Featured All the Feels: A Keshet Playlist for Pride Get in all the moods with this Pride-filled playlist of queer Jewish artists!
Queer Jewish Ancestors: The Story of Ben Rosenstein z”l – Video and Discussion Guides What does queer dignity in death look like? How can Jewish communities honor LGBTQ+ members in their passing? The story of Ben Rosenstein offers an entry point into these questions
The LGBTQ+ Origin Story of Debbie Friedman’s Mi Shebeirach Eli Lurie Sobel reflects on the lesser-known history of how this powerful prayer originated during the AIDS crisis.
Shabbat and Havdalah Zine for LGBTQ+ Jews of Color An on-the-go companion to our Shabbat and Havdalah guide.
Keshet Resources for Clergy Check out some of the most-commonly-requested resources for clergy to rely on as they lead, teach, care, and celebrate.
To Those in the Narrow Place A reflection from Rachel Gollay on what it means to stay in Mitzrayim/Egypt.
Four Questions for LGBTQ+ Liberation Bring these alternative four questions — and answers — to your seder table.
“How Aren’t You?” Collaging Liberatory Futures If you were to create a zine telling the story of this current moment and how we all got free, what would it include?
A Dandelion on the Seder Plate Learn why Rabbi Eliana Kayelle adds a dandelion to their seder plate and read an accompanying poem!
Just Like Queen Esther: Interview with the Authors Read Keshet's interview with Kerry Olitzky and Ari Moffic, the creators of Just Like Queen Esther.
Twilight People Prayer Read Rabbi Reuben Zellman's blessing for the twilight, a classic piece of trans liturgy which highlights the beauty and sacredness of that which cannot be easily defined.
Transgender and Jewish: A Fun Guided Workbook for Kids This guided workbook from youth intern Sivan KB is a fun resource for children that is themed around Trans and Jewish identity.
Prayers at the Kotel Check out Ziggy Valdez's reflection on their experiences praying at the Kotel as their full Queer, Mexican, and Jewish self.
Reluctant Prophets: Reading the Book of Jonah as a Queer Jew of Color Being a queer Jew of Color can often feel like being asked to become a prophet — check out Saffron Mala Kaplan's insightful d'var torah!
Teshuvah After a Year of Conflict and Pain How do we engage in teshuvah right now? Maybe we go outside the binary of right/wrong. Maybe we don't repair, but rather seek to understand and empathize both with ourselves and with those we have harmed and who have harmed us.
The Shofar is Calling Us toward Queer Reconciliation: A Kavanah Let the shofar wake you up to what is possible this High Holiday season.
Three Keshet Rabbis, Three Hundred Musings on the High Holidays What Keshet's staff rabbis are thinking about and hoping for as the holidays approach.
To Be Holy: When Yom Kippur and National Coming Out Day Fall on the Same Day Keshet intern Nuriel Gutman shares why these two holy days have more in common than you might think.
Pride Shabbat Planning Guide Use this guide to plan your own Pride Shabbat celebration, whether at your synagogue or in your living room.
Joyful Song: A Naming Story—An Interview with Lesléa Newman Renowned author Lesléa Newman has written a fantastic new children's book just in time for Pride and we want you to know about it!
Frankenstein’s Matzah: An Interview with Author K. Marcus A conversation with K. Marcus, author of Frankenstein's Matzah, first Jewish picture book to feature a nonbinary main character.
The Traditional and Radical Queer Haggadah I Wanted Didn’t Exist — So I Wrote It Myself Gabriella Spitzer has added a wonderful queer haggadah to our canon, and Keshet wants you to know about it!
Lengthening Our Days: A D’var for the Dark Nights of Hanukkah Keshet Associate Director of Education and Training, Rabbi Lonnie Kleinman, reflects on how even when times are at their hardest, we can bring ease and comfort to each other and lengthen our days.
Celebrating the Age of Mitzvah: A Guide for all Genders Concrete suggestions and best practices to design and support affirming B'Mitzvah celebrations.
When I do not fit on Yom Kippur Talia Makowsky, Communications Manager, shares a personal reflection on Yom Kippur and how queer identity helped her to heal her relationship with her body.
On Yom Kippur, Even Torah Does Teshuvah Making amends isn't just for us — it's for God and Torah as well.
Turning Back to Teshuvah Learn how teshuvah can be a source of catharsis and healing, particularly from an LGBTQ+ perspective.
Next Year in Gender Liberation! Towards Trans Justice and Joy Close your seder with concrete action for trans liberation!
Dayeinu – Being LGBTQ+ and Enough Adapted from "Ma Nishtana - A LGBTQ+ and Ally Haggadah," this version of Dayeinu centers the struggles of LGBTQ people.
Updated! An Orange on the Seder Plate Add an orange to your seder plate to honor the LGBTQ+ and feminist Jewish history and future.
