Federation Star - June 2019

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14 Federation Star June 2019 Phil Jason JEWISH INTEREST The traumas of our individual and collective pasts do not simply vanish Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star Wounds into Wisdom: Healing Intergenerational Trauma, by Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, Ph.D. Monkfish Book Publishing / Adam Kadmon Books. 240 pages. Hardcover $26.95. Here is one of the most valuable new books for 2019. Though it seems at first that it is aimed at health professionals and religious leaders, particularly of the Jewish faith, it has a much wider application. Someone in your family needs this book to help come to terms with the residual effects of complex trauma – trauma that is transmitted, sometimes within a particular ethnic group from generation to generation. Others need this book to understand the seemingly strange and often self-destructive behavior of loved ones, close friends, co-workers and other victims of psychological trauma who suffer without even knowing why. Rabbi Firestone’s book is intellectually challenging, spiritually rich, infinitely patient and filled with healing optimism. It offers understanding, strategies for overcoming trauma, and accessible case histories of a varied group of trauma survivors whose paths and personalities will encourage all Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, Ph.D. who seek a recovery and renewal. The peculiar history of Jewish populations – a history weighted with pogroms, genocide, exclusion and endless epochs of plain old anti-Semitism – receives startling, illuminating attention. Rabbi Firestone knows of what she speaks. Her discussions include slices of her own family history. Significant here, beyond but yet entangled with the family dynamics, is the author’s withdrawal from Jewish life and identity and – some time later – her reconnection. Her discovery of the wisdom in Judaism’s fundamental texts opened channels of learning that eventually led to her studies and work as a psychotherapist and her emergence as an influential rabbi in the Jewish Renewal Movement. However, the value of this study is not limited to Jewish sufferers or Jewish families and communities. One theme of the book is that we have, or can develop, the insights and tools to make our lives whole again if they were fractured by trauma. Another theme is that “intergenerational trauma” is a genuine, verifiable medical condition, and that it even has a significant physical dimension. Yet another theme is that such a condition must be attended to – it will not cure itself. Rabbi Firestone’s exploration of this condition includes the introduction of recognizable behaviors (warning signs) and the professional vocabulary that assists in the understanding of trauma-induced or trauma-prolonged behaviors. Other provocative explorations in Improv4 Wellness this book include a productive revisioning of the stigmatizing label that the Jews are a “chosen people.” Similarly refreshing is Rabbi Firestone’s perspective on the troublesome biblical pronouncement about the sins of the fathers being visited upon the children for generations. The understandings she suggests are a fine capstone to her tonic presentation exploring “intergenerational trauma.” Of immense practical value is her construction of the seven “principles of Jewish cultural healing.” A lively mind, a caring heart and a love of Judaism’s profound soul make this a must-have contribution to the literature of healing. About the author Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, Ph.D., is an author, Jungian psychotherapist and founding rabbi of Congregation Nevei Kodesh in Boulder, Colorado. Ordained by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi in 1992, she is a leader in the international Jewish Renewal Movement and has served as co-chair of Rabbis for Human Rights, North America, which is now known as T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. She holds a doctorate in depth psychology from the Pacific Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California. She has written several other books, including With Roots in Heaven: One Woman’s Passionate Journey into the Heart of Her Faith. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for Florida Weekly, Washington Independent Review of Books, Southern Literary Review, other publications and the Jewish Book Council. Please visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.word press.com. See pages 20-21 for ISRAEL21c’s 14 must-read books about Israel SUMMER GAME NIGHT IMPROV FOR WELLNESS Join Margot Escott, LCSW to learn improvisational theatre exercises that benefit emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Classes June 19-July 31 (no class July 3) at The Sugden Community Theatre Register at naplesplayers.org • 434-7340 Improv for Wellness is about playing games and having fun. It’s not about being funny or memorizing scripts. The improv games and laughter we share in this multi-week class, have tremendous therapeutic benefits. A great way for all ages and abilities to let go, laugh and meet fun friends. Margot Escott, LCSW Improv for Wellness Classes improv4wellness.com • (239) 434-6558 • margotescott@mac.com Margot Escott_1/8_Page_June_2019_FEDSTAR.indd 1 BUYING • SELLING RELOCATING Call Debbie Z for all your Real Estate needs (239) 272-8878 DZvibleman@JohnRWood.com www.debbiesellsyourhome4you.com Proudly assisting customers with their real estate needs in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero since 2005. Mention this ad and I will donate 10% of my commission to the Jewish Federation of Collier County. Improv 4 Wellness 4/30/19 3:16 PM
JEWISH INTEREST June 2019 Federation Star 15 EARLY BOOKING BONUS SAVE 10% IF YOU BOOK AND PAY IN FULL BY JUNE 28, 2019 SILVERSEA’S ALL-INCLUSIVE LIFESTYLE • Intimate ultra-luxury ships for no more than 608 guests • Unlimited WiFi for every guest • Onboard gratuities always included • Spacious suites with butler service • Open seating and specialty restaurants • Wines and spirits served throughout the ship • In-suite bar with your preferred beverages (239) 261-1177 (800) 523-3716 www.preferrednaples.com SunTrust Building at Pelican Bay 801 Laurel Oak Drive • Suite 300 Wilma Boyd - CEO *Offer valid on new, individual bookings made by June 28, 2019 on select voyages departing from 1 November 2019 onwards. Guests will receive 10% savings on the Silver Privilege fare for select voyages if full payment is received no later than June 28, 2019; full payment includes the cruise fare and any outstanding balances on the booking (air, hotels, transfers and land programs). Subject to change and availability. Other restrictions apply.
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