Individualized Program
As we enter our seventh year, I am now taking individual students on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me if you believe this may be the right program for you.
What is this program?
The Maggid Training Program is dedicated to developing your skills and spiritual depth as a transformational storyteller: someone who inspires change through stories and spiritual guidance.
The program has foundations in the Jewish tradition of maggidut: the art and practice of being a spiritual storyteller and guide. However, it emphasizes the requirement that we encounter inspiration and spirituality from a multitude of perspectives, not a solitary point of view. As such, we explore a wide variety of cultural and spiritual traditions, but a Jewish perspective remains central for Jewish students.
Who is it for?
This program is particularly designed for Jewish students who wish to deepen their talents (and repertoire) in telling deeply spiritual, Jewish stories. Non-Jewish students are welcome, as my own approach incorporates a broad variety of traditional backgrounds.
More broadly, the program is designed for anyone ready to use stories to inspire and transform others – and themselves. Students identify as storytellers, clergy, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and educators: simply anyone who recognizes the power of story, and wants to become skilled at inviting transformation through story.
Finally, I have occasional guest faculty from a variety of traditions – you can read some of their biographies here.
What does the program assume?
We recognize both the common values that underpin all faith traditions, as well as the variety of practices and forms that are unique to each tradition. The more we open up to different – especially unfamiliar – expressions of faith and spirituality, the more we can deepen our own spirituality and faith traditions.
This is noble, challenging, and ultimately deeply transformative work, both for the “tellers” and the audience. As such, it requires facility in and knowledge of one’s own tradition, other traditions, and the art and science of spiritual storytelling. Additionally, the development of these skills both requires and results in personal spiritual transformation.
How does it work?
To accomplish this, the Maggid Training Program is a highly individualized approach, in which the content and pace of learning is hand-crafted for each student as a collaborative effort. Most Jewish students require two years of training to complete the breadth and depth of study – and talent development – required to be granted s’micha as a maggid.
There are four themes that are explored throughout the program:
- Multifaith foundations
- Storytelling – Immersion
- Spirituality / Mysticism
- Storytelling – Performative
We meet at a typical routine of every other week via zoom for an hour each meeting. Recognizing the value of space in learning, we will schedule at the pace of approximately 20 sessions a year, leaving time for one month off every six months.
Since there is no fixed completion criteria, I meet 2-3 times with students to determine if there is a good mutual “fit.” If so, we establish near-term goals and long-term expectations, and move forward from there.
How much does it cost?
What about meeting in person?
Important Links:
Please contact me with any questions at JimBrule@TransformationalStorytelling.org!