Each session of this ongoing series explores the intersection of Judaism and queer identity. Putting these two identities in conversation creates tremendous potential for finding meaning and a deeper understanding of each identity. Everyone, regardless of whether or not they hold a queer and/or trans identity, is welcome.

"Mikveh... is that the thing with the water? Why would I want to do that?" I get this response a lot when I mention my love of the mikveh ritual, a Jewish practice tied to renewal and transformation. The mikveh ritual has a complicated history regarding sex, gender, and sexuality; some find mikveh to be beautiful and affirming, while others find it to be ostracizing at best, offensive at worst. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the meaningful potential that mikveh holds: all that it has been, historically, plus all that could be in the future. This program offers a respectful critique of traditional mikveh practice without rejecting it; attendees will walk away with creative ideas about how and why they might want to bring the transformative power of mikveh into their lives.

Eli Lurie Sobel brings their love of words and storytelling to their work as an educator to people of all ages. He has taught at numerous institutions on the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and culture with Jewish identity and practice. Eli lives outside Boston and greatly enjoys their role as the Greater Boston Education & Training Manager at Keshet, where our mission is for LGBTQ+ equality in Jewish life.