory ....................................................................................................... 41 Participants ................................................................................................................ 42 Selection Criteria ................................................................................................ 42 Recruitment ........................................................................................................ 42 Measures ............................................................................................................. 43 Demographics questionnaire ....................................................................... 43 Semi-structured interview ........................................................................... 43 Procedures .................................................................................................................. 44 Treatment of Data. .............................................................................................. 44 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................. 45 ORTHODOX JEWISH LESBIAN WOMEN vii The Primary Researcher’s Background, Experiences, and Biases ............................ 46 Chapter IV: Results ........................................................................................................... 49 Demographics ...........................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Vnka Vtupr ,Ufzk Vuj Ic Rzghkt
    Parshas Korach 5775 Volume 14, Issue 34 P ARSHA I N SI G H T S P O N S O R Korach… separated himself… they stood before Mo she with two hundred vnka vtupr ,ufzk and fifty men… they gathered against Moshe and Aaron… (16:1 - 3) OUR UNCLE Korach gathered the entire assembly against them… (16:19) vuj ic rzghkt How did Korach succeed in arousing the people against Moshe. Moshe was their savior. SPONSORED BY Bnai Yisroel had been ensla ved in a hopless situation in Mitzrayim, and Moshe came and DR. YITZCHOK KLETTER turned the situation around, until the great king Pharoah went running thropugh the4 AND streets of Goshen in middle of the night looking for Moshe, to send Bani Yisroel out. FRIEDA LEAH KLETTER Moshe was the one who as cended Har Sinai and brought the Torah to Bnai Yisroel. he was the one who spoke directly to Hashem, and helped Bnai Yisroel with their food in the desert. All issues were brought to Moshe. DILEMMA How could Bnai Yisroel forget this all, and turn against Moshe? Al l the miraculous things And Korach took… (16:1) Moshe did should have caused them to recognize the G-dliness that Moshe had? Did they Hashem told Bnai Yisroel to take from not see the shining countenance of Moshe, on account of Hashem’s Presence resting on him? the Egyptians their expensive utensils upon departing from t heir land. Furthermore, unfortunately people sin on a daily basis. Why was Korach’s sin so severe, However, Hashem’s instructions were that all involved were destroyed, with no remembrance? They were swallowed into the only for those who had been their slaves.
    [Show full text]
  • (The) Sisterhood Is Powerful: Remarks by Rabbi Rachel M. Isaacs Upon the Inauguration of the Dorothy “Bibby” Levine Alfond Professorship in Jewish Studies
    (The) Sisterhood is Powerful: Remarks by Rabbi Rachel M. Isaacs upon the Inauguration of the Dorothy “Bibby” Levine Alfond Professorship in Jewish Studies. November 19, 2015 Colby College, Waterville, Maine In October of 1957, the Beth Israel Congregation sisterhood met to discuss issues that ranged from the pedestrian to the controversial. After a vigorous conversation on the value of having a gossip column in the synagogue newsletter, the women of the sisterhood turned to their attention to an issue that was as salacious as it was fantastical: the possibility of women rabbis. Even though the Reform movement had ordained one woman, Regina Jonas, in Germany before the Holocaust, she had perished with her congregation in the concentration camps, and was largely forgotten by the mainstream Jewish world for many decades to come. But on this day in October of 1957, the sisterhood leaders