December's JQY Meeting!!! 12/12/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: December's JQY Meeting

When: Thursday, December 12th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

Where: The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. and 76thSt.New York, NY 10023.

This month's topic: LGBT Politics and Religion

Who says politics and religion don't go well together? Well, a lot of people do. Even in the Constitution, it's written that church and state should remain separate. Still, they continue to intersect on a daily basis. For instance, some people oppose legalizing gay marriage because they see it as going against the Bible (and oaths of office often include the words "under G-d"). On a more local level, several pieces of legislation relating to LGBT rights--such as the Equality and Non-Discrimination Act, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, and a bill about banning reparative therapy--are likely to be debated in Albany next year. Come get ready for New York's political transition in 2014 and let your opinions be heard!

Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting... :)

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to Email me: admin.jqyouth@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there! This is a great opportunity for all the new members to come down and meet everyone in person!

Best,
-Erez

Annual LGBT Community Chanukah Party!!! 12/1/13

The Annual LGBT Community Chanukah Party!!!
 
When: Sunday, December 1st, 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Where: Congregation Rodeph Sholom Schafler Forum, 7 West 83rd Street,
New York City

Cost: $15, ($10 Students)

Join over 250 old and new friends as we celebrate Chanukah with music,
dancing, schmoozing, drinking and holiday treats! This is the oldest
and largest NY LGBT Jewish Community wide Holiday Party. So light your
inner menorah, be inspired, and make some new friends this holiday!

Chanukah Food - Hot Latkes! Jelly donuts! And much more!

Open Bar! (ages 21 and older)

Community Menorah Lighting!

This is the oldest and largest LGBT Chanukah Party in New York.

The event is open to the entire LGBTQ Jewish community along with
their friends, families and allies.

Presented by JQY,
www.JQYouth.org

This is an event you don’t want to miss!

For more info contact: admin@jqyouth.org

November's JQY Meeting!!! 11/14/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: November's JQY Meeting

When: Thursday, November 14th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

Where: The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. and 76thSt.New York, NY 10023.

To find out more about our monthly meetings and other events join our E-mail list at www.jqyouth.org 

Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting... :)

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to Email me: admin.jqyouth@gmail.com.

October's JQY Meeting!!! 10/10/13

October's JQY Meeting!

When: Thursday, October 10th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

Where: The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. and 76thSt.New York, NY 10023.

This month's topic: Back to Basics - The Current State of Being LGBT in the Orthodox World.

What progress have we made, what challenges do we still face, and what lies ahead as far as our leaders, our communities, and our families?
Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting... :)

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to Email me: admin.jqyouth@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there! This is a great opportunity for all the new members to come down and meet everyone in person!

Annual LGBT Community Sukkot Party!!! 9/22/13

LGBT Community Sukkot Party: Drink and Dance celebration!!!

Join over 200 LGBT Jews in the JCC's huge rooftop sukkah overlooking the NYC skyline. The sukkah is a lovely, community-made, temporary cabin covered in leaves and greenery. It's big enough to invite the whole LGBTQ crew over for a crazy night of fabulous fun.

Take part in our annual sukkot-a-bration with an open bar (21+ only), delicious snacks and great friends! Come and have a soiree with old friends while making some new ones under the stars!

Open the entire LGBTQ community and allies. All ages, genders and denominations are welcome.

When: Sunday, September 22nd, 8:00pm -11:00pm

Where: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. at 76th St. Rooftop

Cost: $15 General, $10 Student

To pre-register, go tohttp://www.jccmanhattan.org/special-events-2?page=cat-content&progID=28574#/GLSSUK00F4 or call 646-505-5708

Presented by:
JQY (www.JQYouth.org) and the JCC Manhattan (www.jccnyc.org)

Annual Pre-Yom Kippur Teshuva Event. 9/12/13

6th Annual Pre-Yom Kippur LGBT Teshuva Shiur!

With special guest Lecturer: Rabbi Stuart Shiff, Director of Executive Learning at Aish Center New York

Topic: Navigating Orthodox Jewish Repentance without Self Hatred or Negativity

When: Thursday September, 12th 8:30pm-10:00pm

Where: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. at 76th St.

