As a proposed pipeline threatens to disrupt communities and ecosystems across North Carolina, a group of diverse activists rises up to challenge construction. The new film Robeson Rises documents their journey. Join us for a screening, hear from those involved in the campaign and to light the Chanukkah candles. 

Join us for an evening of learning queer Torah and celebrating LGBTQ+ Jews in North Carolina!

After NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's recent dehumanizing comments about LGBTQ folks, and with the upcoming vote on the Equality Act in the Senate, we are coming together to lift up queer Jews' voices and affirm that we support equal rights for all because of — not in spite of — who we are as Jews.

We'll learn Torah from Noah Rubin-Blose, a student at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and a fellow in SVARA's Teaching Kollel. In partnership with Keshet, we'll also take action together to urge Senators Burr and Tillis to support the Equality Act. The program is still in formation, but we'll also hear from other LGBTQ Jewish voices in our state.

RSVP below for the Zoom link and accessibility information.

List of sponsoring organizations (in formation):
Carolina Jews for Justice
Beth Meyer Synagogue
Congregation Beth HaTephila
Jewish for Good

If your synagogue or other Jewish institution wants to cosponsor this event, be in touch with Rabbi Salem ([email protected]).

Program Bios & Information

Noah Rubin-Blose (he/him) is a rabbinical student at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Rooted in Durham, NC, the homelands of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, he spent the last fifteen years working as a chef, baker, and community organizer. He is a maker of queer ritual, builder of interfaith coalitions, teacher and facilitator, and lifelong student-participant in Southern movements for racial justice. When he’s not teaching or studying, you can probably find him walking by a river or cooking up something tasty in the kitchen.

Keshet envisions a world in which all LGBTQ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity. By strengthening Jewish communities and equipping Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge they need to make all LGBTQ Jews feel welcome, we work to ensure the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. We also create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.

Join us on Thursday, November 2 at 7:00pm for our next meeting! Whether you're brand new or have been with us from the very beginning, all are welcome.

We plan to discuss what the working groups have been up to, the upcoming shift in our membership model, how members are feeling about the risks associated with gathering in person, and take time to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Do not hesitate to reach out if you'd like to add anything to the agenda!