Eric Rosenbaum Ilene Sameth Rabbi Ayelet S. Cohen Cantor David Berger Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
CBST Trans Programs

Recent Programs

 

Confidential Discussion Group for Jews of Transgender, Gender-Queer, or Intersex Experience

Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinical Intern Reuben Zellman

3 sessions, May 2006

 

For those of any transgender, gender-variant, or intersex experience, and of any and all Jewish backgrounds and identities.  We welcome people in all places on these journeys to be together and discuss what it means to be ourselves, both inside and outside the Jewish community.  We recognize that people of these different identities do not share all the same experiences; this is a space to talk both about what we have in common and the unique insights of each person. The sessions will be structured to meet the interests of participants.  Open to CBST members and non-members; facilitated by Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinical Intern Reuben Zellman.  Confidential registration is upon arrival, with Reuben.  Registration fee is on a sliding scale based on financial need.  Please contact Reuben with any questions at extension 16.

 

Legal Issues Affecting Transgender People

Friday, April 14, 2006, right after Shabbat services

 

Professor Arthur Leonard, CBST member and Professor of Law at New York Law School, will speak about “Legal Issues Affecting Transgender People”.  Art will speak during the service and we will have a schmooze after services for continued discussion.  Please join us!

D'rasha on Transgender Legal Issues Arthur S. Leonard, April 14, 2006

 

Gender, Transgender and Intersex People: What Jewish Texts Have to Say

Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinical Intern Reuben Zellman

3 sessions, March 2006

 

What do we know, and think we know, about what traditional Judaism has to say about gender, sex, and gender variance?  What do traditional sources mean by “women,” “men,” and everyone else?  How many genders and sexes did the rabbis think there are, and why did it matter to them?  How did their discussion evolve over time?  What might “authentically Jewish” ideas of sex and gender look like, and what might it all mean for us as modern Jews? We will study and discuss selected texts on intersex and transgender people and issues from 200 CE to the 16th century.

 

What can or should our Jewish tradition contribute to the rapidly changing conversation about gender in the Western world?  What might be the impact of emerging gender-queer communities and thought on Judaism?  What should progressive Jews be thinking about regarding contemporary controversies, such as surgery on intersex infants or hormones for trans teenagers?  How are the different movements of Judaism handling these issues, and where could they go from here?  We’ll discuss these questions and look at responsa from across movements.

 

The Gender of Gay: Transgender Inclusion in U.S. Gay Identity and Politics

Jill Weiss

March 2, 2006

 

This course follows the historical development of U.S. homosexual identity from the 17th century to the present, demonstrating the power relations that led to the separation between sexual orientation and gender identity; the development of separate LGBT identities; the later consolidation of an LGBT political coalition; and the current politics of transgender inclusion.

 

Shmooze about the film TransAmerica

January 20, 2006 after Shabbat services

 

Don't Miss the Groundbreaking Film Transamerica!  This movie is an excellent and moving introduction to many transgender issues. We feel so strongly about this film that we are encouraging our entire community (staff and membership) to see it. We will follow up with a schmooze/discussion after services in Chelsea on Friday, January 20. We are proud that CBST member David Harrison has a part in the film. The "T" is often the least visible and most misunderstood of the "GLBT," and here at CBST we intend to change that. We take very seriously our commitment to a world that welcomes and embraces all of our sexual orientations and gender identities. The movie is currently playing at IFC (6th Avenue and 3rd Street) and at Clearview (62nd and Broadway). Enjoy the show, and we'll see you at the schmooze on January 20.

 

God Created Them Male and Female [And Every Combination In Between]

Panel Discussion: Gender identity, intersexuality and transsexuality: Implications for us as individuals and members of CBST

Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig, Donna Cartwright and Paisley Currah

Moderated by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum

April 10, 2005

 

Join us for a Sunday brunch as we explore the many issues related to the “T” part of our name.  We will explore some of the Jewish texts related as well as the current political, social, and human issues.

Return to Transgender Community Life at CBST

 
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