Tag: expressive writing

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Jewish Journaling for Women of Faith

Mirta Ines Trupp

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 Today” 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!

With love,

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Jewish Motivational Diary

Mirta Ines Trupp

Publication Day is fast approaching! Do you know what to expect when you purchase a copy of “From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal~ Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your Today” ?

I’ll let you in on the little secret… This book will introduce you to one hundred amazing women. You will learn a bit of their story and then address some thought-provoking questions. Perhaps introduce is the wrong word—let’s just say that I didn’t know some of these ladies. Have you heard of: Sadie American, Tikvah Alper, Anita Brenner, Claudia Douek, Shamsi Hekmat, Miriam Michaelson, or Hannah Sen?

That’s the whole point of this book! Meet one hundred inspiring, courageous, trail-blazing women. Jewish women of our recent past. Jewish women who have opened doors for the rest of us. Jewish women who have spoken up. Jewish women who have put their foot down and said, “I’m not having it.”

Jewish women to reinforce our identity, our pride, our purpose.

Coming soon on Amazon. Look for the release on Thanksgiving Day! With love,

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A Daily Motivational Journal

Mirta Ines Trupp

I’ve been writing about my upcoming release for a few weeks now. I’ve called it a Daily Journal, a Daily Devotional, even a Motivational Journal. I talked about expressive writing, introspection, and guidance for your spiritual journey. Are you asking yourself, “So, what is it exactly?”

With Publication Day fast approaching, I thought I’d share an example of just one of the ladies showcased in From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal~ Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your Today.

Let me introduce you to Annie “Londonderry” Kopchovsky ~ 1870-1947

Annie was born in Latvia to Beatrice and Levi Cohen. When she was five years old, her family immigrated and settled in Boston. At the age of eighteen, she married Simon Kopchovsky. She had three babies within four years, yet, indomitable Annie held down a job selling advertising space for Boston newspapers. In 1894, two men placed a bet on whether a woman could travel the world alone on a bicycle. Annie was quoted as saying, “I didn’t want to spend my life at home with a baby under my apron every year,” and she submitted her name for consideration.

The mother of three—Annie had no previous cycling experience—was accepted to take on the challenge. The rules required that the contestant finish her journey within fifteen months, start off penniless, and earn $5,000 along the way. Annie put her advertising skills to work. She hung a sign on her bike advertising the Londonderry Lithia Spring Water Company. That is how Annie “Londonderry” was officially born.

Although she sailed for large portions of her journey, she fulfilled the requirements and cycled alone with a pearl revolver for protection. She returned home just under the allotted time to collect the $10,000 prize. In 1895, Annie became the first woman cyclist to travel around the world. Soon after, the family moved to New York. She wrote an article for “New Woman” that stated, “I am a journalist and ‘a new woman,’ if that term means that I believe I can do anything that any man can do.”

Now, just as I have done in the journal, I will share some questions for you to ponder:

Question Number One:

“A Jew must know that when he goes from one place to another, he is not going on his own, but he is being directed from Above.” (The Baal Shem Tov) Was Annie on a mission for G-d? Do you feel the Hand of G-d directing you?

Question Number Two:

A Chabad post postulated that, like a bike, our lives are also made up of multiple parts—most importantly, two parents and G-d. We do are best in the balancing act we call Life. But while we’re enjoying the ride, we must keep in mind that it’s not all our own doing. We must always remember who sustained us, molded us, inspired us to keep on pedaling. Who’s riding in tandem with you?

Question Number Three:

What does Annie’s story teach us about breaking barriers?

Question Number Four:

What are other “take-aways”? In other words, are you inspired to jot down any other thoughts that have come to mind?

So there you have it! An example of what you can expect when you pick up your own copy.

I’ve provided you with one hundred fabulous women. We will meet the meidelach, young women just getting started and trying to figure things out, and the matriarchs who are shouldering the burdens of life and leading by example. I will share a brief snippet of their stories, one woman for the next one hundred days. One hundred opportunities to inspire your thoughts, your creativity, your philanthropy, your Jewish observance or your Jewish identity.

What do you think? Are you interested? Are you up for the challenge?

I hope so! Until next time…

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A Daily Devotional-ish

Mirta Ines Trupp

As a great fan of Jane Austen, it is not hard to imagine that I devour all sorts of material about the author and her life. Jane was the daughter of an Anglican clergyman. Her novels, as well as her personal correspondence highlight her connection to her faith. In reading fan-fiction, and following like-minded authors who are fans of Austen’s work, I’ve come across the practice of keeping a devotional. To be honest, I had to do some research on the subject. I thought it might just be a Christian practice. But, as I worked on my latest project, From Meidelach to Matriarchs: A Journal~ Jewish Women of Yesteryear to Inspire your Today, I found that I crafted something definitely Jew-ish.

Everyone likes to go their own way~ to choose their own time and manner of devotion.”

Jane Austen

Keeping a devotional journal is a way to reflect on your principles and what’ve you’ve gleaned from religious practice, readings, lessons, etc. It can help you focus on certain topics. It can help you track your progress while you set out on a spiritual journey.

Use it to:

Reflect, write down your thoughts, and apply the lessons

Write a prayer of your own

Set spiritual goals

Get creative

Here are three samples of non-Jewish authors who’ve done just that with their own Jane Austen devotional journals:

Credit to : Thomas Nelson, Shannon Winslow, and Rachel Dodge

I know what you’re thinking. You’re already coming up with excuses.

Excuse #1: It doesn’t sound quite… kosher.