of Beth Israel Congregation discussed the issue in Waterville, Maine. According to synagogue records, “Mrs. George Chesner introduced Rabbi Steinberg who was the speaker of the evening. His topic - ‘Women Rabbis’.” Sisterhood secretary Esther Paikowsky recorded his remarks: “Rabbi Steinberg is definitely opposed to women following this 1 profession. One reason being that there would not be a ‘Rebbetzin (a rabbi’s wife), and since a ‘Rebbetzin’ has functional duties in a congregation, it would not do to have the husband perform these duties. Another objection is who would raise the family and care for the home, certainly a man cannot do that. Therefore a man
    [Show full text]
  • Programme Subject to Change
    PROGRAMME SUBJECT TO CHANGE FRIDAY 23 AUGUST Session 1: 14:00 - 15:30 When Rabbinic & Hasidic Texts Encounter “the Little Elie Holzer Prince” 2 hrs ending at 16HOO “Body & Soul” - The State of the Jewish Nation Gloria Greenfield (FILM screening & discussion) 90 mins ending at 15H30 Session 2: 15:00 - 16:00 Co-existence of Jews & Muslims in Iran Arash Abaie Why is there no fast day to commemorate the Jonathan Webber Holocaust? Jewish Communal Leadership: Its Challenges & Edwin Shuker, Rael Kaimowitz, Rewards, Drawing fr om British & South African Glen Henneck Experience When Rabbinic & Hasidic Texts Encounter “the Little Elie Holzer Prince” 2 hrs ending at 16HOO “Body & Soul” - The State of the Jewish Nation Gloria Greenfield (FILM screening & discussion) 90 mins ending at 15H30 Session 3: 16:20 - 17:20 Approaching Troubling Torah Texts: Amalek, Mamzerut Calev Ben Dor & Rebellio The Challenges of Urban Development in Jerusalem Avi Ben Tzur Nigun Lab Jessica Kate Meyer Ancient Synagogues in the Land of Israel Jodi Magness The Spy Next Door Edwin Shuker Communal Candle Lighting - 17:45 - 18:30 Session 4: 18:30 - 19:30 Progressive Service Orthodox Service Egalatarian Service My Israel Story Mishy Harman The Unique Status & Challenges of Jerusalem Jessica Montell Palestinians Communal Dinner - 19:30 - 21:00 Session 5: 21:00 - 22:00 Edwin Cameron & Dennis Davis Two Judges: Cameron & Davis in conversation The Sacred & the Taboo: What Happened with the Irwin Kula, Wendy Amsellem, Elie Holzer, Jessica Kate Meyer & Strange Fire & Aharon’s sons?
    [Show full text]
  • Wertheimer, Editor Imagining the Seth Farber an American Orthodox American Jewish Community Dreamer: Rabbi Joseph B
    Imagining the American Jewish Community Brandeis Series in American Jewish History, Culture, and Life Jonathan D. Sarna, Editor Sylvia Barack Fishman, Associate Editor For a complete list of books in the series, visit www.upne.com and www.upne.com/series/BSAJ.html Jack Wertheimer, editor Imagining the Seth Farber An American Orthodox American Jewish Community Dreamer: Rabbi Joseph B. Murray Zimiles Gilded Lions and Soloveitchik and Boston’s Jeweled Horses: The Synagogue to Maimonides School the Carousel Ava F. Kahn and Marc Dollinger, Marianne R. Sanua Be of Good editors California Jews Courage: The American Jewish Amy L. Sales and Leonard Saxe “How Committee, 1945–2006 Goodly Are Thy Tents”: Summer Hollace Ava Weiner and Kenneth D. Camps as Jewish Socializing Roseman, editors Lone Stars of Experiences David: The Jews of Texas Ori Z. Soltes Fixing the World: Jewish Jack Wertheimer, editor Family American Painters in the Twentieth Matters: Jewish Education in an Century Age of Choice Gary P. Zola, editor The Dynamics of American Jewish History: Jacob Edward S. Shapiro Crown Heights: Rader Marcus’s Essays on American Blacks, Jews, and the 1991 Brooklyn Jewry Riot David Zurawik The Jews of Prime Time Kirsten Fermaglich American Dreams and Nazi Nightmares: Ranen Omer-Sherman, 2002 Diaspora Early Holocaust Consciousness and and Zionism in Jewish American Liberal America, 1957–1965 Literature: Lazarus, Syrkin, Reznikoff, and Roth Andrea Greenbaum, editor Jews of Ilana Abramovitch and Seán Galvin, South Florida editors, 2001 Jews of Brooklyn Sylvia Barack Fishman Double or Pamela S. Nadell and Jonathan D. Sarna, Nothing? Jewish Families and Mixed editors Women and American Marriage Judaism: Historical Perspectives George M.
