Ari Felix – astrologer, poet and bruje – speaks to the magic of planets as intimate ancestors. In conversation with their mother, Kohenet YA Rivera, Ari muses on inhabiting a multiplicity of identities, alchemizing at the intersection of old and new paradigms, and radically listening to the call of our cosmologies which compel us toward our purpose.
Koach Baruch Frazier – rabbinic student and co-founder of the Tzedek Lab – shares stories of living at the intersection of Black, trans, queer and Jewish identities. In this conversation with organizer and educator Shoshana Akua, KB explores the griefs and joys of connecting to ancestry, offers insight into resilience through the practice of lament and speaks to the power of drumming as a spiritual tool and political act.
Mike Moskowitz, scholar-in-residence at the world’s largest LGBTQ Synagogue, speaks on ways his ancestors have inspired him to be both deeply traditional and radically progressive. He shares of his journey from receiving Ultra-Orthodox Rabbinic ordination to becoming an advocate for trans rights and vocal ally for LGBTQ inclusivity.
Day Schildkret, creator of Morning Altars and author of Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration and Change, speaks of rituals as the rhythms and traditions that bring a sense of stability in the face of uncertainty. He reflects on the power of grief, initiation and the magic of showing up.
Noam Shuster-Eliassi speaks on her path as a peace-builder in Israel-Palestine and how it led her to becoming a renowned stand-up comedian. In conversation with Hadar Cohen, Noam shares of her childhood in the intentional Jewish and Palestinian village, Neve Shalom Wahat Al Salam, and her experience working toward peace through the art of comedy.
Dean Spade, renowned author and activist, shares of his work towards queer and trans liberation, Palestinian solidarity and ways we can understand the Jewish practice of tzedakah as a path for radical redistribution of resources. In conversation with Dori Midnight, Dean explores his journey with Judaism, innovating tradition, and ancestors of blood and of choice.
Binya Koatz shares the exquisite blessing of Jewish transcestors in this conversation with rabbi and reclaimer of tekhines Noam Lerman. Binya weaves stories of love for her feminine queer ancestral line, her mix of Sephardi and Askekanzi heritages, and ways the past and future have the possibility to cocreate each other through magic.
Rena Branson, founder of the Queer Niggun Project, speaks on her work as a community organizer, song-weaver, and teacher of both traditional Hassidic and new liturgical melodies. In this conversation with Riv Ranney Shapiro, Rena reflects on the power of communal song to metabolize trauma and on their experience bringing Jewish spiritual gatherings and music to people incarcerated in NYC jails.
Jericho Vincent, in conversation with Rami Avraham Efal, speaks on the practice of holding ancestors in both gratitude and accountability. Jericho shares of their journey from an ultra-Orthodox rabbinic home through multiple traditions before returning to Judaism, and ways their non-binary identity impacts how they relate to gendered aspects of Jewish tradition.
Arielle Rivera Korman, in conversation with Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife, speaks about co-founding Ammud: Jews of Color Torah Academy, their shared Filipinx Jewish identity, and on the role of song and music in her ancestral journey.