Queering Jewish Languages, with Eden Moyal

Please register to attend this free in-person program. The Library is located at 1835 Ellis Street in San Francisco, with free garage parking at 1227 Pierce Street between Ellis and Eddy.  

Jewish people and LGBTQ+ people are accustomed to having a language all their own that isn’t always understood outside the community. In this talk, linguist Eden Moyal discusses the intersection of the queer and Jewish worlds through the lens of language. Queer Jews have built a unique community and can utilize specialized language to express shared concepts, experiences, feelings, and more, from lezbitzens (lesbian rabbis’ wives) to crossing the mehitza (Jewish trans experiences). Moyal will draw on both academic theory on Hebrew and other languages, as well as real-world, collaborative discussion to underscore the ways Jewish LGBTQ+ folks use their words to build a shared worldview.

Eden Moyal is a linguist and the Communications Director of the Hebrew Union College Jewish Language Project. She received her degree in linguistics and anthropology from UCLA, specializing in queer and nonbinary linguistics. Her latest project researches the experiences of nonbinary speakers of gendered languages, especially Hebrew.

This program is in conjunction with the Jewish Languages: A Cultural Dialogue exhibit at the Library, developed by the Hebrew Union College Jewish Languages Project and ANU: Museum of the Jewish People.