Dorot Presents
Big Idea in a Small Package: An Introduction to Legacy Letters
Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 pm
Jewish civilizations contain a remarkable tradition of letter writing called ethical wills, but the tradition is not well known. Dr. Lesley Simpson will introduce students to this repository (with origins in the Torah).
Lesley will show what these letters look and sound like, why they matter, and when people may write one. The letters constitute a way of transmitting values and wisdom to the next generation. This presentation will be an informal conversation, rather than a formal lecture and participants will have an opportunity to hear a series of Jewish ethical wills written by Jews both young and old from different parts of the Jewish world.
An ethical will is not a legal document and has no legal power. The power resides in the voice of the person who has taken the time to write one.
Dr Lesley Simpson’s PhD explores Jewish ethical wills and paradigms of Jewish memory. Lesley is writing a play and creating an anthology of these remarkable letters called My Grandfather’s Scissors. Those who come to the class will be invited to submit a Jewish ethical will for consideration in the anthology, and Lesley promises to read each submission. Submission is not a promise of publication. For details write to [email protected]
The Dorot program is generously sponsored by Carole and Jay Sterling and Family.
