How to Write a Social Justice D’var Torah that’s not a Dud
Guy Izhak Austrian
For those wanting to “cry freedom” to a Jewish audience, the d’var Torah is a key opportunity. But who hasn’t groaned through a predictable d’var Torah that hits an audience on the head with a self-righteous message while distorting or disregarding the text? We’ll learn how to balance moral clarity with nuance; how to engage and challenge the Torah text with love and respect; and how to meet and move an audience. Each participant will work independently on a d’var Torah, with the support of the group. Some will share their divrei Torah with an NHC audience at the end of the Institute.
Guy Izhak Austrian writes for the American Jewish World Service’s weekly Torah commentary, Dvar Tzedek, and has delivered divrei Torah in front of audiences as large as 2,000 people. Formerly a community organizer with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, he is now a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. He lives with his life partner, Jill Jacobs, and their daughter Lior.
Categories
- Contemporary Issues
- Spiritual and Religious Life
- Text for Everyone
- Morning Course
