Wendy Elisheva Somerson (wes) is a non-binary Jewish somatic healer, writer, visual artist, and activist who helped found the Seattle chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace. They facilitate Ruach, body-based Jewish healing groups held in an anti-Zionist, anti-racist, and feminist framework. As part of a movement of anti-Zionist Jews, they support Jewish healing from historical trauma and promote a liberatory future for Judaism and Jewishness beyond Zionism that includes a free Palestine. Today on the show we discuss their new book An Anti-Zionist Path to Embodied Jewish Healing: Somatic Practices to Heal Historical Wounds, Unlearn Oppression, and Create a Liberated World to Come.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:09 Discussing the Book: An Anti-Zionist Path to Embodied Jewish Healing
01:36 Genocide in Palestine: Context and Impact
04:07 Zionism and Jewish Historical Trauma
06:07 Embodied Jewish Healing: Concepts and Practices
09:26 Technology and Disembodiment
10:32 Anti-Zionism as a Path to Healing
16:12 Spiritual and Ethical Responsibilities
26:42 Activism and Jewish Faith
30:05 Resources and Community for Anti-Zionism
31:46 Somatic Healing Practices
36:58 Hope and Solidarity for the Future
40:07 Conclusion and Farewell
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