“Hineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High School” - Film

Sun 6 Jan, 10 am-12 pm. Congregation Eitz Chayim, 136 Magazine Street, Cambridge, 02139. Liza Stern, Rabbi, 617-497-7626. Congregation Eitz Chayim - [website][email][events]

Hineini (Hebrew for “here I am”) chronicles the story of one student's struggle to establish a gay-straight alliance at Gann Academy, a Jewish high school in Waltham, and the impact of her campaign on her entire community. Shulamit enters 9th grade longing to connect more deeply with her Jewish identity without denying her sexual identity. A school-wide controversy erupts with students and teachers wrestling with the very definition of pluralism and diversity in a Jewish context. The film screening will be followed by a discussion with Judy Izen, Shulamit’s mother. Judy has been an active parent at the school and sits on its Board of Directors today. She is a writer and editor. Come at 10 a.m. for bagels and coffee. Recommended Donation - $5.