Bullet journal – Mirta Ines Trupp~ Author

You did a double take, didn’t you? Hehehe…you thought I said Buju.

Sorry. You must be thinking of another Jewish blogger. I said Bujo…

If you’re still with me and asking, “But what is Bujo,” let me direct you to this article that states: ”Bullet Journal® (aka Bujo) is a mindfulness practice designed as a productivity system. It will meet you wherever you are to help you write a better life. All you need is pen and paper.”

Nu? Sound familiar? It certainly is in keeping with my latest publication that speaks to being more mindful, more productive, more like the Eshet Chayil (Woman of Valor) that you aspire to be. More than that, it is in keeping with the Jewish practice of Mussar. The tradition encourages us to refine ourselves, to cultivate a connection to our higher being.

According to this My Jewish Learning post, Rabbi Elya Lopian said that the ancient ritual of accessing, and incorporating, virtue-based ethics is “teaching the heart what the mind already understands.” Meditation is certainly one form to transcend to a better sense of self. Another method is through journaling.

The paperback version of From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal provides space for your thoughts, notes, and yes, even art work. I thought I was being so clever! I imagined readers adding sticky notes with motivational reminders and inspirational pictures from magazines or Pinterest…

However, many of you Wonder Women have asked if the journal is available as an eBook, because, you know, you are busy, you’re on the go! Honestly, I was stumped! How would you be able to activate the “right side of your brain”—the creative part of you that likes to use colored pencils and doodle while you draft your thoughts, make your lists, and plan out strategies—on your phone, tablet, or Kindle reader?

We don’t want to push our ideas on to customers, we simply want to make what they want.”
Laura Ashley, designer and businesswoman

It only makes sense to give the customer what they want, so I’m setting out to publish an eBook version as you’ve requested. It will have the same content—the history of 100 Jewish women and the questions and/or prompts for you to consider—however, as you might have guessed, it won’t have the “space” for your thoughts. You’ll have to provide that by keeping a note pad or notebook close at hand.

I will leave it to you to doodle away and add color or cutouts for your inspiration. That’s a happy compromise, I believe, and I’m confident that you’ll enjoy the experience! Because, at the end of the day…

With love,

The words “Fear not” or “Be not afraid” are written in the Torah over twenty times. We see the same refrain at least thirteen times in Psalms. There are twenty-six opportunities to read these encouraging words from the Prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah—not to mention the other, thirty-plus times we are commanded: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” (Exodus 14:13) The Torah’s brilliance is highlighted by the fact that we are not only instructed not to be afraid, but we are also told: “Do not be discouraged.”

Is that asking too much of us, weak and stiff-necked as we are known to be? Even the most faithful, the most courageous person, may stumble and lose their way. Fear is a natural component of our DNA— and not necessarily a bad emotion. After all, we need to be alert and aware of our surroundings. Discouragement, as we are told in this post, is another matter. We lose faith, we lose hope—we become overwhelmed.

The whole world is one long narrow bridge, so it is essential not to make oneself afraid. “
Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav

Given the times, our community needs to reflect on our past and be inspired. More than ever, women today need to acknowledge: We are standing on the shoulders of giants! We need to emulate their strength, courage, and compassion and match it with our own. We need to remember who we are!

What is the worst thing Satan can accomplish? To make a person forget that he or she is a child of God.”
Rabbi Shelomo of Karlin

My book, “From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal~ Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your To day” showcases one hundred women. Women from various eras. Women from diverse backgrounds. Women with different political opinions. Women of Valor. I share a brief snippet of each individual’s history and then provide prompts or questions for the reader to consider. This is a safe space for the reader to jot down their thoughts.

Each vignette is fascinating in its own right, rich in historical and social detail, however, what I loved and appreciated the most, and I believe is the true value and achievement of this publication, are the questions posed in the journaling section, encouraging the reader to think and reflect, and to analyze the historical and contemporary issues related to each story.”
Hilary Welland Miller, Jewish Inspiration at Your Fingertips

I encourage you to read this book. Use it as a resource. Use it help you focus your thoughts, your prayers, your goals and aspirations.

The time set aside for some quiet contemplation is for you, alone—don’t worry what others think or how your opinions might not fit in with the crowd.

I see this journal as an opportunity for spiritual growth. It is an opportunity to resonate with those that came before us, to take the baton forward and to symbolically stand alongside the women that paved the way. It is a reminder that, each day, we are given an opportunity to do better—to live better.

The many sins most people commit are not great crimes. The great crime is that we are all capable of change/reform every day and we do not do it.”
Rabbi Simcha Bunam of Pzhysha

I hope you give this book a chance. Spread the word! And let me know what you think!