Welcome, and thank you so much for registering!
I am looking forward to the opportunity to throw off the mantle, the title, of rabbi in order to explore together as colleagues, to speak from the heart and from experience in a confidential and safe space: Rather than proclaiming "answers," it's my hope to lead us in asking questions - Is there a bedrock of what I believe? Where are the fault lines? What might be the buried conversations within me as I counsel those in need, in pain?
I, of course, have some ideas of questions like the ones above which may prove interesting, but it would be enormously beneficial to us all if each of you can engage in some introspection and share some of your own questions with me before we begin meeting. Please contact me at my personal email.
In our group we will have writing time as well as discussion time. One of the most valuable things I've learned over the many years I've worked with my mentor Merle Feld is the potential unlocked by the interplay between conversation and writing. When I begin by writing in response to a prompt, I'm so often surprised - and fascinated, enriched - by what arises, and I can then bring those images and insights to the group conversation. With that in mind, I invite you to read what follows here, describing spiritual writing.
Looking forward to virtually being together,
Jason Fruithandler
A few suggestions about spiritual writing from Merle Feld –
While the subject of these sessions will focus on personal theology, one of the approaches you’ll be taking in order to explore your own experiences and feelings will be the practice of spiritual writing, so some guidance regarding that will be helpful.
First, if you possibly can, write by hand, even if that feels very unfamiliar to you – computers go quickly, quickly, they are cerebral instruments; this writing is all about slowly, slowly, opening the flow from heart to hand. Please try, but if it just won’t work for you, feel free to use your laptop.
And yes, I do mean laptop as opposed to phone – writing in a small space subliminally influences us to write in shorthand, use bullet points – to limit expression rather than take breathing room for crucial embodied detail. (Similarly, if you’re writing by hand, use a good size notebook – think 8 ½ x 11.)
When sitting with the prompt, the question you’re writing about, listen carefully. This writing is all about listening – listening to yourself.
Often the first response that comes to mind is the most fruitful. Just relax and go with it even if you think it is odd.
Be specific, concrete; better to tell one story and go deep with it than to generalize or to skim over multiple examples.
As you write, capture as clearly and precisely as you can what is true for you – no artifice, no disguises.
Be on the lookout for strong images that come up, meaningful details. Be curious; follow the image and explore it even if you don’t quite understand why it’s important or where it is going.
Write in your first language; that is the best way to make a heart-connection through words.
Once you are done writing, take a breath, read what you have written. Do not criticize or judge – these are words from your heart that need to be valued, cherished and respected.
You may want to write down any questions that the writing has sparked for you. You can return to those questions at another time for reflection and/or for continued writing.
In some way, acknowledge to yourself the courage and openness you have brought to this work.