Author Readings and Lectures

Author: Rabbi Irwin Keller - Shechinah at the Art institute

Jewish Heritage Month
Wednesday, 5/28/2025
5:45 - 6:45
James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center - 3rd Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Rabbi Irwin Keller, former lawyer and drag queen, will discuss his long-awaited volume of essays, memoir, and poetry, entitled Shechinah at the Art Institute: Words, Worry, Wonder. He will be in conversation with writer and historian Jim Van Buskirk.

In his 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.

Keller has served as spiritual leader of Congregation Ner Shalom in Sonoma County since 2008,a post he took while still writing and performing with the San Francisco-based Kinsey Sicks, known as America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet. His legal advocacy work included authoring the City of Chicago's first comprehensive human rights law, in effect since 1989, and serving as the Executive Director of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel of the San Francisco Bay Area.

A book sale will follow the discussion.

Connect

Irwin Keller - Website

Jim Van Buskirk - Website

Author Readings & Lectures

Engage with your favorite writers and discover your next read.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

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