I born Jewish, raised as a secular Jew by a Jewish agnostic and a Jewish atheist, I've gotten Jewier and Jewier since October 7th. I had to leave my job in social justice because I was making my coworkers "uncomfortable." I dream of becoming the Golem.
Yes, I get around this now by posting a pic to my notes and then copying that link to a comment thread, but if you don’t want a random picture floating in your notes feed, it might not work!
“one of the many reasons why Judaism appeals to me is that inquiry and questioning and curiosity form the very core of Jewish tradition.” I, too, love this about the Jewish tradition. My grandfather and his family was Jewish, and though I was not raised Jewish secularly or religiously, I feel the kinship of my roots.
The rising antisemitism in the climate is heartbreaking.
Glad to hear you’ve found a place of belonging, a place you want to run to. That’s no small thing.
Beautifully put, Jen. And great imagery. I'd never looked at the Star of David quite that way.
Also: About an hour ago I was working on a post, and typed those lyrics from Stealers Wheel: "Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right..." -- and now I see that Alyssa did the same. Can I still use 'em? :-)
Thanks again for putting words and images to the pressures we're all experiencing.
This offering is remarkable, Jen. I feel like I now grasp more viscerally what your mind's incredible gifts are. I do not "see" in geographic images like you do, but I do "see" in metaphors, or else - I'm literally seeing things that no one else does, in a way that speaks to symbol and poetry. Imagery enters my mind through swimming, and through meditation, and any time I close my eyes. When I'm writing, my mind goes into the words themselves. This is such a fascinating topic of conversation. But I don't want to detract from the pain you're expressing through this installment, either. Your ability to create out of pain, your willingness to go IN to the pain - these are two pillars of light that shine through what is essentially an interrogation of darkness. You're doing such important work in this sharing - as a non-Jew, who loves Jewish persons and is maybe one of your most enthusiastic cheerleaders, I am discovering so much beauty and resilience in your pursuit of this beautiful spirituality, this gorgeous religion that is so utterly maligned it boggles the brain to comprehend it all.
I born Jewish, raised as a secular Jew by a Jewish agnostic and a Jewish atheist, I've gotten Jewier and Jewier since October 7th. I had to leave my job in social justice because I was making my coworkers "uncomfortable." I dream of becoming the Golem.
I hear you. I’m continually struggling against feeling completely powerless.
I have a little Golem statue sitting on my desk.
Post a pic!
Ah, Substack doesn’t let you post photos or any images in comments!
Yes, I get around this now by posting a pic to my notes and then copying that link to a comment thread, but if you don’t want a random picture floating in your notes feed, it might not work!
“one of the many reasons why Judaism appeals to me is that inquiry and questioning and curiosity form the very core of Jewish tradition.” I, too, love this about the Jewish tradition. My grandfather and his family was Jewish, and though I was not raised Jewish secularly or religiously, I feel the kinship of my roots.
The rising antisemitism in the climate is heartbreaking.
Glad to hear you’ve found a place of belonging, a place you want to run to. That’s no small thing.
Thank you, Holly.
Spot on. Antisemitism is the history of the world. it's an equal opportunity hatred, from left to right and back again.
Every Jew is a miracle.
Beautifully put, Jen. And great imagery. I'd never looked at the Star of David quite that way.
Also: About an hour ago I was working on a post, and typed those lyrics from Stealers Wheel: "Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right..." -- and now I see that Alyssa did the same. Can I still use 'em? :-)
Thanks again for putting words and images to the pressures we're all experiencing.
Yes—we are all feeling the ultimate squish!
This offering is remarkable, Jen. I feel like I now grasp more viscerally what your mind's incredible gifts are. I do not "see" in geographic images like you do, but I do "see" in metaphors, or else - I'm literally seeing things that no one else does, in a way that speaks to symbol and poetry. Imagery enters my mind through swimming, and through meditation, and any time I close my eyes. When I'm writing, my mind goes into the words themselves. This is such a fascinating topic of conversation. But I don't want to detract from the pain you're expressing through this installment, either. Your ability to create out of pain, your willingness to go IN to the pain - these are two pillars of light that shine through what is essentially an interrogation of darkness. You're doing such important work in this sharing - as a non-Jew, who loves Jewish persons and is maybe one of your most enthusiastic cheerleaders, I am discovering so much beauty and resilience in your pursuit of this beautiful spirituality, this gorgeous religion that is so utterly maligned it boggles the brain to comprehend it all.
Thank you 🙏🏻