The Way They Were? Hidden and Revealed Stories of American Jewish Women in May 22, 2008

Sex. Violence. Messy, complicated lives. The stuff of our history, but not always the stories we choose to tell. What are the challenges we face in drawing inspiration from our past without ignoring the pieces that may make us uncomfortable? How do we wrestle with the stories of American Jewish women in ways that are inclusive, honest, and full? Is it okay to identify role models without exposing their sexual identities or objectionable political positions? Is it appropriate for contemporary GLBT communities to claim women as "queer" or "lesbian" when they might not have identified themselves this way?

Join the Jewish Women's Archive and Keshet for an interactive encounter with some of the "messier" narratives of Jewish women in our collective history:

+ Jewish female social reformers
+ Radical Jewish women in the labor movement
+ Women rabbis

Together, we will consider ways in which the complexities of Jewish women's history can strengthen our ability to create diverse, inclusive communities.

Details:
Thursday, May 22, 7:00 pm
Nehar Shalom Community Synagogue*
43 Lochstead Avenue, Jamaica Plain

Suggested donation $5.

RSVP to Jordan: [email protected].


Interested in helping with event planning and conversation structure? Please contact Jordan Namerow at 617-383-6761.

Cosponsored by GesherCity, the Jewish Organizing Initiative, Kavod House, and Workmen's Circle.

*Nehar Shalom is accessible via Bus #39 which stops on Centre Street, close to the corner of Lochstead Avenue. If you are driving, please do not park on Lochstead Avenue. There is a public parking lot on the corner of Spring Park Avenue and Centre Street which is within walking distance from Nehar Shalom.

Keshet works for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews in Jewish life. [www.keshetonline.org]