    [Show full text]
  • Kiruv Rechokim
    l j J I ' Kiruv Rechokim ~ • The non-professional at work 1 • Absorbing uNew Immigrants" to Judaism • Reaching the Russians in America After the Elections in Israel • Torah Classics in English • Reviews in this issue ... "Kiruv Rechokim": For the Professional Only, Or Can Everyone Be Involved? ................... J The Four-Sided Question, Rabbi Yitzchok Chinn ...... 4 The Amateur's Burden, Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb ......... 7 Diary of a New Student, Marty Hoffman ........... 10 THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN A Plea From a "New Immigrant" to Judaism (a letter) 12 0021-6615) is published monthly, except July and August, by the Reaching the Russians: An Historic Obligation, Agudath Israel of America, 5 Nissan Wolpin............................... 13 Beekman Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, N. Y. Subscription After the Elections, Ezriel Toshavi ..................... 19 Sl2.00 per year; two years, S2LOO; three years, S28.00; out­ Repairing the Effects of Churban, A. Scheinman ........ 23 side of the United States, $13.00 per year. Single copy, $1.50 Torah Classic in English (Reviews) Printed in the U.S.A. Encyclopedia of Torah Thoughts RABBI NissoN Wotr1N ("Kad Hakemach") . 29 Editor Kuzari .......................................... JO Editorial Board Pathways to Eternal Life ("Orchoth Chaim") ....... 31 DR. ERNST BooENHEIMER Chairman The Book of Divine Power ("Gevuroth Hashem") ... 31 RABBI NATHAN BULMAN RABBI JosEPH ELIAS JOSEPH fRIEDENSON Second Looks on the Jewish Scene I RABB! MOSHE SttERER Of Unity and Arrogance ......................... 33 If· MICHAEL RorasCHlLD I Business Manager Postscript TttE JEWISH OBSERVER does not I assume responsibility for the I Kashrus of any product or ser­ Return of the Maggidim, Chaim Shapiro ...........
    [Show full text]
  • Forceps Delivery and Pidyon Haben
    פרשת כי תשא תשע"ט הרב יוסי שפרונג - ראש בית המדרש Forceps Delivery and Pidyon Haben “Every first issue from the womb is Mine; and all your livestock that produce a male, that which emerges from an ox or a sheep. That which first emerges from a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it you shall break its neck; all firstborn among your sons you shall redeem. They shall not be seen before Me empty-handed” (Shemos 34:19-20) These Pesukim describe the Mitzvah of giving one’s firstborn animals to the Kohen and the Mitzvah of Pidyon Haben – the redemption of the firstborn male child of a Yisrael. The Gemara1 (Bechoros 47b2) explains that the Mitzva of Pidyon Haben only applies to the firstborn child who emerges naturally from the uterus (“Patar Es Harechem”). If he was delivered by means of a Caesarean section, there is no obligation of Pidyon Haben as he was not a Peter Rechem. What is the Halacha regarding a firstborn child that was delivered by means of forceps? A child delivered in this manner is born the same way as an ordinary vaginal delivery except that the forceps are interposed between the baby and the vaginal walls. The forceps used in a delivery are comprised of two crossover branches, each with a blade, shank, lock and handle. The blades each have two curves; one outward cephalic curve and another upward pelvic curve. During delivery, the blades are introduced into the vagina one after another and positioned so that they straddle the fetus’s head.
