I just thought I'd post an update about my summer, because it's truly been one for the books.
I spent most of the summer working as an intern at the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, a research institute for Jewish women & gender studies. In addition to the HBI internship, I was able to go on weekend trips to visit cousins and friends in New York and New Jersey, start work as a core team member for Jewrotica.org, and participate in SVARA's Queer Talmud Camp. Also, I dyed my hair purple!
My purple haircut at Taylor Swift's Reputation Tour
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At the HBI, I was a blog assistant and I conducted my own research. I really loved writing for the blog, and I ended up writing two posts: Meet the Interns, and the Eshel Pledge. I'm quite proud of both, so feel free to read them!
At HBI, I also had the privilege of writing a thesis paper about sexual transgression in contemporary Jewish women's erotica. If you're interested, below is my 20-minute presentation of my research, or feel free to reach out to me if you'd like to read the paper. It was very interesting to write, partly because it's a perfect marriage of my interests in sex and Judaism, and partly because I hardly ever get to do literary analysis anymore!
My fellow interns also did incredible projects; a poetry chapbook, research on interfaith dialogue groups, a website called throughthemechitza.com, to name a few. I was truly blessed to be able to work with such incredible women, both my fellow interns and the scholars and directors at the HBI. I definitely grew a lot academically and personally through the internship.
The interns canoueing on the last day.
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For Jewrotica, I got trained as an educator and became Head of Public Relations. Jewrotica is an organization dedicated to expression of sexuality in Jewish contexts, and conversations about Jewish sexual practice.
The website is Jewrotica.org, and we publish erotic stories, articles, poems, confessions, etc — if you’ve ever thought about writing anything related to Jewish sexuality, I’d love to talk with you about contributing (also you can use a pen name or just say anonymous if you feel more comfy with that) and if you don’t want to write but you do want to read, please do!!
Jewrotica also helps with programs, workshops, and events, and we would LOVE to partner with any organization that you’re involved in!!! #LetMeKnow
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The capstone of my summer was attending SVARA's Queer Talmud Camp! I really don't have the words to describe how incredible the experience was. Everything was new, I went in knowing no Talmud, limited Hebrew, and no other campers, and as a baby queer. The five days I spent there felt truly transformational, it was SO empowering to be able to study Talmud in Hebrew and Aramaic, surrounded by queer Jews who wanted me to be a part of their community. My Chavrutah (study partner), Natalie, really challenged me and stretched out my brain. Rabbis Beney and Monica gave me frameworks to understand and conceptualize Jewish study and practice in the context of modernity and queerness. I got to dance to niggunim (melodies), discuss talmudic law, and wrap teffilin for the first time. It was incredible. I feel that I'm gushing, so I'll just leave you with these photos from camp.
Marks from Tefillin, and my page of Talmud that I was studying.
A candid of the first time I wore tefillin!
Natalie and I on the last day!
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Overall, this summer was one of growth, exploration, and passion. I got to meet new people, new ideas, and new modes of growth. Thank you to everyone who enabled me to have this time.
Now, I'm home. I'll be at Brandeis in a week! Wish me luck on the upcoming semester ;)
Light & Love,
Lily
