Dozens of novels have woven GLBT relationships into Jewish stories. How have these stories changed over the decades? What subjects remain taboo? Why are books with any gay content so often classified as “gay books,” and what does this do to the potential readership for these stories? How can we get more non-gay Jewish readers to read gay books—Jewish or not—without sacrificing the integrity of our stories?
Many are familiar with the traditional uses of Mikvah within the context of relationships (bride or groom immersions, Niddah or Family Purity practices). There are other ways that Mikvah can help mark important relationship milestones (marking a divorce, preparing for conception). This session will explore the role of Mikvah within relationships, through the lenses of two Mikva’ot: the Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh in Boston and the Adam R. Straus Memorial Mikvah in Chicago.
Romantic relationships involve an often-tricky and sometimes-contentious balancing act between expressing love in physical and emotional ways. Drawing on the laws of niddah (family purity/sexual separation), we will discuss how different expressions of affection can impact relationships, and how sexual restraint can sometimes have a strong long-term positive effect.Le
Yoga is the transformational practice of bringing the mind, body and spirit together thus nourishing our essence and bringing us closer to a heart centered life. Jewish yoga is a Jewish spiritual experience informed by the sacred healing wisdom of our texts and traditions. In our session together we will explore the theme of love and the teaching that we are all created in God’s image. Through our own body prayer we can come to realize that we are the gift that we have always wanted and holiness is within us and all around us. Some yoga mats will be available for use, but feel free to bring your own.
