Hineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High School

Directed by Irena Fayngold, Edited by Michael Traub,
Produced by Keshet; Sponsored by Jewish Women’s Archives

Hineini tells the story of a whole community inspired and changed by one girl's courage.

Hineini chronicles Shulamit Izen's efforts to raise awareness about gay and lesbian issues at the New Jewish High School (now called Gann Academy) and the events surrounding the creation of the Open House. The Open House was established as a student organization that creates a safe space for students to discuss gender and sexual identity issues in a Jewish context.

Hineini tells the story of a committed Jewish community struggling to define for itself the relationship between Jewish tradition, pluralism, and inclusion. It captures the age-old struggle to balance Jewish tradition and the realities of modern life.

 

"I feel like struggling with Torah and with G-d is one thing and I think I can do that...I understand that struggle is essential to being a Jew. What I don't want to struggle with is my community."

—Shulamit Izen, alumna, Gann Academy: the New Jewish High School of Greater Boston