Kibbitznik’s Choice: Nehirim

by Alyssa Goldstein
This week, be sure to check out Nehirim: “A national community of LGBT Jews, partners and allies committed to a more just and inclusive world.” Nehirim is an organization that advocates for LGBT equality and seeks to provide a community for LGBT Jews of all religious, secular, and spiritual stripes. In the summer, it offers a number of retreats, including the Nehirim East retreat and Camp Nehirim for Nice Jewish Boys and Their Friends. The activities at these retreats range from hiking and sports to writing and art to Shabbat services and workshops about Jewish spirituality.
Nehirim’s founder, Jay Michaelson, the author of God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality, will be leading workshops around the country this autumn. Nehirim offers an array of local programs, from local shabbatons to workshops on the spirituality of the LGBT movement. They will be offering new programming in the fall. Nehirim also brings their programming to college campuses, and partners with campus groups to provide spiritual and advocacy events and workshops.
Nehirim strives to create a diverse and inclusive community. Their website notes that “All kinds of people come to Nehirim events: religious, secular, queer, straight allies, Jewish, non-Jewish partners and families, and people of all different sexual orientations, gender identities, economic backgrounds, ethnic backgrounds, and ages.” Check them out on Facebook or keep an eye on their upcoming programs to see when one will be taking place in your area.