Peyos for Pansies: Exploring Queer Aesthetics and Jewish Masculinity

Hairstyles with short or shaved sides of the head and long sidelocks are currently “trending” in certain queer aesthetics. At the same time, the number of queer Jews who wear a hairstyle with long sidelocks (“peyos” or “peyot”) as an expression of Jewishness is quickly increasing. In the class “Peyos for Pansies,” we will notice these overlapping trends and place them in conversation with Jewish biblical, legal, and theoretical texts. In doing so, we will develop a deeper understanding of the ways that the aesthetic choices we make may help us embody certain values, cultures, and connections to communities. This class is 1.5 hours long, with a 5-minute break approximately half-way through. All texts will be read in English, and will be provided in both English and their original language. Small-group and full-group discussion will be part of the class, with an option to opt-out of small group discussion for those who wish.

Rivka Nechemya Thrope (he/him and ze/hir) is in his third year of rabbinical school at Hebrew College. Ze spends hir time learning texts with beloved chavrusa (learning) partners, working as and as an educator at Lehrhaus Tavern, Dorshei Tzedek Religious School, and Jewish farming environments, playing with hir energetic calico cat, and dancing whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Texts in Hebrew and English with translation. NO ALEFBET REQUIRED. Open to learners of all levels. This class will be an interactive learning and writing experience, live captioned and fairied by Rosh Yeshiva Xava de Cordova.

~~~~

Wednesday Nov 19

8-9:30pm ET/5-6:30pm PT

~~~

Accessibility notes:

- Live captioning

- 5-10 minute break

- Recording available after class

- Slides & materials sent out before class

~ ~~

This class is $36, NOTAFLOF. Full sliding scale will be shown at checkout.

~ ~~

If you have any questions please email: shelmaalayeshiva@gmail.com