Children’s Books: Where Are the Black and Latino Characters?

About a year ago, many of my friends, along with a certain segment of the Jewish world, were excited about the publication of a new children’s book, an event that is usually so routine it rarely elicits notice, let alone comment. This book, however, different: The Purim Superhero features a brother and sister who live with their two dads.

Parents: Read ‘The Purim Superhero’ To Your Children

The decision to embrace, through kids' books, the richness and diversity of Jewish life is a gift.

Battle of the Book: The Opt-In Edition

I just heard about PJ Library's decision to make The Purim Superhero an "opt-in" book for families as opposed to sending it to all subscribers because the book features a family with two dads. What do you think about this decision?

Sarah Silverman Donates Her Voice to Gay Jewish Organization

Attention all Bostonians looking for a good, old-fashioned, R-rated outgoing voicemail message: Sarah Silverman and Keshet, an organization that advocates for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews, might be able to help.

Sarah Silverman Lends Her Voice to LGBT Jewish Organization

The comedienne will record a personalized voice mail for one winner.

Silverman walks the walk

New Hampshire-bred actress-comedian Sarah Silverman, who was out in New York over the weekend walking hand-in-hand with actor Michael Sheen, has donated her services to Keshet, a local nonprofit that advo­ cates for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews.

Sarah Silverman Wants To Record Your Voicemail Message

The offer – part of Boston-based Jewish LGBT group Keshet’s “Cabaret” gala fundraising auction – is simple: Make with the big bucks and the esteemed Ms. Silverman will record your outgoing voicemail message.

A Not-So-Super Hero?

A few weeks ago the PJ Library shared its reasoning for not offering the wonderful book, “The Purim Superhero,” through its regular distribution. Citing concerns about parental objections to the message, they hid heteronormative bias as justified censorship in the name of pacifying a diverse readership.

Four Questions with Jennifer Levi, Transgender Rights Activist and Keshet Cabaret Honoree

I asked Jennifer about the progress made in transgender rights during her time in the field.

Religion and gay rights collide over children’s book

Concerned not to offend Orthodox Jews, distributor makes holiday book touching on LGBT issues only available by request.

Battle over Purim children’s book with two dads

The line between respecting diverse religious beliefs and violating the rights and dignity of gays and lesbians is at the center of a debate between gay advocates and the PJ Library over a children’s picture book featuring a family with two fathers.

Jewish Groups Discuss Same-­Sex Marriage

Over 50 people attended a panel discussion on March 2 that explored the process and experience of same- sex weddings and marriages in the Jewish tradition.

Gender Schmear: Jewish Gays’ Purim Party

On March 13, Keshet, an advocacy and networking group for LGBT Jews, will host a wildly fun party in celebration of Purim, an annual Jewish festival.

Religious freedom vs. gay rights: The picture-book edition

Where is the line between respecting diverse religious beliefs and violating the rights and dignity of gays and lesbians?

From A Lesbian Mother, A Letter To PJ Library: This Hurts

I wanted to share with you my disappointment that you've chosen not to send the book The Purim Superhero to all your members, but only to families who specifically request it.

A Different Kind Of Wedding

When Mindy Dickler’s son, Elie, revealed to her two-and-a-half years ago that he was gay, she felt totally alone. Today, Dickler and others in the Baltimore community are working to make sure that parents and families of LGBT Jews never feel alone again.

A Purim Message for the PJ Library

As a Jewish mother, I read with interest a recent blog post explaining the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s decision to make “The Purim Superhero” – a story about a boy, Nate, who has two dads – available only to PJ Library families who request it, but not to all of its subscribers.

Purim book for children creates a stir, Wins contest for its LGBT theme

Children dressed as superheroes, queens, and football players ate pastries and listened to the story of Purim at Boston Children’s Museum on Sunday.

Fred Phelps’ Death: “Don’t Celebrate,” say some

PJ Library Offers Book With Gay Parents, But Only Upon Request

Naomi Marmorstein loves reading the free Jewish books she gets from PJ Library to her 1-year-old son Jonah, whom she adopted last January. Her only complaint: the characters don’t reflect her non-traditional “mom-kid” family, as she describes it.