Suggested Event Donation: $10 General, $5 Student

Note: payment is NOT required to attend this event

Details: The upcoming holidays are a time of reflection and repentance in the Jewish world. For LGBT Jews in the Orthodox world, the subject of Teshuva is sensitive, special and uniquely important. Join the LGBT Jewish community for a discussion about the holidays, prayer, forgiveness, and how we can make these holidays most effective for ourselves, our families, and our communities. 

Over the last 3 years JQY has been working with Aish NY to make Aish Hatorah an LGBT friendly Jewish resource and have accomplished some groundbreaking work together. This year we are pleased to have Rabbi Stuart Shiff, Director of Executive Learning at the Aish Center in NYC, facilitate this discussion and share his thoughts about Teshuva as an Orthodox Jewish Leader and recent outspoken ally of the LGBT Jewish community. 

Brought to you by the JQY Open Beit Medrash Program (www.JQYouth.org)Support the JQY Open Beis Medrash with a tax deductible donation to JQY on our website: www.JQYouth.org
For more info, contact:MLevovitz@JQYouth.org

For more information about Aish Center, NY, Check out: http://www.aishcenter.com/

Enjoy Aish's new Rosh Hashona Music Video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCYRM7KYJY4&feature=share

August's JQY Meeting!!! 8/8/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: August's JQY Meeting

When: Thursday, August 8th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

This month's topic: Boycott Stoli? Pull out of the Olympics? Strategies for Responding to International Prejudice.

To find out more about the date, time, and location of this months meeting, join JQY at www.jqyouth.org.
 
Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting... :)

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to email me at: admin.jqyouth@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there! This is a great opportunity for all the new members to come down and meet everyone in person!

July's JQY Meeting! 7/11/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: July's JQY Meeting

When: Thursday, July 11th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

This month's topic: Safety, Self Defense and Fighting Back: how can the Israeli defense technique of Krav Maga help empower us as LGBT Jews in NYC.

Special Guest Presenter: James Sherman (http://www.rjvnation.com)

Join us this month as a world-renowned Krav Maga Expert Teacher James Sherman presents an overview of Krav Maga, and how LGBT people might use these skills to promote safety and deescalate violence. This will be a fun and nontraditional meeting with demonstrations, role playing and skill building.

Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to Email me: admin.jqyouth@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there! This is a great opportunity for all the new members to come down and meet everyone in person!

Pre-Pride Brunch + Pride March Plans! 6/30/13

Pre-Pride Outdoor Brunch!!

When: Sunday, June 30th. 9:30am – 11:15pm
 
Where: Bryant Park, 42nd St. between 5th and 6th ave.
 

Cost: Free!

Open To All!

JQY is sponsoring a free brunch in Bryant park before the parade, so whether you are planning on marching, watching, or not even attending the parade, make sure you come for some good food and some even better company before the parade!

Get there early, brunch starts at 9:30 and we are heading over to the parade at approximately 11:15 this year!

----------------------------------- 

THE PRIDE MARCH

When: Sunday, June 30th. ~11:30 

Where: Parade Lineup location with CBST: 40th between Madison and Park. 

JQY Parade Viewing Location: 35th Street & 5th Avenue, NW corner

This year we will be maintaining our tradition of marching with CBST. As in the past, we are hoping to increase our visibility and represent our communities, as well as show our unity as a group by marching in a black pants/white shirt combo or a blue/white outfit (this could be jeans and a white shirt, polo, or t-shirt). Yarmulkas can be provided for you if you would like to march with one, contact Mordechai at mlevovitz@jqyouth.org for more information. CBST lineup location TBA.

If you don't plan to march, the JQY parade viewing spot will be on the northwest corner of 35th street and 5^th avenue.

If you have never marched before, anyone can tell you that the experience is simply amazing. This year we hope to have the largest JQY representation yet! If at any point on Sunday you would like to know where we are, what our post-parade plans are, or are generally lost and need directions, feel free to call me (Erez) at 917-415-7664 or Mordechai at 917-841-3567. Feel free to email me with any questions you may have at admin.jqyouth@gmail.com.

