When we learn sacred texts together, we create communal resilience. Davar Chadash is an in-person text study group by and for trans community. As the world closes in and doubles down on transphobia, we are turning to Judaism's oldest tactic for spiritual survival: communal text study. Join us each month for kosher snacks, schmoozing, and the kind of learning that keeps us going through persecution.

WHO: All NYC trans folx who want to learn Jewish religious texts together in a Jewish-normative space. No prep, Hebrew knowledge, or text-study background required. Come as you are !❤️

WHERE: This is the Torah Studio's first in-person offering! Our host is Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, at 130 W 30th St in New York City.

WHEN: 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7pm

HOW: RSVP free right on this very page

Your Davar Chadash facilitators are Lexi Kohanski and Atira Chaya. Lexi is the Director of Online Learning at the Torah Studio and the force behind the brand T4Torah. Atira is a Chassidic trans community builder who organizes Brooklyn Trans Shabbos and Minyon Rosh Pinoh.

Access Info:

CBST is a fully accessible, ADA-compliant building with an accessible elevator and accessible bathrooms.

Rapid testing for COVID the day-of is required. Some tests will be available on site. Masking is encouraged but optional. Do not come if you’re feeling sick!

Source sheets will be available as print-outs and virtually via QR-code.

Upcoming Dates:
May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10
Davar Chadash meets at 7pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Do I have to be able to make all the dates? Nope! Come to the ones you can! RSVPing is not a commitment to attend all sessions.

Davar Chadash RSVP Form

Text study by and for trans community, in NYC

First name

Last name

Pronouns

Anything else you'd like the facilitators to know about you?

This event is in-person, at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in midtown Manhattan. I understand that there's no virtual option!

This event is by and for trans people. I'm trans and I can't wait to learn in community!

I agree to take a rapid COVID test the day of each meeting. Some tests will be available on-site.

I want to subscribe to the Torah Studio newsletter!

Help make Davar Chadash sustainable!

$10

Davar Chadash is a free t4t community offering. Lexi and Atira are donating their time as facilitators, but it still costs us about $50 a meeting for the space, snacks, and materials. If it would deepen your experience, please consider donating to help sustain the group. Donating is not necessary and choosing not to donate will not affect your ability to participate in any way.

Davar Chadash RSVP Form

Text study by and for trans community, in NYC

DAVAR CHADASH