Aliz

= Mission Statement =

Aliz is a student group for Queer Jews and Allies. We aim to provide an open space to anyone to discuss the intersection between queer and Jewish identities. We hold both social and educational events throughout the semester, some just for queer Jews, and some open to all.

Please join our listserv: aliz@lists.hampshire.edu.

= Events =

Fall 2010
September - we hosted a meet and greet titled "Queers and Schmears" with bagels fresh from New York.

October - we hosted "Saved from SAGA!" with the Queer Community Alliance and the Spiritual Life Office. We watched the movie Saved and ate a delicious kosher meal.

December - we hosted "(C)hanukkah and (C)homos!" and ate latkes, played dreidel, and lit candles.

Spring 2011
March - we hosted "Purim's a Drag," our very first Queer Purim party! There was facepainting, tarot card reading, the whipped cream challenge, copious amounts of hamantaschen, and some crazy dancing in fabulous drag.

March - we hosted a "Queer Jewish Forum" at the Five College Queer Gender and Sexuality Conference.

April - we went to the NUJLS Conference at Brandeis University, Waltham MA. We met, networked, and made friends with other LGBT Jewish college students from across the U.S. and learned about LGBT Jewish life and programming at their colleges.

May - we hosted "Queering Judaism: a panel discussion" with Rev. Liza Neal, Rabbi Rachel Schoenfeld and Rabbi Ben Weiner.

Fall 2011
September - we hosted our annual meet and greet "Queers and Schmears" and planned for the upcoming year.

December - we hosted the Queer Jews and Allies Conference. This free, day long conference offered workshops, panels, plays, and more, addressing the unique experiences of queer Jewish identities as they weave among spirituality, sexuality, secular culture, gender identity and expression, political perspectives and movements, and religious traditions. This event welcomed all queer, gay, trans*, lesbian, and bisexual Jews and allies to learn, network, and create community in a safe, respectful, and accountable space.

Spring 2012
March - we hosted our second annual Purim party, "Purim's a Drag!" with lively music, crossdressing, and abundant hamantaschen.

March - we hosted "One in a Minyan: A Queer Jews Caucus" at the Five College Queer Gender and Sexuality Conference

Fall 2012
October - Screening of "The Bubble" by Eytan Fox

October - Dancing Queers and Schmears: Schmekel Concert!
 * Schmekel is a post-core kelzmer punk band that is 100% Jewish 100% Transgender

Spring 2013
March - Attended the Nehirim Queer Jewish Students Retreat at Boston University

May - Screening of Trembling Before G-d with Kugel!

= History =

Aliz was started by Bailey Hanselman, Staci Akselrod, and Mike Wolf in Spring 2009.

= Inventory =

Dreidels.