writing Jewishly---for women

I love to tell stories, read stories. Write stories.

Having a place to write and people to share with is a great way to keep the tools sharp and the words flowing.

But, unfortunately I don't have anyone to write with around here.

That's one of things I wanted this blog for: to practice writing.


I also wanted to publish writing exercises for Jewish women that are modest and keep Jewish ethical values intact while teaching creativity.

I also would like writing exercises that reflect the Jewish life cycle. Every week is different with a different weekly Torah portion, a different phase of the moon within a different month.

I wanted some writing exercises that reflect the growth that takes place in a Torah observant world by simply following the seasons, and holidays and days of the week in the Jewish calendar.

I want to write about middot-character traits and refining them-and about the mitzvot, and perfecting them.

I want to write about the three prayers: Shahrit (morning) Minhah(afternoon) and Aaravit/Maariv(evening). What they mean and what they teach.

The old adage for writers: Write about what you know.

This is what Jewish women know, really know and experience every day of every year and this is what I want to encourage them(and myself!) to write about in their writing practice. I want it to be a structured way to grow as a writer and as a Jew.


I haven't found a book yet that does these things.

Soooo,

If not now, when?אם לא עכשיו, אז מתי

Shalom

Brachot HaShachar: Who Gives Strength to Weary

Who Gives Strength to the Weary
הנות ליעף כוח .... hanoten l'yaaif kowach

Exercises

Choose a word from the list below and free associate for a full page or 5 minutes.
Incorporate as many words as you can from the list below into a piece. Write for at least 10 minutes.


whipped!
so tired, I can't see straight
moral support
the morning after the night
propped up

Brachot HaShachar: Who Has Provided Me My Every Need

Who Has Provided Me My Every Need
שעשה לי כל צרכי .... she aasaw lee kol tzrichi

Most people read this as G-d provides for my every need.

Try reading it this way: G-d has created need in me.

He makes me lacking.
He makes me dependent.

Exercise

Ponder this idea.
Feel it.

Then write what ever comes out for at least one page or 5 minutes.

Brachot HaShachar: Spreads Out the Earth on the Waters

Spreads Out the Earth on the Waters
רוקע הארץ על המים .... roekaa haaretz al hamayim

For years I read this one backwards and envisioned water spreading out over earth, which is what water does, as anyone who has ever knocked over a glass of water knows!

From the Artscroll Siddur comentary on Brachot HaShachar: The Redak says water floods everything in its path and earth sinks below its surface. G-d created earth so it remains always in place.


Exercises

Choose a word from the list below and free associate for a full page or 5 minutes.
Incorporate as many words as you can from the list below into a piece. Write for at least 10 minutes.

foundation
receptacle
seep
flood
ooze
gives form
dish
mold (both noun and verb)

Brachot HaShachar: Straightens the Bent

Straightens the bent זוקף כפופים.... zoqef kefufim

Exercises

• Choose a word from the list below and free associate for a full page or 5 minutes.
• Incorporate as many words as you can from the list below into a piece. Write for at least 10 minutes.

upright
twisted
stand tall !

distorted
folded

Gateways

Sadness locks gateways to Higher Realms
Prayer opens locked gateways to Heaven
And Simchah has the power to breakdown Heaven's ramparts!

עצבות- נועלת שערי שמים
תפילה- פותחת שערים נעולים
והשמחה- בכוחה לשבר חוצות

source unknown

What is a gateway?
Where do you find gateways?
Is a gateway exclusive?

What do gateways do:
keep something in or keep something out?
separate things?
control contact or access?
regulate flow?
give form?
protect?

Exercise

Ponder these questions.
Make your own questions.
Fill at least a page.