After the march, we will be meeting for a late lunch/early dinner at Mr. Broadway at 5pm. Mr. Broadway is located at 38^th street and Broadway.

So whether you want to march, watch, or a little of both, join us on Sunday, June 30th for the 2013 NYC Pride Parade. We look forward to seeing our biggest crowd yet!!!!!!

Pride Shalosh Seudos in Central Park! 6/29/13

Pride Shalosh Seudos in Central Park!

When: Saturday, June 29th, 3:30pm-7pm
 
Where: NorthWest Corner, Sheeps Meadow, Central Park (~67th street and central park west)
 
Cost: Free!

Join JQY in the northwest corner of Sheep Meadow in Central Park for an afternoon of outdoor socializing. Look for the yarmulkes under the shade of the big tree. Some food and drink will be provided; you are encouraged to bring a kosher snack (fruit, cake, chips, jarred gefilte fish, or whatever floats your boat) or a bottle of soda/juice to share. Dress comfortably. Bring a blanket if you want.

Annual Rooftop Pride Party! 6/27/13

JCC Rooftop Pride Party: “Jazz Age Pride Party”

When: Thursday, June 27th, 7:30pm-10:00pm

Where: JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. @ 76th street.

Cost: $15.00 JQY Member/ $20.00 Nonmember. Price increases to $25/$30 on day of event.

Jazz Age Pride Party!

Hey swanky Molls & and Misters! Travel back in time to the roaring twenties, Pride style. Join us as we transform the rooftop into a secret speakeasy, filled with ritzy bathtub hooch, swell snacks, and music that’s the bee’s knees.

Co-sponsored by Wider Bridge, JQY, RUSA, Nehirim, and GLYDSA

For more information, or to register, please call 646-505-5708 or click: http://jccinmanhattan.org/special-events-2?page=cat-content&progID=28089#/GLPPRI00S3

June's Special JQY Meeting!!! 6/13/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: June's Special JQY Meeting

This month's topic:  Unorthodox: The lived experiences of queer women in the Chassidish community.

Join us this month as a panel of women who grew up in the Chassidish community share the unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs they have faced while navigating issues of family, community, and sexual identity. You really don't want to miss this one!

To find out more about the date, time, and location of this months meeting, join JQY at www.jqyouth.org.
 
Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting... :)

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to Email me:admin.jqyouth@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there! This is a great opportunity for all the new members to come down and meet everyone in person!

JQY's New Writers Group Program!!!

JQY is proud to present the new JQY Writer's Group program! 

 

The purpose of this program is to nurture, inspire and coach young writers (or members who just enjoy writing) of JQY and the Jewish LGBT community. More importantly, it will provide a safe, creative and open-minded environment for members to express themselves artistically (beyond the monthly meeting setting).

This program is open to writers of all levels. All you need is an idea!

The group will meet bi-monthly at a destination TBD. There is a maximum of 8 participants per group. Each group cycle will have approximately six meetings. At the meetings, members are encouraged to bring something they have been working on (or have been wanting to start working on). Could be:

o Play

o Film or TV script

o Novel

o Poetry

o Editorial or blog (with intent to publish)

The group will be moderated by a program moderator and each member will be asked to share a piece of their material. After a member shares material, the other members will have time to critique and comment within a positive, nurturing safe environment. Within each cycle, there will also be guest artists (writers, directors, producers, etc.) invited who will come to speak to the group, share their experiences and take questions.

If you are interested in signing up or have any additional questions, please email 

JQWrite@Yahoo.com

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Annual LGBT Community Shabbat Dinner! 6/1/13

LGBTQ Community Shabbat Dinner!

The LGBT Shabbat dinner will be a wonderful opportunity to socialize with 250+ LGBTQ Jews and enjoy a delicious traditional kosher meal, Israeli wine and good times. All are welcome.

After dinner, the room will be open until 11:30 p.m. for dessert, wine, cocktails and MORE SCHMOOZING.

7 June 2013 – 7:30 p.m. (prompt)

Congregation Rodeph Sholom (Schalfer Forum)

7 W 83rd St @ CPW, NYC

$40 ($25 for students) by Monday, 1 June.

$48 ($30 for students) thereafter (on a space available basis).

