I’ve heard that the phrase “people of the book” was meant to be an insult, but I choose not to take it that way. Neither, I think, does the historian Rabbi Berel Wein. He is fond of saying that if Jews are the people of any book, it’s the Gemara as opposed to the Written Torah. Either way, most Jews are bookish people. As I wrote in my column in our shul's annual bulletin, it was the existence of a shul book club that brought me to Stanton, though the progressive worldview was what got me to stay. I also wrote that Rabbi Staller spoke to me about chairing the social justice committee the first time I met him. Here it is, a little over a year later, and he’s found a much better fit for me. Stanton Street now has its own writing group! I’m so flattered to have been asked to run it!
Just as we are the “people of the book,” I firmly believe that everybody, whether Jewish or not, has the wherewithal to write a book. Language is the way we process the world, so writing talent comes naturally to most people. It’s more common than being able to carry a tune, and much more common than drawing ability. By the same logic, everyone has a body, so perhaps we could all be athletes if we’d put in the time and effort. Writing is similar. The difference between professional writers, hobbyists like me, and people who’ve never ventured to try, is time and practice.
As I write this, the last few Torah portions have been about the Mishkan. One Torah podcast I listen to asked the question: how was it known that Betzalel was fitting for the holy task of crafting vessels for the Mishkan? The answer is surprisingly simple. He didn’t have to take a test, show a portfolio, or give references. He had artistic talent, so it was understood that he was meant to use it al kiddush Hashem. And that is my prayer for our newly launched writing group. May all our talents be used for Hashem’s kavod and to create unity amongst ourselves and klal Yisroel.
To join our writing group, please be in touch. No experience necessary!
