Hey, beloved tribe.
Just a couple quick reminders of the most imminent events in the pipeline!
This coming Sunday, July 20, at 10 am Paficic time — which is 1 pm Eastern and 8 pm in Israel — Nicole Graev Lipson will join us via Zoom to talk about Never Alone Book Club’s July pick: Mothers And Other Fictional Characters.
As I’ve said before, the writing in this book is an absolute knockout. I could not put this book down and I believe the prose is Pulitzer-worthy. These are incredible essays, and JUDITH had the honor and privilege of running one of them, Tikkun Olam Ted, in our fiction section. If you didn’t have a chance to read it then, please don’t hesitate to do so now to get a taste of Nicole’s talent and level of accomplishment.
Again: this is the first book club event we’ve scheduled on a Sunday so that Israelis can join, and I very much hope that many of you will. If attendance is good, I’ll be happy to keep scheduling on Sundays so the whole Jewish mishpucha can come.
If you’re on Facebook, please visit the Event section within the Never Alone Book Club’s page and RSVP.
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I also want to remind everyone that Stav Meishar’s writing workshop, ALWAYS PROUD, will begin Monday the 21st! This session is reserved exclusively for the JUDITH community.
Who is Stav Meishar?
Stav Meishar (she/they) is an award-winning performance maker, interdisciplinary artist, researcher and educator. Their work seeks to intersect history and current affairs by mixing together tools from the worlds of theatre, circus, and contemporary performance, exploring the power of art as an investigative tool for inciting change.
Stav's proudest achievement is creating The Escape Act: A Holocaust Memoir, a one-person show blending puppetry, theatre and circus, rooted in a decade of historic research. It is based on the true story of Irene Danner, a Jewish acrobat who survived the Holocaust hiding at a German circus, and examines questions of antisemitism, xenophobia, and generational-trauma. The show toured in Finland, Germany and England, frequently with an accompanying exhibition and educational talk.
Outside their stage work, Stav is a dedicated historic researcher, writer and lecturer. Their work spans their many interests, intersecting Jewish culture, circus history and/or queer history. Stav's research has been presented in academic conferences, festivals and public events around the world.
What is the Always Proud Writing Workshop?
In collaboration with JUDITH Magazine and The Pomegranate Tent, Always Proud is intended to offer a space for Jewish participants (both LGBTQIA+ and allies) to write, connect, and share our perspectives and our creative spirit, drawing on the words and creations of LGBTQIA+ Jewish figures in history.
The group will consist of short, simple yet nourishing prompts, encouragement to write for 10 or 15 minutes per day without editing, and a place to connect with each other.
At the end of each session we will gather on Zoom to meet each other in real time and write together.
How Will This Work:
* Receive a delicious, stimulating daily prompt in your inbox every morning, Monday through Friday
* Each prompt will be a message handed to you through time and space from a Queer Jewish Ancestor ✡️🏳️🌈
* Set a timer for 10 minutes each day for free-flow writing, without editing, deleting or overthinking
* Share your words in our secret Facebook group if and when you choose
* Session Two is for JUDITH Magazine Community only. The remaining sessions are open to all.
* We have teamed up with select LGBTQIA+ Jewish artists to offer participants exclusive discount codes to purchase gorgeous wares and services, including jewellery and art from Art Lush, tattoos from Sian Shine, sticker art from Androgynous Arts, and more TBA...
Why writing?
Writing offers us an opportunity to ground ourselves and tune back into who we are. It allows us to recognize our own strength, identify what's weighing on our minds, hearts, and bodies, and—perhaps—foster deeper empathy and compassion for others. In essence, it's a gentle method for sorting through mental clutter, making room within, and building stronger connections beyond ourselves.
Why "Always Proud"?
LGBTQIA+ people have Pride Month, Jews have Jewish Heritage Month, and during those times we watch how various places scramble to offer queer / Jewish content. The rest of the year? Not so much.
But Jewish and/or queer people live amongst us 365 days of the year. Our stories should be celebrated year round! So - Always Proud! Proud to be Jewish. Proud to be queer. Proud to be both.
When & Where
July 21st-August 3rd (reserved for JUDITH Magazine community)|
Private Facebook Group
Mondays-Fridays we’ll connect asynchronously for writing, sharing, reading, and commenting.
Zoom
Our practice will culminate in a Zoom gathering, where everyone is invited to write together in real time, hear each other’s voices and see each other’s faces.
These culminating gatherings will take place on the last Sunday of the session (August 3rd) at 3:00-4:00pm EST.
Cost & Registration
Sliding Scale - Pay what you can
Suggested: $36-108
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND CHOOSE SESSION TWO!
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I’ll be participating in both events.
I would devoutly love to see you there.
With love and anticipation,
Elissa