The Completely Correct and Only Guide to the Right Hamantaschen for your Zodiac Sign The definitive guide to the best hamantaschen for your zodiac sign.
Purim as a Jewish ‘National Coming Out Day’ The story of Purim has come to embody the potential of the Jewish canon to uplift and embrace LGBT identities — and many communities are celebrating it as such.
Purim: An Essay While I was gloating about how my daughter doesn’t have to bring in Valentines because she attends a Jewish preschool, I missed the whole flip side. Purim. On Wednesday, we got an email that the kids should come into school in costume on Friday.
Ushpizin/ata, Our LGBTQ+ Jewish Ancestors Invite Ushpizin/ata, our LGBTQ+ Jewish ancestors, into your Pride celebrations
Simanim / Ye’i Rasones for Rosh Hashanah Go beyond apples and honey with traditional and new foods for participatory magic! Created by Binya Koatz and daph ben david with Keshet.
Keshet Pride Shabbat Sermon Guide Suggestions, themes, and resources for clergy planning to give a sermon about or related to Pride Month.
Pride Seder Key Words to Know Thank you for joining for the 2021 Community Pride Seder. Keshet works for LGBTQ Inclusion in Jewish life nationally and we are here to provide you with a tool kit that you can use for the entirety of this Seder and other LGBTQ programs through Pride and to use in your day-to-day life to be more inclusive and equitable for all LGBTQ+ people in your community.
Exploring Gender Through Counting the Omer A guide to counting the Omer, including meditations and blessings in feminine, masculine, and nonbinary Hebrew.
Wedding Ceremony for Two Men Suggested ritual for a wedding ceremony for two men, including a rewritten Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings).
Queer/Chosen Family Blessing for the Children This resource is intended to make this ritual inclusive for all kinds of families- with a gender-neutral traditional version, as well as new blessings for queer chosen families and for queer youth.
Transgender Remembrance Shabbat Liturgy Share these Trans Remembrance Shabbat prayers and poems with your community.
Hearing Beneath The Surface: Crossing Gender Boundaries at the Ari Mikve A personal reflection of a transgender person going to a mikveh.
Ma Nishtana – A GLBTQ + Ally Haggadah A complete LGBTQ+ themed Passover haggadah, co-created by Rabbi Micah Buck-Yael and others, following the traditional structure of the Seder.
Different from All Other Nights: A Queer Passover Haggadah Compiled and with original readings by Rabbi Nikki Lyn DeBlosi, PhD, this haggadah was originally created for use at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU.
A Few Words on the Language of Kiddushin and Sheva Brachot The author offers changes to a marriage ritual to make it more inclusive and affirming for LGBTQ people.
A Kavanah – Directing our Hearts and Minds: A Declaration of Intention that we bring to the reading of Leviticus 18 Intention to be read before reading Leviticus 18 on Yom Kippur, regarding the Torah’s enumerations of prohibited sexual relationships
What’s Different about Gay Wedding Ceremonies? A secular-humanist Rabbi discuss the differences and commonallities between same gender and different gender weddings.
Trans/Gender Queer Jewish Wedding Service A template and discussion on how to hold a queer affirming wedding ritual.
Shabbat Commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance A text to be used for Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Pastoral Issues for Marriage and Premarital Counseling Rabbi Cohen, who served an LGBTQ congregation for ten years, looks at pastoral issues that might emerge as couples prepare for their wedding.
Marriage Ritual for LGBTQ+ Couples This article discusses a framework for thinking about same gender weddings.
Including Sheva Berachot in Commitment Ceremonies A discussion and guide on how to include the Sheva Berachot in a Queer wedding.
Erev Rosh Hashanah 5767 Sermon A sermon delivered on Rosh Hashanah eve using twilight as a metaphor for transgender people, remarking on the holiness of intermediate space.
Enlarging Sacred Space: Ka’dusha & Same-Sex Marriages A statement from the Jewish Renewal community on the importance of women and LGBTQ in the leadership pof their movement.
Coming Out into the Light This Torah Commentary reminds us that just as the Torah cannot stay in the ark, so too shouldn't LGBTQ pepole stay in the closet.
Arami Oved Avi: A Family Coming Out Journey A Passover Haggadah insert about the story of one person's coming out journey.
A Jewish Guide for Marking Transgender Day of Remembrance This downloadable guide contains readings, personal stories, quotes, and concrete action steps to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Days of Awe: Turning To Do Good A reflection on the Al Cheyt high holiday prayer which focuses on the sins of transphobia and homophobia.
A Covenant of Same-Sex Nisu’in and Kiddushin The author explores the details of traditional Jewish wedding ceremonies according to Jewish law and provides a detailed adaptation for Queer couples to use.
None Are Free Until All Are Free: A Seder Ritual About the Struggle for Civil Rights of Same-Sex Couples A ritual to add to the Passover seder about marriage equality.
What Queen Esther Taught Me LGBTQ+ Jews have always been here, will always be here, and can never be erased. Indeed, perhaps this is the moment of collective action we were made for.
Let Us Be Like the Trees Check out Rabbi Eliana Kayelle's wisdom on the intersection of Tu B'Shvat and gender-affirming healthcare.
Connecting Jewish Texts to Queer Experiences Youth intern Ruby created this text study guide that connects Jewish texts and stories to queer experiences. This study guide focuses on two texts — one exploring queer themes in Jewish texts and one exploring themes of solidarity and action in Jewish texts.
Text and Tools For Change: Lessons from the Daughters of Zelophehad What can we learn about justice from the story of Zelophehad's daughters?
We Can Make Change A text-based lesson plan about how all of us have the power to make change in the world!
Honoring Identity, Advocacy, and Teshuvah A text-based lesson plan all about showing up as your authentic self!
Song of the Season: Gevurah (Strength) by Molly Bajgot Listen to this beautiful song to get into the Pesach spirit!
Recognizing All Our Children Supplement your seder discussion of the Four Children with this activity to encourage all voices to be heard.
Shabbat and Havdalah Guide for LGBTQ+ Jews of Color Check out this guide to enhance your Shabbat and Havdalah services.
Masks of Authenticity: A Purim Activity This activity can help you and your community make masks into works of art that affirm your identity this Purim!
A Shabbaton for LGBTQ+ Jews of Color, And More Sage Cassell-Rosenberg gives their perspective on finding light in dark times and sharing their dreams for a more equitable Jewish future.
Dancing Inside and Outside Circles of Belonging Contributor Tali Anisfeld shares their thoughts on Simchat Torah in this moving personal essay.
Atoning for Unintentional Harm How do we atone when we miss the mark and cause harm? Contributor Aviva Davis provides useful insight.
Moving Forward and Letting Go: A Yom Kippur Ritual Rabbi Lonnie Kleinman shares a Yom Kippur ritual, especially for LGBTQ+ Jews celebrating Yom Kippur on their own.
You belong in the Jewish community. Intolerance doesn’t. Sage Cassell-Rosenberg, JOC Program Manager, shares a message of belonging with fellow queer, trans, Jews of color.
Teshuvah Means Living Out Loud A big theme of the high holidays is "teshuvah," often translated as repentance. But teshuvah can mean so much more; it can also mean honoring yourself for who you are.
The Joy of Tisha B’Av Xava de Cordova on Tisha B'Av and the myriad faces of tragedy: grief, brokenness, laughter, and transformation.
From Sinai to Stonewall Use this resource as a deep dive into our Seven Values for inclusion as a part of your Pride text studies.
Unmasked: A Megillah Reading to Lift Up the Voices of Female, Trans and Non-Binary Clergy Created by Cantor Melissa Berman of West End Synagogue in NYC.
Subversive Femmes: Vashti and Esther Dive into this text study compiled by Keshet staff with a friend. Study these words and discover your own personal revelations!
Purim Reminds Us Rights Shouldn’t Be Tied to the Whims of Rulers A D’var Torah for Purim by Rabbi Micah Buck-Yael
Loving Power / Tu BiShvat and Dr. MLK, Jr Day Dr. King: "Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic."
Growing Into Who I’ve Always Been / Tu BiShvat and Dr. MLK, Jr. Day Some seeds are not ready to sprout right away, and need time in the dark to feel the sun filter through. I’m glad I had the time and the care to heal and grow at my own pace.
The Brazen Queerness of Tu Bishvat Queer joy fosters a closeness with others that is unique and beautiful. Being in the presence of queer joy made me feel more confident in my queerness.
Planting Seeds of Growth / Tu BiShvat and Dr. MLK, Jr. Day Tu Bishvat is an opportunity for us to cultivate our growth and development. We can offer gratitude to the natural world around us for giving structure to our chaotic lives.
The Roots of our Ancestors My leadership is the fruit and the flowers in bloom, and Martin Luther King, Jr. and the rest of my ancestors are the invisible roots I sometimes forget to pause and thank.
Chicago Pride Havdallah 2021: Keshet’s Offering This drash was presented at the Chicago Pride Havdalah in 2021. It discusses liminal spaces - the in-betweenness of Shabbat and the week, the tensions of forming community virtually, and the ongoing work for LGBTQ belonging.
From the Days of Pride to the Days of Awe The holy, sacred, and ancestral roots of Pride and the High Holidays: "Not only was I literally walking in the steps of these ancestors, I was walking with them."
Prayer for Jewish Parents as They Name, Welcome, and Make First Decisions About Gender for Their Child A prayer for families who are about to have a baby, or who have just given birth.