    [Show full text]
  • RABBI YAAKOV GIBBER Torah Reading Pg
    PARSHAS EMOR RABBI YAAKOV GIBBER Torah Reading Pg. 672 Morah Da’asra Haftorah Pg. 1176 18 Iyar - 25 Iyar 5781 April 30 - May 7, 2021 BJC INSIDER The BJC Insider is generously sponsored this week by Rabbi Efrem & Rebbetzin Yocheved Goldberg in honor of our Yedidei Nefesh, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gibber. Thank you for your friendship, leadership and partnership. A Place for Lifelong Learning, Community & Friendship h Executive Committee: Sidney Sayovitz - President Dr. Yakov Elefant Radine Spier Warren Struhl Hindy Stuart Dr. Charles Trauring h Executive Director: Matthew Hocherman 21065 Powerline Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433 (561) 477-8872 • bocajewishcenter.org • [email protected] WEEKLY AND SHABBOS SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE WEEKDAY DAVENING SCHEDULE April 30 May 2 - May 7 Plag Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos 6:15 pm Shacharis Sunday 8:00 & 9:00 am Earliest Candle Lighting 6:30 pm Shacharis Monday - Friday 6:45 & 8:30 am Zman Candle Lighting 7:34 pm Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 7:40 pm Zman Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos 7:35 pm FRIDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE SHABBOS DAY SCHEDULE May 7 May 1 Plag Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos 6:15 pm Hashkama Minyan 7:30 am Earliest Candle Lighting 6:34 pm Main Minyan 9:00 am Zman Candle Lighting 7:38 pm Young Professionals/Teen Minyan 9:45 am Zman Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos 7:40 pm Youth Groups (Ages 3 - 11) 9:45 - 11:00 am Latest time to say Shema 10:00 am SHABBOS DAY SCHEDULE Latest time for Shacharis 11:06 am Shabbos Afternoon Rabbi’s Class 6:35 pm May 8 Hashkama Minyan 7:30 am Mincha followed by Shalosh Seudos 7:20 pm Main Minyan 9:00 am Shkiah 7:52 pm Young Professionals/Teen Minyan 9:45 am Maariv and Havdalah 8:30 pm Shabbos Afternoon Rabbi’s Class 6:40 pm Mincha followed by Shalosh Seudos 7:25 pm Maariv and Havdalah 8:34 pm SHALOM ZACHOR INFORMATION MAZEL TOV TO OUR MEMBERS The Feingolds invite the entire community to the h David & Shaina Feingold on the birth of their son.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Subcultures Online: Outreach, Dating, and Marginalized Communities ______
    JEWISH SUBCULTURES ONLINE: OUTREACH, DATING, AND MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES ____________________________________ A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of California State University, Fullerton ____________________________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in American Studies ____________________________________ By Rachel Sara Schiff Thesis Committee Approval: Professor Leila Zenderland, Chair Professor Terri Snyder, Department of American Studies Professor Carrie Lane, Department of American Studies Spring, 2016 ABSTRACT This thesis explores how Jewish individuals use and create communities online to enrich their Jewish identity. The Internet provides Jews who do not fit within their brick and mortar communities an outlet that gives them voice, power, and sometimes anonymity. They use these websites to balance their Jewish identities and other personal identities that may or may not fit within their local Jewish community. This research was conducted through analyzing a broad range of websites. The first chapter, the introduction, describes the Jewish American population as a whole as well as the history of the Internet. The second chapter, entitled “The Black Hats of the Internet,” discusses how the Orthodox community has used the Internet to create a modern approach to outreach. It focuses in particular on the extensive web materials created by Chabad and Aish Hatorah, which offer surprisingly modern twists on traditional texts. The third chapter is about Jewish online dating. It uses JDate and other secular websites to analyze how Jewish singles are using the Internet. This chapter also suggests that the use of the Internet may have an impact on reducing interfaith marriage. The fourth chapter examines marginalized communities, focusing on the following: Jewrotica; the Jewish LGBT community including those who are “OLGBT” (Orthodox LGBT); Punk Jews; and feminist Jews.
