Who Sets the Table for the High Holidays?
is a multi-media project looking at who does what to make Jewish holidays happen in straight and LGBTQ homes. Over the course of the year we will be running a series of surveys, readers stories and commissioned essays exploring this dynamic. So far we have asked you about Passover and Shabbat and learned that, in both cases, mom does most of the work. LGBTQ houses tend to be more egalitarian, though no where close to 50/50.
This month we are looking into who does what for the observance of the High Holidays and invite all of you to go online where you can take our survey and share your stories. Also, do read the following essays below, two candid meditations on domestic life replete with regrets and revelations.
As we’ve explained before, our goal with this is not to promote or condemn any particular arrangement. Still, with 71% of mothers with children under 18 in the workforce and the rise of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer partnerships, these are questions that demand to be asked, stories that need to heard. We look forward to hearing yours.
Read about our Shabbat survey and see the results here. And check out the Passover survey and see the results here. Stay-tuned for our high Hanukkah survey coming later this year.
—Elissa Strauss
