Inspiring growth and change through storytelling
Midrash is the traditional method of interpreting scripture through the use of narrative. The structure and format for a common form of Midrash - used by Jesus on many occasions - will be explored. The application of Midrash to other traditions will be discussed.
In keeping with the Jewish value of challenging perceived problems, the art of telling stories that challenge the audience will be explored.
One of two guest faculty sessions for the term. The particulars of the guest and the actual date will be made available at the beginning of the term.
Stories arising from the period of the Ba'al Shem Tov and his disciples are presented, discussed, and explored.
Transformational storytelling is much more than telling folk tales; it is about enabling and encouraging change. The intersection between transformational and persuasive storytelling is explored.
A storyteller doesn't read stories, nor recite from memory, but adapts the telling to each audience. The first techniques of truly telling stories are learned here.
Judaism has a rich folklore from around the world. Folktales from places other than Eastern Europe are explored.
The Talmud is more than just the expanded set of laws and procedures developed to maintain post-Temple Judaism: it is rich with aggadot - lessons in story form. We will explore the most famous of these.
With guest ethicist Maggidah Rabbi Devorah Smith, we will highlight the ethical standards required of maggidut - Transformational Storytelling.
When told properly, spiritual stories challenge our accepted secular experiences. We will look at the ways that spiritual storytelling operates, and its effect on the listener, the teller, and the story.
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