UCSD Students Create “Torah Queeries” Learning Group

As a new member of the LGBT Resource Center’s Affiliates Program, UC San Diego Hillel students meet once a week in the LGBT Resource Center for a program called “Torah Queeries.” The program is structured around reading a book of the same name, which is comprised of a queer interpretation of each Torah portion.

Each week, students read through and analyze the chapter corresponding to that week’s Torah portion. Torah Queeries encourages students to think critically about Jewish tradition and thought, as well as introduces new perspectives on the text. It provides an open and affirming space for queer-identifying students to hold both their queer and Jewish identities simultaneously, and for allies to learn about different ways of reading our traditional text.

Other Stories From Hillel

Hey, it’s up to YOU

January 29, 2024

Last night at the Welcome Back BBQ, students planted their legacy tree in the backyard to memorialize those lost on October 7th and in the war. SDSU President Adela de la Torre was in attendance and spoke about how students were able to show up as leaders and leave a lasting legacy on their community through Hillel.

Supporting Students and Learning Together in 2024

January 12, 2024

Welcome to 2024! As we launch into the second half of our year, we continue to be hyper-focused on supporting students. This is done through a multitude of strategies.

First and foremost, we focus on imbuing pride in being Jewish. That looks like joyful shabbats, social bonfires, opportunities for lots of laughing…and lots of good food. Programs of joy are possible BECAUSE you support Hillel. Your generosity funds their joy.

What will Hillel look like in 2024?

December 28, 2023

“Dos pintele yid, ‘that little point of a Jew,’ refers to that spark of Jewishness in each of us that we can’t quite manage to ignore, no matter how hard we may try,” writes Sarah Hurwitz.

Dos pintele yid has been on our minds at Hillel every day, especially now. Our organization has radically expanded after October 7th. This is not a crisis. This is the new normal, and what it means to be Jewish on campus has also changed.

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