Some people pray and recite psalms and proverbs on a daily basis. Others say the words that in their hearts and minds. Some people attend services every week. Others only go to synagogue during the High Holidays. As Jews, we have rituals such as our morning prayers, tefillin, and blessings of thanksgiving. We do charitable work. We light our Shabbes candles. A devotional journal can be another ritual or tool in our spiritual connection.

Excuse #2: Ugh! I’m not interested in Jane Austen.

News flash: This journal is actually not at all related to Jane Austen.

Excuse #3: You’re too busy for another commitment.

What if you change your mindset and think of this as a self-care moment—a special treat, like a mani-pedi or meeting a friend for tea? What if you choose to use this journal, not only for its entertainment value, but to nourish your neshama, your Jewish soul? Here are some suggestions that you might find helpful:

Make an Appointment~ This is your time to reconnect

Decide on a timeframe~ Set a realistic amount of time aside. 15 minutes?

Choose a Place~ Set up a cozy nook, have a pen, highlighter, etc. handy

Be flexible ~ Life happens! Be kind to yourself and adjust as necessary

Publication day is fast approaching! Stay tuned and follow this page for release updates.

With love,

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Cover Reveal~ A Daily Journal for Jewish Women

Mirta Ines Trupp

The last blog post discussed the concept of expressive writing and my hopes for publishing something unique and thought provoking. This project is not a historical fiction based in Russia or Argentina. It’s not a Regency Romance in keeping with my love for Jane Austen. My sixth publication is a daily journal about—and more importantly, for—Jewish women. It will provide a bit of structure and a comfortable environment to reflect upon historical accomplishments, religious identity, moral questions, life cycle events, and so much more.

If you were to search for a daily journal on Amazon, the results would be staggering. As a matter of fact, in recent years the market has been overwhelmed with these so-called low content publications. These books have minimal, or even, no content— just pages of empty lines waiting to be filled with the consumer’s own thoughts. The author provides a quote or a simple phrase as motivation, but that’s about it. I’ve crafted something a bit different.

Technically, my project is considered medium content. There is some repetition in that I have provided space for you, the consumer, to write. However, rather than offering a quote or prayer as inspiration, I have provide a brief synopsis for each of the one hundred women showcased in the journal. After each snippet of history, there are three thoughtfully constructed questions to help you navigate through your thoughts and strengthen your resolve, your point of view—your faith.

Another factor that differentiates my project from other journals is that it’s specifically geared towards Jewish women. Naturally, everyone is welcome to enjoy it and learn from it. I believe any person of faith would find the journal an enlightening and useful tool. That being said, the P.O.V. for this project (Point of View—that’s me trying to show off my author’s vocabulary) is unapologetically Jewish. Jennifer Wulff, Certified Spiritual Director, believes that, “Expressive journaling becomes a sacred and holy space, where you can explore your deepest questions and strengthen the connections between yourself and the Divine.” Now, more than ever, it is important to find our own voice. To look back with pride and to look forward without fear. To be comfortable in our own skin.

Shoyn! (as my bobe used to say) Enough already! I promised a cover reveal. So, here it is:

Nu? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Publishing Day is fast approaching! I look forward to hearing from you soon.

With love,

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Expressive Writing~ A Daily Journal for the Jewish Woman

Mirta Ines Trupp

I originally drafted this up a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn’t bring myself to share it due to the horrific situation in Israel. Reading enlightening work shared by other authors, and coming across requests for uplifting posts, I’ve decided to take make this a public piece.

In recent years, journal writing, or engaging in expressive writing, has been proven to have a positive impact on the participant. It helps us be more mindful, to be more grateful. It helps improve focus and alleviates stress. But studies have shown that simply writing onto a blank page doesn’t necessarily produce positive benefits. As with everything else, it’s the intention that matters. It’s about introspection and connection.

That’s where my new project comes in.

As many of you know, I am drawn to the success stories of days gone by. I’ve been working on creating a daily journal that will allow us to get acquainted—or reacquainted, as the case may be—with the women of yesteryear.

We’ll meet the meidelach, the young women who were just getting started and were trying to figure things out. We’ll meet the matriarchs who shouldered the burdens of life and led by example.

Here’s the plan: I will share a brief snippet of their stories, one woman for one hundred days. One hundred opportunities to inspire your thoughts, your creativity, your philanthropy, your Jewish observance or your Jewish identity. Let’s not focus on politics or other ideologies that may only serve to cause division. Let’s focus instead on the uniting factors.

We are women.

We are Jewish.

We are daughters, sisters, mothers, and wives.

Some of us are a balabusta. Some of us are a bluestocking. Some of us have a yiddishe kop for business. Of one thing I am certain:

There is an Eshet Chayil (a Woman of Valor) in every one of us.

My suggestion would be that the reader take a few minutes to learn about one woman each day—just one. Truly think about her, where she came from, what she accomplished. Reflect on the barriers she had to overcome. Does her experience resonate with you? Allow yourself to be inspired. There will be prompts to jot down your thoughts and additional space to scribble a few notes, ask G-d for guidance—put things into perspective. I will include a page where you can track your observations at the end of this journey. There is no pressure, no judgement. That’s the beauty of this journal. No one needs to know; it’s just between you and the Woman of Valor that lives inside you.

How does that sound? Does it appeal to you? I hope you will enjoy it and share it with your family, friends and loved ones. I can’t wait for Publication Day! This will be an enlightening resource or a lovely gift for all Jewish women. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Bat Mitzvah
  • Confirmation
  • Hebrew School Teacher
  • Rabbi
  • Cantor
  • Birthday
  • Chanukah
  • Sisterhood
  • Woman of Valor Award
  • Book club
  • Dvar Torah

More to follow soon!