Friday, June 1, 2007

TONIGHT! New Screening for Clocked! (San Francisco, CA)

J. the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

From the J:

Shaar Zahav to host transgender events

San Francisco’s Congregation Shaar Zahav will make history when it becomes the first synagogue to host a Shabbat weekend devoted to transgendered people and issues of concern to the transgender community. The transgender Shabbat service, which begins with a potluck dinner and service, takes place Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2. All events are open to the public.

Friday’s events begin at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of “Clocked: An Oral History,” a film about the local transgender community from filmmaker and Shaar Zahav congregant Martin Rawlings-Fein. It will be followed by a Shabbat service led by Shaar Zahav rabbinic intern Reuben Zellman.

Saturday programs run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and include Torah study; a workshop for teens moderated by Alexis Rivera from the Transgender Law Center; a discussion for parents on how to determine if their child is gender variant; and a workshop on “How to be a Fabulous Trans Ally,” moderated by United Genders of the Universe.

A pair of transgender-themed short films will also screen, followed by a workshop called “Developing New Jewish Rituals” for transgender and queer congregants; a workshop on transgender civil rights law; and one exploring Torah and spirituality sponsored by Coastside Jewish Community. Havdallah takes place at 5:30 p.m., followed by a spoken-word performance by Ali Cannon.

Shaar Zahav congregant Robert Bernardo said, “A lot of the [transgender] events in the last year have been sad occasions, usually to remember someone murdered or hurt. We wanted to create a celebration of diversity, a happy event about lively expression, being proud and being out.”

From Marty:

The J. got a few things wrong (The dinner with the movie will not be potluck, lol) but they did try to be inclusive and talk about transgender issues. Just think 30 years ago they wouldn't even touch press about the G & L communities, now they print stories about the T communities having fabulous events at LGBTQQS Synagogues.

This film screening is the second chance to see Clocked outside of my living room screenings. You don't have to stay and listen to the sermon if you don't want, but the whole weekend looks fabulous.

Friday Night June 1st at 6:30pm (Film Start Time)
Sha'ar Zahav, 290 Dolores Street, SF CA
Enjoy finger foods and watch clocked projected on the big screen!