Welcome!
Nehirim is a national, nondenominational organization which
creates innovative programming, builds community, and offers
authentic, life-affirming spiritual paths for Jewish members of
sexual or gender minorities. At our weekend retreats and other programs,
we create transformative spiritual and cultural community, and celebrate
the unique gifts of being Jewish and queer.
We have three major events coming up in the Spring of 2008.
Nehirim West, our first west coast retreat, is taking place March 7-9, in
Petaluma, CA. You can register now. Our first
gathering for Nehirim community members will happen March 14-16 near Albany, New York. And our
flagship event, the Nehirim Retreat at Isabella Freedman, is taking
place May 30-June 1, and will feature Rabbi Dawn Rose, Amichai Lau-Lavie, David Brodsky, Jill Hammer,
Marla Brettschneider, Cantor David Berger, and many other wonderful teachers.
Our retreats sell out -- last fall's Queer Shabbaton had over 150 people -- so register early.
Student scholarships are available, as is financial aid for those in need.
The core idea of Nehirim is that being queer and Jewish is a gift, not a predicament. We have unique perspectives on God, community, love, Torah, and Israel -- and we have a remarkable, hidden history of generations of scholars, mystics, and poets. Nehirim is about celebrating our gifts, building our community, and inspiring queer Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of observance to claim their heritage.
Please choose a link at left, or join our mailing list to find out more.