Shechinah at the Art Institute

by Irwin Keller

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

Genres: Memoir, Judaica

156 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2024

Reviews

[Wayne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I zipped through Irwin Keller’s elegantly written collection of essays, homilies, poetry, and memoir in 2 days: so much wisdom, feeling, and tenderness; so much wild imagination. He creates something lovely and nuanced and evocative out of his experiences as a guy who is both queer and Jewish and acutely attuned to the long histories of both people, the beautiful and the brutal. I was only two chapters in when I, yes, whipped out my yellow highlighter, the ultimate sign of deference. I will re-read this again.

[Michael Norwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Irwin Keller is the rabbi at my synagogue, and many of the pieces in this book have previously been read by him as drashes (sermons, or Biblical commentary to accompany a service); consequently I approach the book with a great deal of bias. A great deal of his personality comes through this book of essays and poetry, and I predict most readers will soon be captured by his wisdom, kindness, and humor. Anyone interested in contemporary Judaism, queer approaches to theology, or who simply enjoys personal life essays, will find this worthwhile. Buy it, buy multiple copies for your friends.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I count myself lucky to be a member of Rabbi Irwin's congregation. So I've heard many of these pieces before. Except I haven't. While some started their lives as drashot (commentaries on the weekly Torah readings, presented at Shabbat services), they have morphed into gems. Each one transformed into something other than what they presented at birth.

You don't have to know the author to be captivated by his stories. Read and enjoy.

[Susan Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a beautiful book

Even if you know nothing about Judaism, you should read this book. you will want to learn more about Irwin, about ritual, about holidays. you get a view of a life lived with faith, with humor, and with love.

[Heather Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The spiritual medicine my soul needed - a love letter to Jewishness, queerness, Chicago, Yiddishkeit, and the shtetl. An inspiring Shabbos afternoon read on my porch. A lesson in both holding on and letting go. A message of hope at a time when we all desperately need it.

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a beautiful oasis of short stories and essays that contain poignant and delicate insights.

[Maria Ramos-Chertok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this book and the writing is exquisite. I was drawn into every page and each story evoked a new set of emotions and reactions. This book moved me and I highly recommend it.