We take a break from our regular Dragapella® programming shamelessly promoting ourselves to shamelessly tout a glorious accomplishment from Kinsey Sicks co-founder and original "Winnie": Rabbi Irwin Keller! His new book – Shechinah at the Art Institute: Words, Worry, Wonder – is available now!
In Shechinah at the Art Institute, published by San Francisco-based Blue Light Press, Keller revisits the hardest years of the AIDS epidemic and reminisces about his time on stage with The Kinsey Sicks. He also leans into areas of Jewish culture, queer identity, and living in the world with an active sense of wonder.
Don’t just take our word; feast upon this early praise from folks far more familiar (and significantly more accomplished) than us:
“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
“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
Irwin Keller. Photo by Adam Shemper
Cover design by Sasha O’Malley
Self-described “hope-monger,” Reb Irwin retired from The Kinsey Sicks in 2014 after 20 years to focus on the family (his own family, not that kind of Focus on the Family!) and complete his rabbinical studies as spiritual leader of Congregation Ner Shalom in Sonoma County. We’re thrilled to share this next chapter – er, collection – of essays, poetry, and memoir writings from our beloved co-founder and friend.
So buy the book, Dammit! OR, go ahead and just take our word… We haven’t read it yet, but we already have strong opinions:
“I’m sure there is plenty about Trixie. I will have to hire someone to read it and tell me.”
–Trixie
“A very handsome font"
–Winnie
“Could have been more worrisome; I was nearly uplifted! Feh!”
–Angel
“It totally stopped my table from wobbling!”
–Trampolina
Whomever you trust, be sure to buy Irwin's book, and as with any Kinsey Sicks-related merchandise or products, always remember: