Machatunim – A Suite of Stories About Making Queer Jewish Family – written and performed by S. Bear Bergman

Family. How we create it, nurture it, and are nurtured within it; whether our family is original, chosen, or a hearty blend. Bergman’s stories describe and exalt the lives of his grandparents, the hilarity of planning his wedding, his Shabbos table, and the story of Chanukah. At the same time, they make space for relationships that might feel complex or un-nameable in our daily contexts – drag mothers, step-parents emeritus, your sperm
donor’s parents, and more.

All are recognized in Bergman’s loving stories, and all are placed within a particularly Jewish love and longing for family in which to eat, argue, and belong. Described as “mezmerizing,” “touching,” “hilarious,” and “beautifully told,” these stories are an amazing experience for anyone with a family, and a truly validating one for fellow Jews and queer-identified folks.

Presented with huge thanks to our generous sponsors:

Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies
Congregation Shir Libeynu
Ecumenical Chaplaincy at U of T – Qu(e)erying Religion
Hillel Foundation of Toronto
Women and Gender Studies Institute
The Multi-Faith Centre for Spiritual Study and Practice
Sexual and Gender Diversity Office
Professor David Townsend