Testimonials: Yetzirah Jewish Poetry Conference

Yotzer Fellows

“I don’t think I could have asked for a better experience. As an emerging poet, I had the advantage of talking to poets almost exclusively more experienced than me, including wonderful people who have been writing poetry for longer than I have been alive. But there was no sense of vying for prestige, no sense of competitiveness anywhere to be found at Yetzirah. I think part of this was the sense that we are a community who share Jewishness between us, and this made us all feel understood and connected . . . I exclusively met lovely, kind, thoughtful people who love poetry and love being Jewish. And I treasured the experiences of talking to mostly secular poets for whom Jewishness is primarily an ethnic identity at one moment and talking to those who live and breathe religious texts the next. There was no sense of hostility, no sense of questioning who is ‘Jewish enough.’ This extended to poetry. I never felt I was not ‘poet enough’ either. I will remember this conference for my whole life.”

“Yetzirah is a physical manifestation of tikkun olam. It’s so refreshing to be a part of it. When I got back from the conference, my mom called me and asked me how it went. She is an unaffiliated Jew herself, but she was so happy to hear that Yetzirah was a place I could a) feel welcome as an observant Jew, b) feel a soul-to-soul connection with each person there no matter their Jewish affiliation, and c) feel like every conversation about poetry was also a conversation about the soul, so the whole thing was a mind-soul exercise that left me exhausted and happy.”

“I felt that I had come home.”

“During the last week of June, I decided to take my vacation time attending a poetry conference organized by Yetzirah: A Hearth for Jewish Poets in Asheville, North Carolina. It was a beautiful experience, and felt deeply indulgent to invest in my own art and practice for a whole week.

For five days, I was surrounded by generations of poets telling me, ‘Art is important. Art is important,’ until I actually believed it. I wrote a lot in my teens and early twenties—I was a founding editor of a Philadelphia-based literary journal, published in many small presses, and even nominated for a Pushcart. But since starting graduate school at Harvard Divinity School, I put aside much of my creative work to write essays, sermons, speeches, and fundraising emails. I entered the conference wondering: is poetry still the medium for me?

When I named myself a poet at sixteen, it was in part because I fell in love with poetry: the hidden meanings within line breaks; the way a poem looked on the page; the invitation to put together disparate memories and images and find common threads between them. But I also found poetry a safer medium than memoir or fiction. Through poetry, I could comment on uncomfortable observations, jealousies, injustices, and confusions without making definitive statements or taking strong stances. I could hide behind obscurity and form, and ask my readers to take guesses at the “true” meaning of my words without needing to commit to an answer.

As an adult, I am a community organizer, activist, and occasional leader. I give speeches at rallies and protests; organize alternative Jewish spaces; create personal and public rituals that meet the political moment; and lead an interfaith organization in a politically complex corner of Massachusetts.

When I decided to attend Yetzirah, I came in holding questions I could not name until several days in: as an adult, could I still call myself a poet? More importantly, did I want to? If I could disguise myself through poetic form and flowery language, then perhaps it was no longer the right artistic medium for me as an adult seeking to distinguish myself in the world.

But the teachers of Yetzirah—Dana Levin, Alicia Ostriker, Edward Hirsch, and countless others—pushed back on this young conception of poetry. They emphasized, again and again, that poetry is a space where deep authenticity can emerge. It creates opportunities to express the inexpressible, recognize and honor contradiction, and build original relationships between concepts, images, and experiences.

‘If you’re a poet, poetry helps you explain yourself to yourself,’ said Hirsch, the keynote speaker. If that was true of myself fifteen years ago, then perhaps developing a connection with poetry now could do the same. The poet-teachers I learned from emphasized that poetry—even political poetry—was not always about making a statement, but providing the reader with an experience.

‘Sometimes our resistance is because some part of us doesn’t want to come through,’ said Dana Levin, one of the workshop instructors. The concept that my poetry could offer my readers and listeners an experience, rather than a definitive statement, felt powerful. Was there anything more authentic, more vulnerable, than an experience of who I am as expressed through a poem?

I left with a journal full of drafts, quotes, reading suggestions, and prompts. I felt grounded by conversations with poets who lived through decades before me; energized by poet interns who shared pieces of their work around our closing bonfire. Conversations, workshops, and readings were filled with laughter, intimate familiarity, and genuine curiosity. The warmth of the space left me with ideas, possibilities, and questions that felt generative and substantive.

