Bilhah & Zilpah are almost here!
Much has been revealed about our world since the last Bilhah Zilpah Homecoming. A lot indicates how close the realities Zilpah and Bilhah navigated are to many of us. There is also a lot that demonstrates how Bilhah and Zilpah, and perhaps we, may survive the moment we find ourselves in.
The wisdom of Zilpah and Bilhah remains true and steadfast, waiting to be discovered through deep listening in the power of community. This year, the alignment of the Gregorian calendar with the Hebrew calendar has invited the lenses of powerful historical characters as a foundation for connecting with Zilpah and Bilhah, including Audre Lorde and Fannie Lou Hamer. We will continue our ritual exploration of daughters and explore familial legacy. We are offering more structure for a coinciding commemoration that raises consciousness around vulnerable women. Jews of Color Sanctuary is excited to partner with Kirva for the launch of this commemoration within Homecoming. Kirva’s work is deeply aligned and dedicated to spiritual practice and action for social change. You will also notice Homecoming has expanded ways for registrants who desire to share ideas between sessions.
Register now to join us as we welcome these matriarchs during five interactive online sessions of ritual dreaming and deepening relationship with the wisdom of Bilhah and Zilpah:
Virtual sessions meet 1-2:30pmEST | 10-11:30amPST | 6-7:30pmGMT | 7-8:30pmWAT | 8-9:30pmIST
Sunday November 15, 2026 – SISTER OUTSIDERS
A Homecoming Celebration to welcome Bilhah & Zilpah as they enter the Torah in parashat Vayeitzei. This interactive session will deepen your relationship with the wisdom of these matriarchs, continue ritual dreaming, and mark the anniversary of Jews of Color Sanctuary. The wisdom of Audre Lorde, whose yartzeit is November 11, offers a reflection lens for this session.
Sunday November 22, 2026 – WRESTLING GENDER
Several threads of stories woven within the narrative of Bilhah and Zilpah highlight gender control and violence. This session will examine these threads, individually and in relationship with each other, to reveal hidden Torah of solidarity, support, and healing. This session will use creative midrash as a foundation for action. Modern Matriarch, Fannie Lou Hamer, will be the reflection lens for this session.
Sunday November 29, 2026 – GRANDDAUGHTER LEGACIES
Our actions build the world our grandchildren will inherit. Zilpah’s granddaughter Serach, a Talmudic badass the Sages go to when they have questions, will be the reflection lens for this session, inviting you to reflect on what legacy you are building, how your legacy aligns with your values, and what actions today can bring your legacy to life for our grandchildren of tomorrow.
Sunday December 6, 2026 – CELEBRATING DAUGHTERS
Bilhah and Zilpah are biblical reminders of the ways we enslave women’s wombs. The conditions mothers endure have immediate and direct impact on all children. Creating Jewish ritual and celebration that bridges the daughters of yesterday, today, and tomorrow will be the focus of this session.
Sunday December 13, 2026 – MOTHERS WISDOM
The conditions Zilpah and Bilhah endured remain true for too many marginalized people today. How can we shift from controlling wombs to valuing bodies beyond the ability to create life? This session will explore the wisdom Bilhah and Zilpah offer, even through their silenced voices, that influence the collective Wisdom of our Mothers to help us survive marginalization, realize abolition, and be in sisterhood.
Register here https://bit.ly/BZsisters. Donate to support the Bilhah Zilpah Project here https://donate.mazloweb.com/donate/bilhah-zilpah-homecoming.
