The number of queer Jews who wear a hairstyle with long sidelocks (“peyos” or “peyot”) as an expression of Jewishness is quickly increasing. At the same time, hairstyles with short or shaved sides of the head and long sidelocks are currently “trending” in certain queer aesthetics. In this class, we will notice these overlapping trends and place them in conversation with Jewish biblical, legal, and theoretical texts. In doing so, we will develop a deeper understanding of the ways that the aesthetic choices we make may help us embody certain values, cultures, and connections to communities.

Rivka Nechemya (any/all) is a third-year rabbinical student at Hebrew College. He is an experienced learner and educator, having taught in outdoor, day school, and adult learning environments. Rivka Nechemya is also a learning guide at Lehrhaus, and especially enjoys learning mishnah, Gemara, and modern Jewish poetic and nonfiction works. He spends his free time writing, hiking, and taking photos of his calico cat, Chickpea.