    [Show full text]
  • Shabbat Program Shabbat Program
    SHABBAT PROGRAM SHABBAT PROGRAM March 1 and 2, 2019 / 25 Adar I 5779 Parashat Vayakhel - Shabbat Shekalim ו�יּ�בֹאוּ כָּל־אִישׁ אֲשׁ�ר־נְשׂ�אוֹ לִבּוֹ ו�כֹל אֲשׁ�ר נָדְבָה רוּחוֹ אֹתוֹ הֵבִיאוּ אֶת־תְּרוּמַת ה' לִמְלֶאכֶת אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּלְכָל־עֲבֹדָתוֹ וּלְבִגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ: "And everyone who excelled in ability and everyone whose spirit was moved came, bringing to the Eternal an offering for the work of the Tent of Meeting and for all its service and for the sacral vestments." (Exodus 35:21) 1 Welcome to CBST! ברוכים וברוכות הבאים לקהילת בית שמחת תורה! קהילת בית שמחת תורה מקיימת קשר רב שנים ועמוק עם ישראל, עם הבית הפתוח בירושלים לגאווה ולסובלנות ועם הקהילה הגאה בישראל. אנחנו מזמינים אתכם\ן לגלוּת יהדוּת ליבראלית גם בישראל! מצאו את המידע על קהילות רפורמיות המזמינות אתכם\ן לחגוג את סיפור החיים שלכן\ם בפלאיירים בכניסה. לפרטים נוספים ניתן לפנות לרב נועה סתת: [email protected] 2 MARCH 1, 2019 / 25 ADAR I 5779 PARASHAT VAYAKHEL - SHABBAT SHEKALIM הֲכָנַת הַלֵּב OPENING PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS *Shabbes Zol Zayn Folk Song שבת זאל זיין 36 Abraham Wolf Binder (1895- 38 Candle Blessings *(1967 הַדְלָקַת נֵרוֹת שׁ�ל שׁ�בָּת *(Shalom Aleichem Israel Goldfarb (1879-1956 שׁ�לוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם 40 קַבָּלַת שׁ�בָּת KABBALAT SHABBAT / WELCOMING SHABBAT *(L’chu N’ran’nah (Psalm 95) Debbie Friedman (1951-2011 לְכוּ נְ�נְּנָה (תהלים צה) 52 *(Shiru Ladonai (Psalm 96) Shlomo Carlebach (1926-1994 שׁ�ֽירוּ לַה' (תהלים צו) 54 *Mizmor L’David (Psalm 29) Western Sephardic Melody מִזְמוֹר לְדָו�ד (תהלים כט) 62 *(L'chah Dodi (Shlomo Alkabetz) Kehillat Tsiyon (Jerusalem לְכָה
    [Show full text]
  • Amudim Community Resources, INC. Amount
    Beis Community 2018 Amount: $7,000 Project: Women’s Leadership Development Amudim Community Resources, INC. • Supports women’s leadership development for Amount: $10,000 volunteers of an intentional and inclusive Project: Project Shmirah Orthodox Jewish community in Washington • Hold age-appropriate workshops in yeshivas Heights that attracts those traditionally on the and day schools to teach children about margins. healthy boundaries and strategies to increase emotional wellbeing. They will also provide Moving Traditions events in community centers, synagogues, and Amount: $60,000 homes that will encourage adults to become Project: National Jewish Summer Camp Healthy community advocates against abuse. Sexuality Initiative Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE) • Moving Traditions will prepare two cohorts of Amount: $10,000 camp directors and assistant directors to train Project: YES I CAN their staff on bias prevention, harassment, and • Motivate, encourage, and support girls to peer pressure among staff and campers. pursue STEM education and careers through exposure to mentors and educational, T’ruah volunteer, and internship opportunities. Amount: $75,000 Additionally, CIJE will establish the YES I CAN Project: Development of Rabbinic Network career center which will establish STEM • Supports strengthening their rabbinic network internships and opportunities in the US and and training rabbis and cantors to be more Israel and offer assistance to young women effective leaders and to amplify the moral with college and scholarship applications. voice of the Jewish community. T’ruah will Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) develop trainings on anti-Semitism and Amount: $75,000 provide support to their network, particularly Project: Leadership Development women clergy, and promote the voices of • JWFNY’s unrestricted funds will support women as experts in teaching positions and leadership development and political journalism.
