Not tired yet of the back-and-forth thinking about what it means to be Jewish? Looking for connections with other “not Jewish enough,” “Jew-ish,” or “WIP” Jews? Well, this writing workshop might be just what you need.

Facilitated by Karl Ponthieux Stern, one of the Museum of Jewish Montreal's (MJM) microgrant recipients, Doikayt, on being here and loving it is an interactive writing workshop dedicated to the complexities of navigating diasporic Jewishness. Meaning "hereness" or "diasporism," the Yiddish term doikayt refers to how Jewish communities are strengthened wherever they may be. Centred upon creating a community around the idea of “hereness” and sharing our experiences on Jewish Montreal, participants will discover Karl´s zine, and will be invited to participate in writing activities. The workshop will include some time to share our writing and/or experiences. Karl's zine is written in English, but since Karl is a native French speaker, this event will be bilingual. Join us with Karl for an evening of thinking, fun, and community.

The workshop will run from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Snacks and tea will be provided, as well as a free copy of the zine for each participant. Pre-registration for this workshop is required for all who wish to attend. Limited capacity, so please register early to avoid disappointment.

ABOUT KARL:

Karl is a Montreal-based writer, trans gay activist, and history student. They started their research activities way before university, by documenting medical violence against women, trans men, and non-binary people in France. They also led a self-educated research on Jewish Women in leftist organizations, for the revolutionary Jewish organization JJR. Karl´s hunger for knowledge, social justice, and Jewish culture has made them passionate about Yiddish revival and secular Jewish culture. They sometimes bridge all the sides of themselves in cross-stitching embroideries that they showcase along with their partner's artwork on @gertyshop.

Karl holds a degree in History from the University of Paris Nanterre (2022). Their M.A. thesis at Concordia University focuses on an Oral History of the ExisTransInter, a yearly demonstration led by trans activists since 1997. Karl currently serves on the Mile End Chavurah´s board of directors.

This is an independent project developed through the Museum of Jewish Montreal’s Microgrants for Creative and Cultural Exploration Program. This program is made possible through the support of the Averbach Family Foundation, the Morris and Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation, Federation CJA’s Working Together Grant, The Azrieli Foundation, and CANVAS. We would like to thank the Yiddish Book Center for their partnership.