During these painful months of violence and war, we have been gathering together with Jewish artists, producers, curators and other arts workers to process deep feelings of suffering, anger, fear, confusion, isolation and grief. These gatherings rose up in response to a shared the desire to connect with other Jews in the art world who are grappling with a similar set of challenges particular to these artistic communities.
We offer this gathering as a space to connect, to share our heartbreak and to explore tools for grounding and supporting ourselves in difficult times. Our time together will be centred around deep listening as well as grounding through song and mindfulness practice. It is our goal to counter isolation with connection, and to open towards hopefulness and healing.
We do not presuppose any particular political orientations and affiliations. However, this is not a context for political debate or to advocate for specific political solutions.
This gathering will be facilitated by FENTSTER Curator Evelyn Tauben together with composer, vocalist and rabbi, Miriam Margles, who is a member of the Senior Core Faculty at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Together, they also have over 25 years of combined experience in various counselling modalities. We may be joined by other special guests.
This is a space for professional artists and arts workers who identify as Jewish. If space allows, Jewish lay leaders of arts organizations are also welcome.
There is no fee to participate but advanced registration is required. Space is limited.
If you’re not sure whether this gathering is for you, feel free to reach out: info@fentster.org
What to Expect from Us
We will begin with an opening circle and grounding practice. We will share communication guidelines that we have developed over time to support resilient listening, honest reflection rooted in our own experiences and the capacity to hold conflicting truths, even within ourselves. We will share responsibility for creating a safe space where everyone is held and can share with authenticity. We will have the opportunity to share and listen within the full group as well as in structured listening pairs. No one will be forced or pressured to do or share anything that they are not comfortable with. We will also offer some framing on the dynamics of anti-Jewish oppression as it impacts our experience as Jews and our capacity to navigate these difficult times with clarity and wisdom. We will close with song and a mindfulness practice.
Additional updates may be added here as we continue to develop the plan and structure for this gathering.
If you have specific questions or concerns, do not hesitate to be in touch with FENTSTER: info@fentster.org
Tea and coffee will also be provided. For care of the environment, please make every effort to bring a reusable cup or mug. The space is accessible but the bathrooms are not accessible - nearby bathrooms at ground level are available.
What We Expect from You
Join us with an open mind and open heart. Be prepared to sing a little, sit a little in quiet contemplation and to meet other Jewish artists who may be having similar or very different experiences to you at this moment. Be prepared to hold this contradiction.
Everyone is requested to be on time and stay for the duration of the gathering - as we are creating a container and opening with communal intentions, it is not possible to admit latecomers.
This is not a space to debate or argue. Anyone being combative will be asked to leave.
We kindly ask that all participants refrain from wearing clothing with slogans or bringing posters or flags into the space.
COVER IMAGE: Detail from a piece by Aya Rosen created for the TOTElly FENTSTER Fundraiser, 2023