As I emerge from Yetzirah’s hearth, I am not sure what happens next. Will I reclaim the identity of a poet? What will my voice look and sound like as I cross the threshold into my next decade? In this political moment—and in all political moments—it feels indulgent and generous to give myself space to create, to explore my identity, and to sit with the crossings and trails that brought me to this place. But in the words of Levin, ‘We must remember the parts of the world that are not the state—and poetry can help us do it.’” —Shir Lovett-Graff

“I feel more curious and connected to Jewish history and liturgy than I did before—so many folks’ perspectives on so many different aspects of Judaism give me a kind of permission to read more deeply and fill in some of the gaps in my knowledge. Also, I am SO GRATEFUL for a space that honors the vast diversity of Jewish experience and interests instead of focusing on a narrow few.”

“I had a wonderful time attending Yetzirah. Being in an intergenerational space with 36 funny, wise, and compassionate poets was an absolute pleasure. The space provided a fertile and rich ground for my work and identity formation, and I loved hearing about how poetry moved across the lifetime for many poets in the room.”

“I believe that spaces like this are built from the top down. In other words, the open, nonjudgmental, ‘big Jewish tent’ tone was set from the top and it filtered down to everyone. I can easily picture a different Jewish poetry organization that would not work as well and which would have a totally different feel and tone to it. Good people find, hire, connect with and invite good people, and so I’m not only grateful that a community like Yetzirah exists, I’m grateful that Jessica Jacobs is the person who dreamed it into being.”

“What a joy and a necessity that Yetzirah is in the world! I have learned so many new things about being a Jew and have made some very deep friendships by attending the conferences.”

“Be prepared to be uplifted, deepened, and extended.”

“I know attending a new conference might be, initially, scary. I want to reassure you that here, at the Yetzirah conference, you will be allowed to be yourself and feel very accepted.”

“I am incredibly grateful for this conference’s dedication to Jewish diversity; people of all backgrounds and religious affiliations united in a glorious week of deep, true, human connection. I am especially grateful to Yetzirah for inviting me to be a conference member when I am so early in my poetry career.”

“This conference made me feel a sense of unity and peace within myself and between the other conference members. I found deep, meaningful connections and the clarity that poetry is the correct—and necessary—step forward in my life.”

“Several years ago I chose between rabbinical school and poetry—choosing to explore the holy through poems rather than pulpit. I am still a wannabe rabbi sometimes, but Yetzirah nourishes me immensely as a Jewish poet and reminds me that I made the right choice . . . This conference is the most uplifting, centering poetry experience that I have ever had. It uplifts me as a poet, as a Jew, and as a Jewish poet—and I feel like I come away a better person. I’ve been twice and made lasting friends both times I’ve attended. Yetzirah is a real gift.”

“The Yetzirah conference combines the highest-level discussions about poetry and poetic craft and history with Jewish thought, culture, and texts. Wherever you are as a poet or a Jew, this conference develops poetry skills and enriches the mind and soul.”

“To anyone who is passionate about Jewish poetry (or would like to be), this is an ideal community—in all aspects—offering support and creative opportunities to develop both one’s poetry and one’s Judaism to the extent to which each participant is interested and able.”

“I am a better, happier Jewish person because of this network of kindred spirits who raise the bar on humanity and make me sing with pride and joy.”

“My experience was complex and wonderfully rich. The poetic/artistic caliber was extremely high, and I appreciated the atmosphere of inclusion and openness to many different ways of relating to Jewishness. I didn’t know what to expect beforehand—I was actually quite nervous about feeling like an impostor. But Jessica’s vision has really created a welcoming space where it felt safe to participate, explore, and ask questions.”

“The warmth and camaraderie from fellow Jewish poets is unequaled by any other conference I’ve attended. It is both a grounding experience and one that will help you soar in your writing as a Jewish poet.”

“This was a powerful and quite unusual conference experience, especially in the tone of warmth, openness, generosity, and non-competitiveness that was set early on and felt throughout.”

“This conference is right for anyone who has felt their Jewish community as separate from their poetry community or, as a Jew, has felt alienated by so many literary groups. Yetzirah’s conference brings together those two worlds in a lovely, nonjudgmental, inspiring way for Jewish poets at all levels of observance and all levels of poetic practice.”

“I was amazed at the depth of discussions and the commitment to serious Jewish thought that I encountered. I feel that my writing will be bolder and more authentically Jewish as a result of the conference. I loved being so open and unabashedly Jewish in my learning and participation.”

“Yetzirah gave me a safe place to pause, a place to be among friends but also a place to grow and develop intellectually.”

“The conference was everything I hoped for and more. In so many ways it energized me, in opening new doorways into writing, in finding new connections with Jewish history, liturgy, and culture, and creating opportunities for ongoing learning with others at the conference.”

“I think [Yetzirah has] accomplished a small miracle.”

“The whole experience was . . . really an act of love for poets and poetry.”

