Between the Narrows: Queer Asian Jewish Reflections

The Hebrew word for Egypt — “Mitzrayim” — means narrow place, and so the celebration of the Exodus is an opportunity to reflect on our own coming out of narrow places. Since this year's Haggadah is an exploration of the resiliency and complexity of Asian Jewish identities and finding joy and beauty at their intersections, we are proud to highlight the unique identities and experiences of Queer Asian Jews.

As Queer Asian Jews, there are many parallels to our own multifaceted stories to explore throughout the telling of the Passover story. As a marginalized identity within a marginalizedidentity within a marginalized identity, the stories of Queer Asian Jews are frequently passed over.

Tonight we validate and give space to members of the LUNAR community to share their own stories of Exodus — of coming out into freedom —and what it means as a Queer Asian Jew to leave a narrow place and find joy and welcome in your authentic self. 

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of cut fruit / tender hands /grabbing and pulling and reaching through the bounds of history / as i kiss ancient scrolls / each tender embrace a reminder of survival against all odds / may each inhale be proof of queer / asian / jewish possibility, each exhale an homage to queer / asian / jewish past - may our limbs overflow with every ounce of the sanctity we deserve  

-Is Perlman

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Being a Woman, Asian, Jewish, and Queer; Oppression is real. We are constantly reminded that we still live in an unjust society, and there is so much more work that needs to be done to achieve equality and justice for all. To me, the theme of Exodus, the parting of the sea, is a reminder that we are all still walking down the path to freedom. We are not at the promised land yet, but what joy it is that I get to walk alongside the LUNAR Collective now instead of walking alone. 

-Davi Cheng


haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning
Source: LUNAR Haggadah 2023