Parshat Vayeitzei–“and he came out”–follows Jacob as he leaves his home and seeks a spouse. In this transitional period, he has a revelation in an unexpected place. Jacob’s coming out story illuminates our own revelations of queerness.
God and Abram enter into a covenant (brit); through this covenant, Abram becomes Abraham and receives many blessings. As people in queer relationships and community, what covenant do we create and uphold? What are our blessings to each other, and how do they shape who we become?
In one of the Torah readings for Yom Kippur (Deuteronomy 29:9-14; 30:1-20), the Israelites are presented with choices––blessings, curses, life, death––and told to choose life. For queer people facing bigotry, the choices might not seem so clear. On Yom Kippur, how might we learn from the Israelites’ choices and shape the queer future?
Content warnings: suicide, queerphobia, fasting
In Parshat Acharei-Mot (Lev. 16:1 - 18:30), we confront perhaps the most clearly homophobic verse in the Torah. In this Torah study, we will discuss contemporary reinterprets of this verse and then take a step back: what does it mean to reinterpret a text? How does it feel to try? Content warning: homophobia and sexual violence.
This parsha describes the laws and roles of leadership, one of which is to encourage people before battle to go home and take care of their affairs in case they die. As queer people approach death, what affairs might we want to address? In what ways do
Parshat Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1:4:20) outlines the Israelites’ census and community structure. In this Torah study, we will explore queer family structures and who is included in queer community. Who do we count in our community and family? Who decides?
In our study of Parshat Shmini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47), we will explore Nadav and Avihu’s strange fire and how it relates to dietary laws. What boundaries are blurred? What risks or rewards do they and the Israelites face?
In this discussion of Parshat Vayakhel (35:1-38:20, 30:11-16), we will explore our unique offerings to the divine. How can we feel that being queer is a blessing? How is being ourselves a gift?
In this discussion of Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30, we will talk about restoring our relationships, ourselves, and the Torah through a queer lens. Content warnings: brief discussion of homophobia and transphobia.
In our discussion of Parshat Vayeshev (Gen. 37:1-40:23), we will delve into queer interpretations of Joseph's colorful appearance and dreams. What is special about his coat? What makes him a dreamer? Content warning: discussion of family rejection.
In this discussion of Parshat Mishpatim (Ex. 21:1-24:18), we will explore workers’ rights in the Torah and as queer people today. What can we learn from Shabbat? Where do we see room for growth? Possible trigger warnings: homophobia, transphobia