Pride & Prejudice

In early May 2023, a number of parents whose children attend Bialik Hebrew Day School in Toronto wrote an open letter to the school claiming that the institution's "sweeping effort" to introduce gender-identity topics (swapping haggadah references of "sons" to "children", for example) is "unacceptable and cannot be tolerated." The letter-writer states that a significant number of parents are "opposed to the unilateral imposition of a gender identity curriculum." The stage of this relatively polite battle of ideas is the most secular Jewish elementary school in Toronto, indicating that debates over LGBTQ and gender issues are increasingly creeping in mainstream society. In the midst of Pride Month, Avi and Phoebe dissect the issues at play here, including contrasts and similarities with similar issues unfolding in the public school system—and where we go from here. Credits Bonjour Chai is hosted by Avi Finegold and Phoebe Maltz Bovy. Zachary Kauffman is the producer and editor. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Socalled. The show is a co-production from The Jewish Learning Lab and The CJN, and is distributed by The CJN Podcast Network. Support the show by subscribing to this podcast or donating to The CJN.