This four-session workshop is built upon the old Jewish custom of writing ethical wills- to pass on our values, ideas, hopes, even stories to family and friends -as even more valuable than our possessions.
Using a non-linear approach, we will engage with the purpose, art, and experience of writing letters to the significant people in our lives, including letters that might not be straightforward to compose. We will share ideas, questions, fun, laughter - traveling to perhaps unknown/unfamiliar places in ourselves.
We will look at content, style, and language of ethical wills from different eras for inspiration and grounding, as we explore within ourselves: what matters, what do we really want to appreciate? What do we hope others value about us and the ways we have lived? What is our legacy? Or what do we hope is our legacy? Is there a significant memory, turning point, or story we want to share?
Is there a message to an as-yet-unborn child /grandchild that we want to convey?
You will leave this workshop with a draft or drafts of letters, or poetry, if that is more fitting, that you have composed. Our lives are not static; we continue to grow. This may become a document to which you return and revise, as your life evolves, and your understanding deepens.
Much of the process is done by hand: not on a computer, or iPad, or phone, although you may use those to explore ideas, outside of our workshop. Materials will be provided for the first session. You will then be able to think about the size and shape of materials that are fitting for each of you. If you have a favorite pad, pens, pencils, please bring them along. A folder with additional readings will be placed in the library. Participants will receive a used copy of the book So That Your Values Live On: Ethical Wills and How to Prepare Them.
Leader: Judy Sirota Rosenthal
Judy has designed and led workshops/artist in residence for the National Havurah Institute, Jewish Healing Center of New England, Jewish Federation, Yale School of Nursing, Whitney Center, among others. Judy has facilitated a version of this program for the Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning in Madison, CT
Tuesdays, 1-2:15 pm. October 20, 27, Nov 3, Nov 10.
Target Audience: anyone wishing to think /feel through what values, lessons, legacies, learnings, they might want to transmit to the significant people in their lives - friends and family.
Contact Person: Judy Sirota Rosenthal, sirotarosenthal@gmail.com