Before dinner, join Rodeph Sholom for its 17th Annual LGBTQ Pride Shabbat Service at 6pm. Our speaker at the Pride Shabbat service will be Joy Tomchin, a producer of the Oscar-nominated documentary “How To Survive A Plague.”

RESERVATIONS & PREPAYMENT FOR DINNER ARE REQUIRED

Reservations for dinner are made through the JCC in Manhattan online at www.jccmanhattan.org/lgbtq or by calling 646.505.5708

Student price must be booked by telephone & not on the website.

DO NOT SEND CHEQUES TO RODEPH SHOLOM

Please wear Shabbat synagogue attire.

All food is kosher. Vegetarian available upon request on or before Monday, 3 June.

No one will be admitted without reservation and prepayment.

If you have any questions, please contact the dinner committee at LGBTQ@crsnyc.org .

If you are a regular at these shabbat dinners or want to get more involved, consider volunteering. We need you! Email LGBTQ@crsnyc.org

JJ

(This event is cosponsored by the Congregation Rodeph Sholom LGBTQ Committee and the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, partnering with JQY, CBST, GLYSDA, Eshel and JQ International).

March with JQY at the Celebrate Israel Parade! 6/2/13

March with JQY and the LGBT Community at the Celebrate Israel Parade! 

 Sunday, 2 June.  Line up, location and breakfast party details TBA.  For more information, contact: MLevovitz@JQYouth.org.

Shavuos Picnic in Central Park! 5/15/13

Shavous in the Park:  Wednesday, 15 May,  2:30-6pm

Join GLYDSA, JQY, and Eshel in the northwest corner of Sheep Meadow in Central Park, in the shade of the big tree. Map location can be found on www.glydsa.org.

Look for the blue-and-white-striped blanket. Bring kosher food, snacks, or soft drinks to share. Pareve or dairy, please. Paper goods will be provided. Note that glass bottles are not allowed in Sheep Meadow. Dress comfortably. Bring a blanket if you like. Rain date: Thursday, May 16.

May's JQY Meeting!!! 5/9/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: May's JQY Meeting

When: Thursday, May 9th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

To find out about this month's topic and location, join our list by visiting www.jqyouth.org.

Suggested donation: $3,

Refreshments will be served.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to email: info@jqyouth.org.

Long Island Teen Group's April Meeting! 4/14/13

Long Island Teen Group's April Meeting!

When: Sunday, April 14th, at 6:30pm

This month's topic: LGBT Families

If you would like to attend or find out more about our Long Island Teen Group meetings, email info@jqyouth.org.

JQY Panel at Queens College: Growing Up Gay in an Orthodox World- A Tribe Talks Event! 4/24/13

JQY Panel at Queens College: 

Growing Up Gay in an Orthodox World: A Tribe Talks Event!

When: Wednesday, April 24th at 6:15pm

Where: Queens College Hillel, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Student Union Room 206, Flushing, New York 11367

For the first time ever, a group of Queens College (QC) students will speak about their experiences growing up gay and Orthodox. All are welcome to join in this historic conversation— bring questions!

Last semester, Tribe Magazine (http://hilleltribe.com/), a student-run Hillel publication, featured an article by an anonymous QC student titled, "Growing Up Gay in an Orthodox World: My Final Game of Tag," which was about his experiences being gay in the Orthodox Jewish community.
Within 24 hours the article received more than one thousand views, and became to this day one of the most popular articles on our site.

As a result, Tribe has decided to collaborate with JQY to host a discussion on being gay and Orthodox. The moderator will be Mordechai Levovitz, QC alumnus and co-executive director of JQY. This conversation will be the first of its kind at Queens College, and a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from your QC peers the issues that gay people raised Orthodox face.

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP to the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/348265858606360/

April's JQY Meeting!!! 4/11/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: April's JQY Meeting
When: Thursday, April 11th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

To find out about this month's topic and location, join our list by visiting www.jqyouth.org.

Suggested donation: $3,

Refreshments will be served.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to email: info@jqyouth.org.

"Gay Days in Tel Aviv" Film Screening/Discussion 3/17/13

Documentary film screening and discussion:

Gay Days in Tel Aviv: The chronicles of Israel’s gay revolution.

