NachasCast: Celebrating the Intersections of Jewish and LGBTQ+ Lives
Welcome to NachasCast, the podcast that embraces the rich, multifaceted experiences of being fully Jewish and LGBTQ+. Hosted by members of the community, NachasCast highlights stories of identity, tradition, and resilience. Each episode features personal stories, cultural reflections, and meaningful conversations with guests who embody both LGBTQ+ pride and Jewish heritage. Join us as we explore the beauty of living authentically, navigating tradition, and finding joy—nachas—in the unique intersections of our identities.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Marcia Weinstein is a passionate Jewish educator, Cantorial Soloist, and Shlichat Tzibur (service leader) with nearly 15 years of experience leading services and teaching across Reform and Conservative congregations. A lifelong lover of Jewish music and community building, Marcia’s journey began in the vibrant Reconstructionist synagogue Ramat Shalom, where she was immersed in guitar-led Shabbat services and joyful Jewish engagement.
Now based in Vero Beach, Florida, Marcia has dedicated her career to bringing "Jewel-Toned" Judaism—vibrant, inclusive, and deeply musical—to Jewish spaces. She teaches Torah, Haftarah, and tefilah to students from ages 11 to 80, crafting meaningful learning experiences that bridge tradition with innovation.
Currently pursuing Rabbinic Ordination at the Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary, Marcia continues to explore ways to inspire Jewish connection. A regular attendee of Songleader Boot Camp and NewCAJE, she thrives in spaces where music and leadership intertwine to elevate Jewish life.
Join us on Nachas Cast as we dive into Marcia’s unique journey, her love for Jewish music, and her mission to make Judaism a joyful, engaging experience for all!
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Answering the Question: "Unit 8 and 10 are about different approaches to synagogues, Miriam Terlinchamp's Temple Sholom and Denise Handlarski's SecularSynagogue.com, how do they compare in their efforts to redefine Jewish communal spaces, and what lessons can traditional and digital institutions learn from each other's successes and challenges?"
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
In this preview of the NachasCast we answer the question from lesson 9, Judaism Unbound: Checkpoint, "What challenges come to mind when you think about an organization, like Friday Night Jews, that is entirely non-hierarchical? What possibilities arise?"
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
In this preview of NachasCast, I answer the question, ""Have you ever experienced a requirement to "go into hiding" as a prerequisite to connecting to a Jewish institution (or Judaism as a whole)?"