Mishkan Ga'avah: Where Pride Dwells

by Denise L Eger (Editor), Ostrow Loren (Foreword)

This groundbreaking collection of LGBTQ prayers, poems, liturgy, and rituals is both a spiritual resource and a celebratory affirmation of Jewish diversity. Giving voice to the private and public sectors of queer Jewish experience, Mishkan Ga'avah is also a commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of both the Stonewall Riots and the first pride march, reflecting the longtime advocacy of the Reform Movement for full LGBTQ inclusion.

Genres: Jewish, Judaism, Queer, LGBT, Nonfiction, Reference, Religion

242 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2020

Reviews

[Eden Anolick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a queer Jew, the readings and prayers found in Mishkan Ga'avah bring me so much pride and comfort. I'm proud of my Jewish community for being inclusive and collecting Jewish texts that reflect our complex Jewish community. I'm proud that we lift up the voices of LGBTQ+ Jews. I am comforted by knowing my religion accepts me and many of my loved ones for who we are as people. I am grateful that we take the time to remember the painfil history of marginalization againt LGBTQ folk in the world, and that we are taking strides forward to now celebrate our identities. I highly recommend getting this collection of Jewish prayers, poems, and readings to add to your Jewish home.

[Jo M · Rating 4 out of 5]

(this review was fake sponsored by penn hillel) Hmmmmm this is a hard one to review. I thought firstly! it was beautiful. Some of the brachot they had written genuinely took my breath away. I had read bits and pieces before when helping with pride shabbat but reading it altogether honestly added to the experience in so many ways. It was especially cool to see 2 different authors' takes on the same topic. I do think I struggled with some of the passages -- I wish the meaning they had so dutifully captured in english was translated into Hebrew with as much care, because there were certain blessings / moments I thought might resonate more. but overall I loved.

[Teddy Goetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true gem to have on one’s book shelf for celebrating all mitzvot

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one that really got to me was
"Blessed are You, Adonai our God, who has made me Your partner in daily completing the task of my own formation"

[Jacen Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a queer Jew, sometimes I feel invisible when it comes to prayer and worship. This book along with "A Rainbow Thread" and "Torah Queeries" helped to inject the visibility I needed. My synagogue has a small group of queer Jews, young and old. And sometimes the male/female dichotomy can feel othering.

The greatest argument that we're just as natural as any other Jew is the prayer "Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, she'asani b'tzelem Elohim/Blessed are You, Adonai, who made me in Your image". It's so powerful for me that I have it as a magnet in my room.

Todah, thank you.

[Adrian Shanker · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Mishkan Ga’avah, R’ Eger provides tangible examples of the countless opportunities to celebrate the lives of queer Jews through Jewish ritual. While compiled in a Reform context, this book can be useful for all Jewish clergy and spiritual leaders, and even across traditions. Thank you, R’ Eger, for this groundbreaking collection!

[Jonny Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really moved me and helped me understand my place as a gay Jew.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise Eger is the best thing from Memphis since Elvis.

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed not to see much in the way of conversion mitzvot or specifically for trans men