Rebecca Herz
Licensed Social Worker, Psychotherapist, West Bergen Mental Healthcare (School Based) & Equality Mental Health (Clinic Based)
Biography
Rebecca Herz is a Judaism inspired poet, fiction writer, and psychotherapist. Her two poetry collections, Homecoming and other poems (2023, Prolific Pulse) and Locus of Control (2026, Prolific Pulse), can be found wherever books are sold. She lives in New Jersey, United States with her wife, toddler, and two warring cats.
What is the relationship between Judaism and/or Jewish culture and your poetry?
Jewish inspiration for my writing originates from the daily intention to honor the sacrifices of my ancestors. Since my most direct ancestors were secular, much of my work in Homecoming and Locus of Control centers on reconciliation of contradictions. These opposing lenses are 1. Judaism as an authentic, personal practice, 2. Judaism as a culture passed down to me before I had the wherewithal to question it.
Though my poetry reflects my choice to observe in a way that is orthodox adjacent, it diverges from this choice in both implicit and explicit ways. As a radical queer feminist, I examine the assumptions behind ritual with a deep reverence and ardent, urgent, analysis.
The kavanah behind my Jewish mysticism infused voice is to bring the mindset of literary criticism to the text, to queer the liturgy, and honor the silenced of our collective. All of these influences intersect intimately within my work and my life.
Published Works
Homecoming and other poems (2023, Prolific Pulse) and Locus of Control (2026, Prolific Pulse)
Links to Sample Works
Genius in a bottle, “Brought down to the earth.” (Homecoming and other poems)
The Happy Human, “a single flame.” (Homecoming and other poems)
See Author Page:
https://www.prolificpulse.com/rebeccaherz
