Asynchronous Workshop: “Spiritualizing the Ordinary” with Yehoshua November

Given contemporary poetry’s largely secular leanings, it’s not surprising that few poets today celebrate supernatural miracles, overtly religious experiences, or Divinity, in general. But how does one explain contemporary poetry’s tendency to insist on profound meaning in the ordinary—a tendency that, at times, appears to border on obsession? In this workshop, we will look at a Chassidic text that might speak to this seeming paradox. Then, with this teaching in mind, we will read several contemporary poems and go on to write our own pieces that attempt to spiritualize the ordinary. We will also branch out into several additional prompts with a variety of craft elements in mind.

Workshop Costs

Purchase the asynchronous workshop here to receive:

• One recorded class
• Link to poems discussed in class

$36—standard registration

$30—discounted registration for Yetzirah Members (you can become a member here)

*As we want our offerings to be accessible to all, there is a pay-what-you-can option if this pricing is a hardship. Please contact Kyra Lisse at klisse@yetzirahpoets.org for a sliding scale option.

About Yehoshua

Yehoshua November is the author of God’s Optimism (a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize), Two Worlds Exist (a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award and Paterson Poetry Prize), and The Concealment of Endless Light (Orison Books, fall 2024).