Photo from IG Live conversation on May 21, 2021

What a way to end this week of conversations in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month! Thank you to the brilliant Laurel Snyder for letting me learn with you— not “from you,” as you so wisely shared—today. Here are some highlights:

▪️ Seeking a self-directed identity that was outside the perceived monolith of what Judaism “should” look like (e.g. brisket, Yiddish, the perfect bagel)
▪️ How an illustration of a Christmas tree helped her claim space in writing Jewish stories for children
▪️ The importance of broadening the tent, that however you “do” Jewish IS Jewish and is worthy of representation
▪️ The beautiful balance of ancient and contemporary; asking ourselves how we will hold on to the fixed, static texts while allowing the fluidity and dialogue to challenge ourselves in the moment
▪️ Leaning into the humility and vulnerability required for growth; recognizing that growth demands an acceptance that our previous beliefs were inadequate for this moment
▪️ A realization that not marching for Palestinians was “a restraining of my own empathy”; leaning on an understanding of Judaism that pushes for constant self-examination, questioning and justice

I am walking away from our conversation with a newfound desire to seek discomfort as a requirement for growth. Thank you for your commitment to broadening the tent so that your readers (and the rest of us) will feel a little less traif and a little more connected!

Books by Laurel referenced in our talk:
CHARLIE AND MOUSE LOST AND FOUND illustrated by Emily Hughes (available for preorder!)
HUNGRY JIM illustrated by @c.groeninnk
BAXTER, THE PIG WHO WANTED TO BE KOSHER illustrated by David Goldin
GOOD NIGHT, LAILA TOV illustrated by @juiishida
THE FOREVER GARDEN illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
ORPHAN ISLAND
BIGGER THAN A BREAD BOX
ANY WHICH WALL
HALF/LIFE: JEWISH TALES FROM INTERFAITH HOMES

(Conversation held on May 21, 2020 on IG Live @carolinepritchardwrites)