Shechinah at the Art Institute is a long-awaited collection of luminous essays, memoir, and poetry by rabbi, former drag queen, and self-proclaimed "hope-monger," Irwin Keller. In this book, Keller, most recently known for his viral protest poem, "Taking Sides," leads us on dazzling journeys into Jewish mysticism, love, loss, memory, gender, AIDS, and the Milky Way itself. Buckle your seatbelts.
"In Keller's luminous writings, divine messengers reveal both the radiance within the everyday and the clouds that subdue the sacred. With this dazzling book, Keller takes his place among the messengers."
--Esther Schor, author of Emma Lazarus"Quirky, playful, steeped in classical Jewish learning, Keller unveils long-suppressed queerness in Jewish tradition and encounters the sacred miraculously appearing in the secular world."
--Rabbi Dr. Rachel Adler, author of Engendering Judaism"This book makes my heart sing. Irwin reminds us that in this darkened world, there is still light. And there is love. It's what makes this book not just entertaining, but important."
--Linda Ellerbee, journalist and author of And So It Goes"The wisdom, humor, and perspective in these stories will enrich you and gently bind you to other lives both ancient and modern. A good story heals the loneliness which is the hidden wound of our time. Bravo Irwin. What a gift you have offered to us all."
--Rachel Naomi Remen MD, author of Kitchen Table Wisdom"Absolutely wonderful, so refreshing, hopeful in a world so desperate for peace."
--Greg Sarris, author of Grand Avenue