Faith and Identity: Miryam Kabakov on Building Inclusive Orthodox Communities
Release Date: 10/05/2025
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This week, we respond to a thoughtful listener question from Tumblr about whether progressive Christians can understand the Bible as uniquely authoritative, or whether it should be treated as inspired work alongside other great works of literature and poetry. We look at how different Christian traditions approach scripture, why “authority” depends on community and context, and how revelation can be understood without requiring inerrancy or literalism. We have to have a more nuanced engagement with scripture that challenges false dichotomies between taking the Bible seriously and reading it...
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A guided audio experience for this time of waiting, dreaming, and preparing as we hope for and work toward liberation and salvation. Rituals and liturgical seasons like Advent are invitations for us to re-center on what is most important to us. This winter, journey with us through Advent to deepen your awareness of and commitment to the connections between queerness and faith. Learn more and register at An Advent practices that enriches your December, rather than stresses you out Brian & Shannon will offer a deeper reflection each Sunday of Advent—a mix of teaching, queer...
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We had the pleasure of speaking with activist and author, Edafe Okporo. Edafe was born in Warri, Nigeria. He migrated to the United States in 2016 as an asylum seeker and is now a refugee of the United States. He is a global gay rights activist, the founder of Refuge America, and one of the country’s most visible voices on the issue of displacement. We spoke about the issues of detainment for immigrants in the US, especially difficult for trans people seeking asylum and LGBTQ people. Edafe’s story is inspiring and powerful, reminding us that our work for equality must include marginalized...
info_outlineWe welcome Miryam Kabakov to the podcast this week. Miryam is a national leader who has worked for more than three decades on the inclusion of LGTBQ+ individuals in the Orthodox world. She is Executive Director and co-founder of Eshel, @eshelonline, a national organization that supports LGBTQ+ Orthodox individuals and their families. Prior to being a leader at Eshel, Miryam was the New York and National Program Director of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps, Director of LGBT programming at the JCC Manhattan, Social Worker at West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, and was the first social worker at Footsteps. She founded the New York Orthodykes, a support group for lesbian, bisexual and transgender Orthodox women, and is the editor of “Keep Your Wives Away From Them: Orthodox Women, Unorthodox Desires,” a collection of writings about the challenges and joys of LBT Orthodox Jews and winner of the Golden Crown Literary Award. In this conversation, Miryam shares her journey of growing up in a modern Orthodox community while grappling with her LGBTQ identity with Brian. She discusses the challenges of acceptance within her family and the broader Orthodox community, and how these experiences led her to found Eshel, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ Jews. Miryam emphasizes the importance of community, rituals, and the ongoing work to create inclusive spaces within Orthodox Judaism. She also reflects on the evolving landscape of LGBTQ acceptance in religious contexts and the power of obligation and connection in fostering supportive environments.
Takeaways
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Miryam's upbringing in a modern Orthodox community shaped her understanding of faith and queerness.
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The importance of community in navigating LGBTQ identity within Orthodox spaces.
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A-Shell was founded to create supportive environments for LGBTQ Jews and their families.
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Coming out is a continuous journey, especially in Orthodox contexts.
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Family acceptance can take time, but patience is key.
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Creating inclusive rituals is essential for LGBTQ individuals in Orthodox life.
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The future of queer Judaism holds hope for greater acceptance and understanding.
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Obligation to care for one another is a core value in Jewish tradition.
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Retreats provide a safe space for LGBTQ individuals to connect and share experiences.
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Communication and connection are vital for bridging gaps between communities.
Chapters
(04:38) Growing Up Orthodox and LGBTQ: A Personal Narrative
(08:58) The Formation of A-Shell: Building Community
(13:31) Navigating Dual Identities: Coming Out Experiences
(18:05) Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Work of A-Shell
(22:31) Ritual Innovations in the Orthodox Community
(24:11) Navigating Orthodox Jewish Law and Queer Identity
(27:36) The Intersection of Gender and Ritual
(29:26) Faith and Acceptance in Queer Identity
(32:27) Challenges of Inclusivity in Orthodox Communities
(34:24) Retreats: A Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Jews
(37:12) The Attraction of Orthodoxy for Queer Individuals
(40:57) The Power of Obligation and Community Support
Resources:
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Learn more about Miryam and Eshel here: www.eshelonline.org
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Follow Eshel on IG @eshelonline
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Join our online community at Sanctuary Collective Community
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