Jewish traditions and rituals can be remarkably intimate, often in ways that mirror how intimacy is expressed in queer culture. This interactive class looks at Jewish intimacy (including but not limited to sex) through the lens of Jewish ideas and queer theory, enabling us to explore themes of queer relationship-building and how they can help us make meaning in a contemporary Jewish life. This class is intended to be accessible to all; no previous knowledge of queer theory is required. Bring an open mind and a readiness to connect.

Eli Lurie Sobel is a writer and educator with a B.A. in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and a particular interest in the interplay between queer and Jewish identities. They are a Senior Trainer with Keshet, where they support and educate Jewish communities as they build spaces of LGBTQ+ equality and belonging. In 2023, Eli taught a seminar at Tufts University titled "Judaism and Queerness," and they currently are teaching "Gender and Judaism" to teens at Temple Isaiah in Lexington. This summer, he will be the lead facilitator for Mayyim Hayyim’s first-ever cohort of entirely trans and nonbinary mikveh guides-in-training (check it out!).