“It is more than a week out and I am still basking in the experience. Life-changing.”

“Brilliant event. Transcendent.”

“The conference was an extraordinary experience and I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to be among Jewish poets in a safe, supportive, nurturing environment. I would tell anyone considering applying to do so without hesitation and if lucky enough to be accepted, to go, go, go!”

“To dwell in Jewish community and poetry at once is a gift. Yetzirah has created a space of voice, of heart, and of good people willing a community into being.”

“Give yourself the gift of this conference.”

“The conference was an absolutely stunning experience—beautiful, warm, intellectually and spiritually and creatively invigorating. I have never felt this way at a poetry conference before. To someone considering applying, I would say unequivocally: come and see.”

Dayenu Cohort

“We really formed a little family. It was like Jewish summer camp except with poetry and wind instead of arts & crafts.”

“The days were stimulating, inspiring, and filled with the feeling of creativity and community. The experience continues to feed me in many ways.”

“Intense, immersive, warm, welcoming, mishpacha, inclusive, INSPIRING.”

“There are few spaces where I feel such a profound sense of acceptance across Jewish denominational lines as Yetzirah. Whether someone worries that they might be too ritually observant or “not Jewish enough” for the community, I say: come, and welcome! You’ll find folks like you, and likely find community across and within our differences. We’re all speaking a common language here—Poetry, not Hebrew or English or Yiddish—and that brings us all together.”

“It was the first time in months where I felt completely free and safe to express my Jewish identity in any form. Talk about sanctuary.”

“For a lot of reasons, I have not had a substantive Jewish community for several decades now. This conference gave that to me and allowed me to feel in touch with and to express unselfconsciously a part of myself that I have not been in touch with in this way for a long time.”

“These are such troubling times, and Yetzirah is a salve. The connection among the participants is immediate, and there is no need to explain yourself. We all feel each other’s pains and joys. We can freely be Jews and all that that means. It feels like a historic continuation of our long tradition of learning together and expressing gratitude.”

“My relationship to Judaism and Jewish culture is ever-evolving, and the knowledge and perspectives shared at Yetzirah have expanded and extended my understanding and my hunger to learn and experience more.”

“I think the huge part of the week that impacted me was the feeling that I could just be myself. It may be silly, but I know a lot of Jews, myself included, feel like they have to turn on stealth mode when we are in the broader world . . . At Yetzirah, I felt that I could speak my mind and know that while another might not agree with me, we could absolutely all support one another as artists and as Jews.”

“The atmosphere at the conference is totally nonjudgmental, and all voices are welcome. So newcomers should not feel intimidated.”

“A terrific melding of poetry and Jewish atmosphere.”

“It was a wonderful and uplifting experience, and had a big impact on how I feel about writing and especially publishing my writing. I felt heard and acknowledged. I could be my full self and feel accepted. Atmosphere of kindness and listening and sharing. Sense of equality among all.  Beautiful and heartfelt poetry.”

“Don’t hesitate. You will be enriched creatively, intellectually, spiritually and communally and you will help to enrich others.”

“My experience is of over-the-top gratitude and awe. How can this be? Yetzirah is exactly what so many of us long for and rarely find—learning in a community of a diverse people bound by our love of jewish tradition and culture. A G-d-send.”

Dayenu Online Cohort

“The experience had unexpectedly profound reverberations. The conference helped me to realize and remember the many ways I can engage with myself and the world as a Jew beyond organized religion (which has been alienating for me over the years).”

“The focus on poetry as prayer was provocative, and is pushing me to reflect more about what can be considered prayer and why I would care about this or explore it in my poetry. I have already written a new poem based on a prompt from the panel on this topic and expect there may be more, even a series.”

“I did not expect the depth of knowledge of Judaism that the panelists and audience exhibited.”

“It was a delicious feast.”

“The conference opened my eyes to the vast world of Jewish poetry, past and present.”

“Even though I was participating through Zoom, I felt welcomed and involved in the workshops. Being able to discuss Jewish themes, not necessarily religious ones, was wonderful.”

“The Yetzirah community is so vibrant, and extends far beyond the conference week. I’d recommend taking advantage of every opportunity to stay connected.”

“I was surprised and pleased at how participatory the online workshops were. I felt involved, not just sitting and listening.” 

“Writers of all faiths can be part of Dayenu Online. The instruction is top-notch.”

“I especially appreciated that there was an explicit Jewish theme to each of the workshops. It’s something I don’t get anywhere else, and it expands my ability to deepen the Jewish themes in my writing.”

“The conference made me proud that there are so many fantastic Jewish poets!!!”

“By all means, apply. Expect it to be a very rich, full, and perhaps even overwhelming experience, in the best way possible.”