Motivational Journal – Mirta Ines Trupp~ Author

I had the pleasure and the honor of participating in the Jewish Book Council Network Conference. This is an extraordinary experience! It gives authors the opportunity to present their latest book in a unique forum. It provides program directors, libraries, synagogues and other venues from across the country, a more personalized, in-depth look into potential speakers and their work. The conference is done via Zoom and lasts several days. Just imagine! All that creativity, knowledge, and enthusiasm for Jewish literature!

The scope of presentations cover practically every genre imaginable. The authors themselves ranged from newbies to established, professional writers. It was inspiring to be included amongst such talent. It was intimidating as well.

Authors are given two minutes to present their book. A two-minute shpiel, if you will, to entice, intrigue, and inspire. Listening to the other presenters was a rare treat. I was moved by several authors as they talked about their journey and the body of their work. With so many great titles published this year, I encourage you to take a look at the JBC website to find the ones that speak to you.

In preparing for the event, authors are given the opportunity to be coached by seasoned professionals. Presentations are reviewed and revised with a focus on timing and content. As the saying goes: Editing is never easy, but always necessary! Being the only Austenite in the line up—or, at least, that was my assumption—I came across a “hiccup” or two in trying to explain my POV (point of view). I would have liked to have shared more about the concept of Austen devotionals or my passion about historical Jewish women; but, two minutes goes by quickly! There isn’t much time to go into detail or provide background. Here is the text of my presentation:

Hello everyone. As a woman, an immigrant, and a Jew, I found that following in Jane Austen’s footsteps helped me find my voice. She wrote about her surroundings with a keen eye. She used humor to call out the injustices of her society; and in this brilliant manner, Austen touched upon some heady subjects that are still relevant today. This form of Realism coincided with my purpose for writing Judaic storylines.

When I set out to write, “From Meidelach to Matriarchs,” I took Austen’s words to heart. She said, “Everyone likes to go their own way—to choose their own time and manner of devotion.” I found this to be very relatable to Judaism. As the old saying goes, you put two Jews together and you end up with three opinions. Judaism encourages debate and contemplation. It challenges us to cultivate habits that help connect to the Divine.

My previous books are Austenesque in nature; however my latest book is different. As a non-fiction and motivational journal, it is a form of…spiritual work. It asks the reader to interact with the text. It is a reminder that we, as Jewish women, are standing on the shoulders of giants. From athletes to actors, social workers to socialites, playwrights to pioneers—these women faced adversity, found their voices, and won! We need to emulate their strength, their courage, and compassion and walk in that light.

“From Meidelach to Matriarchs” focuses on one hundred women from various eras and diverse backgrounds. I share a snippet of each individual’s history and then provide questions for consideration. It’s a Bu-Jo (that’s a bullet journal for us Boomers) and a safe space for you to jot down your thoughts. There is no pressure, no judgement. That’s the beauty of this book. No one needs to know; it’s just between you and the Woman of Valor within.

What do you think? Was I successful in representing myself and my newest book? Let me know your thoughts and don’t forget to keep your eyes on the Jewish Book Council’s website with updates on the 2024-2025 season!

With love,

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A Daily Devotional for Women of Valor~ Inspired by Jane Austen

December 28, 2023January 12, 2024 Mirta Ines Trupp

Miss Caroline Bingley provides a definition of a “lady of quality” in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. However, in trying to call attention to Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s lack of social graces (the young lady would rather read, than play cards. Heavens!) Miss Bingley miscalculates and misses her mark. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy sees past the thinly veiled attack and offers a rejoinder of his own.

All this she must possess,” added Darcy, “and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.”
Pride and Prejudice~ Jane Austen

Without a doubt, Jane Austen was familiar with Proverbs 31. After all, she was the daughter of a Anglican rector. No doubt, she drew inspiration from the words that described a Woman of Valor. In fact, Austen’s own brother made certain to memorialize her using a quote from the same passage.

She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness”
Proverbs 31:26

Miss Elizabeth Bennet is known to be witty—a nicer way of saying sarcastic—and quick to judge. Certainly, the opposite of speaking with wisdom and kindness. Like any character worthy of notice, however, she goes through a series of events that spark introspection and change. Austen provides the arc for this character’s spiritual and emotional growth.

When Miss Bennet arrived at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy observed her skirts covered “six inches deep in mud…her hair, so untidy, so blowsy!” Instead of censuring her for her lack of grace as Miss Bingley was quick to do, Mr. Darcy saw a woman whose mission that day was to attend to her sister, Jane, who had taken ill. Clearly, the young lady had no improper pride; she was not there to exhibit or to lay claim to her many accomplishments. Later, when the party gathered in drawing room, he saw a young lady who would not be swayed by peer pressure. Elizabeth Bennet stood her ground against Miss Bingley and read a book, rather than play at cards.

In the 1995 version of Austen’s novel, Lizzy is asked to perform at the piano during a visit to Pemberley. She had no great talent, and often admitted her failure to practice. Lizzy does play, however, and the room is delighted. It is probably one of the most beloved scenes of the series. The admiration on Mr. Darcy’s face says it all. Throughout the novel, he was known to be a man who despises cunning and deception. He cannot, therefore, fail to notice Lizzy’s strength of character, her kindness, her vivacity, and grace.

It’s my belief that, in showing the character’s ability to reflect, to admit her own failings, and to seek to come up a bit higher, Austen created an Eishet Chayil —a Woman of Valor.

There are many in Austen’s fan base that have crafted devotionals inspired by the author’s work and personal life. I hope to add to the flavor, so to speak, by offering my own take on Women of Valor with this motivational journal.

With love,

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Jewish Journaling for Women of Faith

December 21, 2023January 12, 2024 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 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!

With love,

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Daily Journal for Jewish Women~ Bear with me…it’s Publication Day!

November 23, 2023January 12, 2024 Mirta Ines Trupp

Yeah! The day has arrived! Today is Publication Day! And because it is Publication Day…there have been a few hiccups.

Hopefully, Amazon will get it straightened out by tomorrow.

And because of those pesky algorithms…

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