Understanding Tish’a B’Av through Empathy and Allyship Tish’a B’Av is the major day of communal mourning in the Jewish calendar. This exercise is designed to gain a deeper understanding of Tish’a B’Av through exercises built around empathy and allyship.
Queering the Seder Webinar and Conversation On this Zoom discussion we came together for a pre-Passover schmooze with the Keshet team, and to hear about our favorite ways to make the Seder as queer as can be! We also took some time to hear from our community about their favorite Passover resources so we could prepare to celebrate!
Toward a Gender-Inclusive Hevra Kadisha This document, provided by the Community Hevra Kadisha of Greater Boston, works to provide a framework for inclusion of transgender and gender nonconforming Jews in traditional Jewish death and burial practices.
Sigd Sigd is a holiday celebrated by Ethopian Jews on the 29th of Cheshvan. Here, you will find more information about Sigd and the ways that our community celebrates it! How are you celebrating Sigd? We'd love to hear stories and see photos of how you are bringing your full, queer selves to this chag (holiday).
Gender Diversity in Jewish Sacred Texts This lesson plan looks at issues of gender in our sacred texts.
TransTexts: Queerly Created TransTexts explores what traditional Jewish texts have to say about transgender and gender nonconforming experiences and gender in general. This guide explores Genesis 1:27.
TransTexts: Cross-Dressing and Drag TransTexts explores what traditional Jewish texts have to say about transgender and gender nonconforming experiences and gender in general. This guide explores Deuteronomy 22:5.
Engaging with the Other A lesson plan to engage high school students on the Jewish value of inclusion.
Blurred Lines in Pashat Vayera A sermon which highlights both the threatening and liberating possibilities of blurring lines and identities.
Gender Fluidity in the Jewish Tradition A source sheet for examples of Gender fluidity in Jewish sacred texts.
Affirmative Interpretive Translation of Leviticus 18:22 An insert with a new interpretation for Levitcus 18:22
Cross-Dressing through the Ages (Beit Midrash) A program you can implement to discuss prohibitions against "cross dressing" in the style of a Beit Midrash/House of Study.
Building a Welcoming Tent This lesson plan was developed for Keshet by Rabbi Steve Greenberg, author of Wrestling with God and Men.
Keshet Birkat HaChama – 1925 1953 1981 2009 2037 A Blessing of the Sun ritual and how it connects to LGBTQ liberation.
Achrei Mot-Kedoshim; Leviticus 16:1-20:27 A sermon by Rabbi Denise Eger exploring the Leviticus texts uses to prohibit gay sex, focusing on a teshuvah (responsa) written by several Conservative rabbis.
For You Too Were a Stranger: Becoming an LGBTQ Ally Remarks given at Temple Emanuel in Newton, Massachusetts by Daniel Bahner, Keshet’s National Director of Education and training, which focus on the importance of being an ally.
All Gender LGBTQ Tefillin Workshop A workshop which encourages all people to partake in the ritual of laying tefillin.
Transgendered Hearts: Abraham, Sarah and Isaac A reflection on the stories of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac and the ways in which transgender Jews can find strength and a reflection of their experience.
Oy Vey! The Rabbi is Gay! A gay-positive short story for children about a congregation whose new rabbi turns out to be gay.
Non-Traditional Biblical Families The goals of this lesson are to give participants an opportunity to explore what makes their family unique, and to expose participants to the wide variety of family structures that exist.
Parshat Yitro: A Love Story In this d’var Torah, Professor Joy Ladin tells the story of Parashat Yitro as a love story between God and the people of Israel.
Manners Equivalent to Men An essay on being transgender in Jewish contexts that starts with recognizing gender diversity found in the Talmud.
Exploring the Difference Between Differences This lesson plan about exploring differences was developed by Rabbi Steve Greenberg, author of Wrestling with God and Men.
Deconstructing Leviticus A personal account that describes the authors struggle to reconcile his Jewish and Queer identities.
Gender in Jewish Law and Thought A text study to explore different ideas around gender diversity in Jewish thought and tradition.
Wrestling with Steve Greenberg A dialogue and discussion of Rabbi Steve Greenberg's book, Wrestling with God and Men.
Purim: Inside Out Purim is about movement from the covert to the overt: each character has something to hide and later to reveal.
Kol Nidre: Uncovering Our True Selves Rabbi Barbara Penzner explores the concept of ‘nistarot,’ hidden thoughts and secrets, to illuminate the different ways Jews have had to hide parts of their identities throughout Jewish history, and the ways that LGBTQ people too have had to hide parts of their identities.
How can you be gay and Jewish? Jay Michaelson answers the question of “how can you be gay and Jewish?”
Aliyah: Trans(Per)forming Jewish Ritual A personal reflection on being a transgender person at synagogue.
How To Put On Teffilin – All Genders Wrap All Genders Wrap is a series of tutorial videos with a cast of a diverse group of Jews of all genders demonstrating how to wrap tefillin.
