“How are we like trees?” I asked a group of third graders at Temple Shir Tikvah* in Winchester, MA. “Trees are unique, like us,” one child pointed out. “Trees take showers when it rains. Then they dry off in the sun,” another child laughed. “Yeah, the sun is like their towel!” We were off to a great start. I had wondered: would 8 and 9 year olds be able to think metaphorically? “Let’s … [Read more...]
Stories Create a Legacy
June 21, 2018 by
Ros was nervous. The night had arrived to tell her story at “The Emoth Hour” – Temple Emeth’s version of a “Moth” style coffee house with members telling personal stories. As people were setting up the social hall she confessed to me, “I’m not sure I can do this.” I encouraged Ros to try a run through for the small group of storytellers who had arrived early. Supported and assured that her … [Read more...]
From Generation to Generation
May 25, 2017 by
https://vimeo.com/216693263 “The stereotype is that old people sit around and play bingo,” said a 6th grade participant at Temple Shir Tikvah’s intergenerational project in Winchester, MA. But hearing stories from real life experiences shed new light on those assumptions, and on current social issues. Over the course of the school year, kids and seniors met monthly. At one session they … [Read more...]
Have Fun Telling the Exodus Story
April 12, 2016 by
“Waaa...!” I hear a baby wail and look across the room. I see the rabbi, curled up on the floor. He is playing the part of baby Moses. “Look!” shouts an eight year-old girl playing Batya, Pharaoh’s daughter. “There’s a baby in a basket floating on the river! I want to help him.” I am visiting a congregation in the southwest. I was invited to work with families to prepare for Passover. … [Read more...]
Hear Our Voices
March 17, 2016 by
The young teacher stood in front of the entire school, one hand in the pocket of her khakis, a microphone in the other. She shook her short blond hair from her eyes and took a deep breath, as the whole room was quiet. “Coming out is something you don’t just do once, you have to do it over and over again,” she stated somberly. Then she smiled, “… unless you happen to come out to all 350 of your … [Read more...]
Learning to Care (Part 3): Personal Story Sharing
February 1, 2016 by
“How did it feel when your wife died?” asks Isaac, a wide-eyed and serious fourth grader at Temple Shir Tikvah religious school in Winchester, Massachusetts. “I was very sad,” says Barry Kahn, a longtime temple member. “But it helped to know that the Caring Committee was there to support me.” Everyone in the room listens intently. Barry, 63, is at the religious school on this fall … [Read more...]
Learning to Care (Part 2): Elicit Stories with Interviews
January 10, 2016 by
“Will our guest want to talk about hard stuff, like when his wife died?” Isaac asks. ”He wants to tell you his story,” I assure the children. “He wants you to hear how he was helped by the Caring Committee.” This group of fourth graders at Temple Shir Tikvah’s religious school in Winchester, MA are preparing to interview congregants who have received support … [Read more...]
Learning to Care (Part 1): Introduce a Theme with Stories
December 8, 2015 by
“There was once a princess who had never cried.” So begins a story I am telling to a group of children late one fall afternoon. My task is to introduce them to the themes of compassion and g’milut chasadim, or acts of lovingkindness. When I first enter the room at Temple Shir Tikvah’s religious school in Winchester, MA, I see twenty fourth graders gathered around tables. They are typically … [Read more...]
Welcome to the Story Arc Blog
November 11, 2015 by
Welcome to the Story Arc Blog! Here you will find stories "from the field"- accounts of how I have used the tool of story to reach, teach and change in congregations, schools and other organizational settings. I hope you will find inspiration about what you can do, too. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. … [Read more...]