Beyond Patriarchy: What to Do with the Legacy of Trauma and Fear

Rabbi Tirzah Firestone delves deeply into the legacy of fear and trauma that is left in the wake of patriarchy, and argues that, if we are to heal from this trauma, we must reclaim the connections between body-knowing and cerebral understanding, individual and community, and personal and collective memory. Her analysis provides an opportunity for both personal and societal healing that can move us to a more loving future.

Standing Rock and Four Principles

I had pictured Standing Rock as a few tents and a tepee or two. In actuality there are hundreds of tepees, yurts, and easily a thousand tents spreading out as far as the eye can see. Building is going on in every direction; vehicles continue to pour in.

The Legacy of Jewish Trauma

It is now seven decades since the liberation of our people from the jaws of the Nazi death machine. Looking back and facing forward, we have cause for both profound humility and proud celebration that our people is alive on earth and flourishing in so many ways. It is also an opportune moment to study the legacy of our oppression. What are we taking with us into the future? Jewish tradition has long understood that children bear the burden of their parents’ legacy.

The Ethical Challenge for Diaspora Jews

Armed against all forms of criticism, the Israeli public is increasingly sequestered in its own psychological fortress. Two responses that dominated my discussions with Israelis were: It is just a chain reaction. You should only know what they have done to us; and Why are you here? Go home and tend to your own country’s problems.