Video & Guides on Queer Jewish Ancestors: The Story of Ben Rosenstein z"l
What does queer dignity in death look like? How can Jewish communities honor LGBTQ+ members in their passing? The story of Ben Rosenstein z"l offers an entry point into these questions, via three resources:
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The video outlines Ben’s life and death in early twentieth-century America, as well as a twenty-first century community’s efforts to honor him.
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The Discussion Guide for Participants includes questions and prompts for viewers.
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The Discussion Guide for Facilitators includes these same questions and prompts, as well as additional considerations and suggested discussion points.
Learning Goals:
- Explore themes of LGBTQ+ ancestry and queer Jewish lineages.
- Learn the story of Ben Rosenstein z”l as a case study for honoring queer ancestors.
- Understand challenges around dignity in death for queer people.
- Learn Jewish tools for fostering dignity in death for queer people.
- LGBTQ+ (Sexuality and Gender) / Belonging
- Grief and Death
- 6 - 12
- After School and Beyond
- Charter/ Independent School
- Congregational Learning
- Day Schools and Yeshivas
- Teen Engagement
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Resources on death and dying created as part of the Shomer Collective Educator Fellowship.
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