Hineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High School

Coming Out in a Jewish High School Shulamit Izen knew she was a lesbian in ninth grade. For most students in the Boston area, this would have presented some challenges, but for a student at a Jewish high school, her sexuality put her at odds with her school administration and, in her own eyes, with her religion. Rather than give up her Judaism, which has sustained her all of her life, Shulamit questions it (a Jewish act if ever there was one), asking, "Where do I fit into my tradition? What does it mean that I do something prohibited by Torah?" The head of the school is initially unreceptive and thus begins a dramatic clash between this confident young woman, other students (with diverse opinions) and the religious policy commission of the school. Shulamit’s courage in coming out leads three of the teachers at New Jewish High School to come out as well. Her earnestness and commitment to her Judaism make Shulamit a remarkable young woman and make this documentary one that will stay with you for a long time. With an ear for all sides of the story, Hineini chronicles a Jewish community’s attempt to embrace tradition and pluralism.