About
I started this blog because I want to talk about what I’ve kept hidden for a long time, so that others might feel less alone… and because secrets have less power over us when shared. So many of us struggle with mental health and body image, yet we barely talk about it, like really talk about it. I want to help erase the shame and stigma. I want all of us to realize that we are beautifully broken – and that is what connects us. That being “broken” is actually just totally normal.
You’ll find posts here about body acceptance, navigating mental health, and smashing the patriarchy – all through the lens of a Jewish woman. As someone who lives in a cisgender, light-skinned, straight-sized body, I am committed to being an ally for those who live in marginalized bodies. I’m calling out the oppressive patriarchal, racist, homophobic, transphobic, and fatphobic systems that makes us feel wrong for fully expressing ourselves and taking up space. My experiences within the patriarchal traditions of my Jewish heritage have influenced my struggles – and I am not shy about sharing the baggage and criticism I carry for them – though I love to wrestle with and transform them into more relevant, inclusive, feminine and gender-neutral ideas and practices. You’ll find some rants about that here too.
Why “The Shameless Shebrew”?
“Shebrew” is a play on the word “Hebrew,” referring to a member of the ancient Hebrew People – today’s Jews.
The word “Hebrew” in Hebrew, a gendered language, is “עִבְרִי” (eev-ree), meaning “one who crosses over.” The feminine version of that would be “עִבְרִית” (eev-reet). So technically, the anglicized word “Hebrew” doesn’t have a gender, but because this is a feminist blog, I’m using “SHE-brew” instead of “HE-brew”. 😉
I’m not sure who originally coined this term, and while it’s occasionally used as slang in Jewish circles, it’s not an entirely familiar term outside of the Jewish world. It’s technically not even a real word – but I love it!
Full disclosure: I am not shameless. But I aspire and strive to be, and that’s what this blog is all about. The Shameless Shebrew is a bit of an alter-ego for me to step into and work on shedding my shame. I hope she can help you do that, too.