Breaking on The Everyday Pace

By: Rabbi Eric Cohen

Arriving at Isabella Freedman is like putting on the brakes after speeding down an expressway. A feeling of calm descends, and you automatically take a deep breath. That was the beginning of the Nehirim East Shabbat. Friday night was filled with singing and davvening, a Tisch, a lovely dinner and the opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Mishpachah groups allowed for open and soulful discussions. Shabbat morning offered three types of davvening experiences: traditional, renewal and yoga - so delicious to davven with your body! Learning sessions posed fascinating questions and provided space for scintillating conversations. There were walks in nature and visits to the goats.

Most of all, this was a space and time sanctified for exploring the intersection of living as LGBTQ and Jewish. We were Jews from all backgrounds and sexual statuses. We expressed our relationship to our faith in all different ways. We came from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and Renewal perspectives. We were gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and straight. Some of us were loud and out, and some of us were not out - but still pretty loud ; )

It was a magical Shabbat topped off by electric dancing and fantastic food. Leaving was the hardest part . However, knowing you could bring some of what you experienced back with you was empowering and gave us hope. Thank you everyone who made the weekend so wonderful!