LGBTQ Identities Through a Jewish Lens
The JEDI Committee invites you to this Zoom program on Sunday, October 17th, at 6:00 PM. Click here for the Zoom link .

What does Judaism have to say about being LGBTQ+?  In the first chapter of Genesis, we are told that G-d created the first human in "G-d's image," "male and female, G-d created them" -- the whole spectrum of humanity in one being.  And from those beginning verses on, the Torah and Jewish law has a lot to say about queerness! Take a peek at LGBTQ+ affirming Jewish texts as well as hearing from LGBTQ+ Jews about what it's like to live a queer Jewish life now. Join Washington DC congregation Bet Michpachah members Vinny Prell and Rachel Wolkowitz as we explore this topic. 

Our Speakers
Vinny Calvo Prell grew up in an interfaith interracial family in Los Angeles. More a fan of politics than movies, she moved to DC in 2006. He has dedicated nearly 20 years to anti-oppression work, including serving as the Executive Director of NUJLS, the National Union of Jewish LGBTQQI Students. Currently she spends time discussing racism, xenophobia, poverty, and Jewish values with ten year olds at the Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School. She has BAs in Literature and the Study of Race and Racism as well as an MA in Minority and Urban Education. Vinny enjoys crocheting, geocaching, playing ukulele, cooking (shows), growing vegetables, and playing with his rescue kitty.

Rachel Wolkowitz grew up in North Jersey, a grandchild of Holocaust survivors, thinking we faced East “towards New York City.” Rachel is a member of the Bet Mishpachah liturgy committee and co-edited Bet Mishpachah’s Shabbat siddur Shavat Va-Ynafash and high holiday machzor Chadeish Yameniu. She is also a member of the Edlavitch DC JCC’s GLOE (GLBT Outreach & Engagement) organizing committee and Sixth & I Historic Synagogue’s Queer Collective. A tech and telecom lawyer by day, Rachel serves on the boards of the World Institute on Disability and the Federal Communications Bar Association Foundation. At night, she enjoys crocheting scarves, building sets for theater, and playing boardgames.