A Rainbow Thread

For many queer Jews, Jewish tradition seems like a rich tapestry which at best ignores them and at worst rejects them entirely. In reality, queerness and queer Judaism have been a constant subplot of Jewish history, if only we care to look. Spanning almost two millennia and containing translations from more than a dozen languages, Noam Sienna's new book, A Rainbow Thread: An Anthology of Queer Jewish Texts From the First Century to 1969, collects for the first time more than a hundred sources on the intersection of Jewish and queer identities. Covering poetry, drama, literature, law, midrash, and memoir, this anthology suggests that Jewish texts are not just obstacles to be overcome in the creation of queer Jewish life, but also potential resources waiting to be excavated. Through an unprecedented examination of the histories of gender and sexuality over two millennia of Jewish life around the world, this book inspires and challenges its readers to create a better future through a purposeful reflection on our past.

For many queer Jews, Jewish tradition seems like a rich tapestry which at best ignores them and at worst rejects them entirely. In this groundbreaking anthology, Noam Sienna shows that queerness and queer Judaism have been a constant subplot of Jewish history, if only we care to look. Spanning almost two millennia and containing translations from more than a dozen languages, ¿The Rainbow Thread: An Anthology of Queer Jewish Texts From the First Century to 1969¿ collects for the first time more than a hundred sources on the intersection of Jewish and queer identities. Covering poetry, drama, literature, law, midrash, and memoir, this anthology suggests that Jewish texts are not just obstacles to be overcome in the creation of queer Jewish life, but also potential resources waiting to be excavated. Through an unprecedented examination of the histories of gender and sexuality over two millennia of Jewish life around the world, this book inspires and challenges its readers to create a better future through a purposeful reflection on our past.

Queer Jews describes how queer Jews are changing Jewish American culture, creating communities and making room for themselves, as openly, unapologetically queer and Jewish. Combining political analysis and personal memoir, these essays explore the various ways queer Jews are creating new forms of Jewish communities and institutions, and demanding that Jewish communities become more inclusive.

Ramer plays and grapples with traditional midrashim, drawing inspiration from the homoerotic love poems of medieval Spain, and envisioning alternate versions of the present. Inspired by the pioneering work of Jewish feminists, he has crafted stories that anchor LGBT lives in the 3,000-year-old history of the Jewish people.

' The right notion just might unlock your creativity For the past 25 years, Nancy Zieman has offered innovative ideas, inspiration and information designed to make sewing, serging, quilting and embroidering more efficient—and more enjoyable. Now she offers a guidebook to every tool you’ll ever need! Nancy’s Favorite 101 Notions covers the standards—not all pins are created equal!—as well as some one-task wonders that can make the difference between a frustrating failure and a wonderful work of art. Nancy describes the features of each tool—so you can find a tool that works, regardless of brand—and details the various uses. Helpful Notes from Nancy and Budget-Friendly tips are sprinkled throughout, as are illustrated mini-demonstrations. With Nancy’s Favorite 101 Notions, you can find the tools that will make sewing easier, faster, more creative and more fun!

A collection of eleven stories, a play and five poems. The authors featured were all influenced by Akai Tori (Red Bird), a Tokyo children's literary magazine and also wrote for adult audiences. The stories are striking in that they differ little in style and content from those written for adults.

Drawn thread embroidery has been practiced and esteemed for centuries, producing the kind of elaborate linen tablecloths, veils, and shawls passed down through generations. You might think it's too complicated, expensive, and time-consuming to do today. But, in fact, it can be done by anyone who is simply handy with a needle; instead of linen you can use many inexpensive modern fabrics; and while there are many meticulous, intricate designs and patterns, this unique book has lots of ideas for quick and easy projects that will lend beauty and drama to your home and wardrobe. There are separate chapters on all of the well-known drawn thread varieties--needleweaving, reticella, Russian drawn ground, Hedebo, and Hardanger--and even an explanation of how drawn thread techniques can be adapted to the sewing machine. With over 140 photographs and 97 line drawings, this comprehensive book brings a timeless art into the '90s with as much style as precision.

Readers of Women of the Silk never forgot the moving, powerful story of Pei, brought to work in the silk house as a girl, grown into a quiet but determined young woman whose life is subject to cruel twists of fate, including the loss of her closest friend, Lin. Now, in bestselling novelist Gail Tsukiyama's The Language of Threads, we finally learn what happened to Pei, as she leaves the silk house for Hong Kong in the 1930s, arriving with a young orphan, Ji Shen, in her care. Her first job, in the home of a wealthy family, ends in disgrace, but soon Pei and Ji Shen find a new life in the home of Mrs. Finch, a British ex-patriate who welcomes them as the daughters she never had. Their idyllic life is interrupted, however, by war, and the Japanese occupation. Pei is once again forced to make her own way, struggling to survive and to keep her extended family alive as well. In this story of hardship and survival, Tsukiyama paints a portrait of women fighting the forces of war and time to make a life for themselves.