    [Show full text]
  • Program As at 18/5/2017
    Program as at 18/5/2017 SHAVUOT EVENING I: TUESDAY 30 MAY 2017 DESCRIPTION STREAM 1 STREAM 2 5:00pm Shul Service Orthodox Multi-Course cooking demonstration – Carol Rothschild from the House First Night Communal of Rothschild is an experienced Chef and top food Critic. She will entertain 5:45pm Dinner us while she feeds us as she gives a number of tips in how to prepare a delicious Shavuot Feast. Rabbi Alon Meltzer – What does Ronit Ricci - Jewish-Arab 7:30pm Ted Torah Program Shavuot Mean? Education in Israel Sarah Charak – Torah is for the 7:50pm Imperfect Kathy Kaplan OAM - Mah Tovu - 8:10pm Really? - How good are the Dwellings of Israel? Geoff Sirmai- Kosher Theatre- Alex Kats - Travelling the Jewish Way - Sports 8:30pm an Exploration into the Communities of Australia and the World Raz Sofer – Coffee, Hashish, Pirates 8:50pm and Plagues - Life in the Holy Land 300 years ago. 9:10pm Cheese Cake Break Carol Rothschild - What is over Dr Gavi Ansara - Living our Jewish 9:30pm 2000 years old and Tastes Great? - Ethics in the Age of Trump An Exploration into Jewish Food Karen Demartini-Scacheri – Head Rabbi Alon Meltzer – Sinai – the 9:50pm Coverings in Judaism Transmission of Faith and Action Sarah Greenbaum – Overheard in a Chabbad House in Bangkok: TzuriShaddai Demartini- 10:10pm Confessions of Someone who’s been Scacheri – Topic to be advised abroad too long. 10:30pm FINISH CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS WILL BE PROVIDED DURING PRESENTATION TIMES DESCRIPTION TEEN AND TWEENS KIDS TUESDAY 7:30pm Ted Talk - Topic to be advised Activity 30 MAY 7:50pm
    [Show full text]
  • Hidden Sparks
    SLINGSHOT CONTACT Rebecca Neuwirth BOARD CHAIR Matthew Bronfman PHONE 212-891-1403 A RESOURCE GUIDEBUDGET $520,000 EMAIL [email protected] INCEPTION 2005 SLINGSHOT FOR JEWISH INNOVATION MEET THE INNOVATORS: INNOVATORS: THE MEET the from for video messages www.slingshotfund.org/videos Visit in Jewish and life. projects organizations innovative most the of leaders introduction why do we create Slingshot? This is the ninth annual edition of Slingshot. So, here’s your homework assignment: Creating this guide takes nearly a year of evaluation, due diligence, discussion, and 1. Read this book and find a project that design. Slingshot represents the combined excites you. Then reach out to its leaders! If effort of nearly 100 people across North you are a participant, a volunteer, or a funder, America, and it costs an arm and a leg to you are what they need in order to grow. print. And then, we give it away for free. 2. Share this book with someone who Why? doesn’t find Jewish life personally relevant. Visit www.slingshotfund.org/order, and order Because the following pages include an that person a free copy. important story about the Jewish community, and we want you to read it – and share it. 3. Discuss this book with your family, Slingshot ’13-’14 tells the narrative of how friends, and colleagues. Slingshot is the Jewish community can remain relevant intended to be a conversation starter: Ask and thrive as the world changes around your parent to pick a favorite organization, it. Over the following pages, you will read and talk about why.
    [Show full text]