When: Sunday, March 17^th from 6pm-9pm

Where: The LGBT Center, 208 West 13^th St. New York NY 10011

An evening of documentary film and discussion with leaders of Hoshen, dedicated to LGBT Education and Change in Israel (http://www.hoshen.org/index_en) and Israel Gay Youth (http://www.igy.org.il/?lang=en). The evening will begin with a screening of “Gay Days,” a documentary by Yair Qedar that recounts the history of the Israeli LGBTQ community in loving personal detail. Following the film, Irit Zviely-Efrat of Hoshen and Avner Dafni of IGY will discuss the community’s needs, struggles, and triumphs today.

This FREE event is organized by A Wider Bridge (http://awiderbridge.org/)

Co-sponsored by JQY, Keshet, CBST, GLYDSA, B'nai Jeshurun, Town & Village Synagogue, and Eshel.

March's JQY Meeting!!! 3/14/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: March's JQY Meeting
When: Thursday, March 14th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

To find out about this month's topic and location, join our list by visiting www.jqyouth.org.

Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting... :)

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to email info@jqyouth.org.

Long Island Teen Group Meeting! 3/3/13

 

March Long Island Teen Group Meeting!

When: Sunday, March 3rd, at 6:30pm

This month's topic: Safety and Security

If you would like to attend or find out more about our Long Island Teen Group meetings, email info@jqyouth.org.

Annual Community Wide LGBT Purim Party!!! 2/23/13

Annual Community Wide LGBTQ Purim Party at the JCC!!!

Presented by JQY and The JCC in Manhattan.

On Purim evening (Saturday, February 23rd, 2013), join the community for our annual LGBTQ Megillah Reading and Purim Bash!!!

Dust off those costumes, and break out the groggers! Join over 300 friends, old and new, for our Sixth Annual Community Purim Party and Fifth Annual Megillah Reading, complete with appetizers, Hamantaschen, drinks and dance party!

We begin the evening at 8:00 p.m. with a special 5th year anniversary Megillah reading by members of our own community.

The festivities continue into the night with delicious snacks, an open bar, dancing and a costume contest with prizes! Come for the Megillah, come for the dancing, or just come to fulfill the Mitzvah of getting so drunk that you can't tell the difference between Esther and Mordechai! At this party that may be easier than you think!

OPEN BAR!!! (For those 21+)

This Event is open to the entire LGBTQ Jewish Community along with their friends, families and allies.

Date: Saturday, February 23rd
Time: 8:00 PM Megillah Reading; 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM Purim Party and Costume Contest
Cover: $15.00 ($10.00 for students at the door)
Location: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. at 76th St, NYC

For more info or to volunteer, email: info@jqyouth.org
Interested in being a Gabbai? email: robert@fnlights.com

Co-sponsored by: JQY, The JCC in Manhattan, UJA Federation of NY, Friday Night Lights, GLYDSA, Nehirim, Eshel, A Wider Bridge, and Temicha.

Pre-registration is STRONGLY REQUESTED for this event. To pre-register click here:
http://www.jccmanhattan.org/special-events-2?page=cat-content&progID=27386#/GLSPUR00W3.

Reminder: RSVPing on Facebook is not pre-registering.

February's JQY Meeting!!! 2/14/13

Hey Everyone,

It's that time again!

What: February's JQY Meeting

When: Thursday, February 14th, 8:30pm-10:30pm.

To find out about this month's topic and location, join our list by visiting www.jqyouth.org.

Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting... :)

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for meeting topics, or if you would like to lead a discussion for a certain topic or month, feel free to Email me: admin.jqyouth@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there! This is a great opportunity for all the new members to come down and meet everyone in person!

January's JQY Meeting!

January's JQY Meeting!

When: Thursday, January 10th 8:30-10:30

This month's topic: Our community, our selves: How does becoming part of an LGBT community affect our identity, values, and goals?

Suggested donation: $3, and of course, we will be serving refreshments before, after, and during the meeting.

To find out more about our meetings and sign up for our email list, visit www.jqyouth.org.

Hope to see you all there! This is a great opportunity for all the new members to come down and meet everyone in person!