Happening
Jewish Feminist Children’s TV
“Goldie” is a new animated series inspired by third-generation Holocaust survivor Emily Brundige’s award-winning short film with the same title. Goldie, a girl who is literally larger than life, and uses her stature and strength to rescue those in need in her town and enjoy giant adventures with friends. Stream all 13 episodes on Apple TV+.
Jewish Government Workers
Know any past or present government workers? The Capital Jewish Museum has launched a timely initiative to preserve the history and highlight the contributions of Jews who have worked in U.S. federal agencies, collecting artifacts and stories from the 1890s through the early 2000s. Photographs, physical objects, and other archival materials are on view with rotating presentations, each quarter, through 2025. capitaljewishmuseum.org
An American Girl Anthology
One of the most beloved cultural phenom- ena of the last few decades, American Girl dolls, is in the focus of a new book edited by frequent Lilith contributor Justine Orlovsky-Schnitzler and culinary writer KC Hysmith. Subtitled Finding Ourselves in the Pleasant Company Universe (University Press of Mis- sissippi, $25), essays from 17 writers explore the American Girl parent company and nostalgia, consumerism, bodies, cultural representation, food, history, and memes.
Jewish Therapeutic Day Schools
SINAI Schools is a network of Jewish elementary schools, high schools, and adult day programs in New York and New Jersey offering unique curricula and accommodations for students and adults with learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and other education needs. Students take classes in all secular subjects, including adaptive physical education, plus Hebrew and Judaic studies with many areas of concentration. High School students also have access to a college preparatory program. SINAI’s newest school opening in fall 2026, Adir Academy in New York City, will soon become the first Jewish Day School specifically for students with mental health challenges. Find out more at sinaischools.org.
LUNAR: the Jewish-Asian Film Project
The LUNAR Collective is an organization designed to foster connection and amplify the voices of members of the Asian American-Jewish community. They have created a two-season film series featuring 23 community members engaging in conversation about tradition, cultural trauma, and other aspects of the Asian-American-Jewish experiences. The cast includes many writers and artists, some of whom may be familiar to Lilith readers, including comedian Becca Nix Tham (featured at Lilith Online in 2021), plus many fresh voices with new stories to tell. A third season, the “Intersectional Series,” explores conversion, transracial adoption, and LBGTQ+ experiences, in relation to Asian-American and Jewish identities. Watch the series at weareasianjews.org.
Different Take on a Gap Year
For recent High School grads, The Tivnu Gap Year offers hands-on internships for social change, adventures in the stunning Pacific Northwest, and friendships that last a lifetime. Participants build a vibrant and inclusive Jewish home together in Portland, Oregon. Gain confidence, make an impact, and discover your voice before even stepping onto a college campus. Robust financial aid is available. Apply now at TIVNU.org. Email Rabbi Miriam Grossman at Miriam@Tivnu.org to learn more.
“The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt”
Queen Esther—our favorite royal—is a source of inspiration for Rembrandt’s groundbreaking 17th Century Dutch paintings. Through over 120 artworks by Rembrandt and peer artists, the show celebrates Esther as “an enduring symbol of triumph over adversity at a time of vibrant cultural exchange.” On view at the Jewish Museum in New York through August 10, 2025.
Protecting Democracy in Queer Jewish Community
New York City’s Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, a synagogue with a strong identity as a space for “progressive Judaism, LGBTQI+ inclusion and social justice,” has a “Democracy! Team Action Group” which meets monthly to mobilize for voter access, immigration and refugee protections, environmental justice, and many more issues currently in crisis in the U.S. To learn more, visit cbst.org.
For Jewish Feminist Kids
Just Like Queen Esther is a new picture book written by Kerry Olitzky and Ari Moffic, and illustrated by Rena Yehuda Newman (whose work was featured in Lilith’s summer 2022 issue). The story follows Atara, a young girl who wears a crown to show that “she is a girl, not a boy, like everyone thought at first.” When she learns the story of Queen Esther, she discovers a newfound joy in expressing herself without a costume. This book will appeal most to children ages 3–7.
In honor of Mexico’s recent election of its first Jewish woman president comes a new picture book all about President Claudia Sheinbaum. Claudia Said Sí!: The Story of Mexico’s First Woman President follows President Sheinbaum’s childhood in Mexico City through the metaphor of metamorphosing and migrating butterflies. Young Claudia celebrates Hanukkah, enjoys dancing, and eventually develops a desire to advocate for equality and the environment. This civic passion leads her to an adulthood fighting for justice. For readers ages 6–8.
Librarians Against Book Bans
“The Librarians,” a new documentary film from Jewish director Kim A. Snyder, tells the story of the educators, librarians and writers—from Louisiana to New Jersey— working to protect libraries and schools from legislation that pilfers their holdings under the guise of shielding children from inappropriate material. The film follows political battles and activism primarily in Texas and Florida and explores the current state of media censorship. Now in select theaters following its Sundance debut. bit. ly/TheLibrariansFilm
Jewish Poets Unite in North Carolina
This June 24–27th, Jewish poets from near and far will gather at the third annual Yetzirah Jewish Poetry Conference for a full schedule of generative writing workshops, discussion panels, readings and shared meals. Faculty will include poets Sharon Dolin, Dana Levin and Victoria Redel. Lilith poetry editor, the iconic Alicia Ostriker, will offer manuscript evaluations to a small number of writers. This conference is in partnership with the University of North Carolina—Asheville’s Center for Jewish Studies. Learn more and apply at yetzirahpoets.org.
At UCLA: Portraits of Israel after October 7th
Before June 18th, visit UCLA Hillel for “(RE) Defining Zionism: Portraits and Perspec- tives from a Post-October 7 Israel.” The exhibit features photographs by Shlomit Levy Bard and first-hand stories from over 60 Israelis from across the region, “Jews, Muslims, Druze, and Christians,” to explore current meanings of Zionism, dismantle polarization, and refocus the conversation on real people. bit.ly/UCLAHillel
“Bad Shabbos”
Bad Shabbos is a new award-winning film starring Kyra Sedgwick and Milana Vayntrub (you may recognize her from This is Us). It tackles Jewishness, interfaith relationships and death with levity and chaos. One reviewer noted, “You only need to have a family to be able to relate.” The 80-minute comedy took home the Audience Award at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and is currently available in select theaters. bit.ly/BadShabbosFilm
PLAN TO MEET LILITH STAFF AND WRITERS IN NEW YORK!
Brooklyn Book Festival
On September 21st, visit the Lilith booth at the Brooklyn Book Festival at Borough Hall! Attend the festival’s robust schedule of author panels, mingle with the Lilith team and writers and fellow Lilith fans at the lively Lilith booth, and grab complimentary copies of the magazine. Brand new Lilith tote bags and signed copies of Lilith’s fiction anthology, Frankly Feminist, will be on hand to purchase.
New York Jewish Book Festival
Mark your calendars for the wide-ranging author discussions and book-related booths at the Museum of Jewish Heritage—with its stunning views of the Statue of Liberty—on Sunday, November 16th! Stop by the Lilith display to chat with the Lilith team, writers and fans and pick up a complimentary magazine. Plus… get your Hanukkah shopping done early: Purchase Lilith’s brand new tote bags and signed copies of Lilith’s fiction anthology, Frankly Feminist, for all the readers in your life!
Compiled by Arielle Silver-Willner
