Finding Home in Our Ancestors' Stories: A Jewish Herbalism and Writing Workshop

How do Jews in the diaspora connect with our ancestors?

It can be a process carried through practice, ritual, stories, and as Ami Weintraub tells in To the Ghosts Who are Still Living, listening and returning to land. On November 25, join us for an evening with the author as we discuss their new book and reflect on the importance of land-based traditions for Jews in the diaspora.

To the Ghosts Who are Still Living is a collection of essays that explores themes of diasporic healing, ancestral connection, and Jewish memory. Weintraub recounts the lived and imagined experiences of his Jewish ancestors, guiding readers on his journey from the front-line in Pittsburgh to his family’s ancestral village in Poland.

We are pleased to welcome Weintraub for a participatory workshop, tailored to inspire reflections on land, plants, and herbs in a Jewish context. A portion of the evening will also be dedicated to looking at stories about herbal medicine and plant magic that come up in Jewish folklore and records as presented by Celia Robinovitch.

This event is free of charge. Pre-registration is required for all who wish to attend. Reserve your spot early as capacity is limited. Copies of To the Ghosts Who are Still Living will be available for purchase on site.

This event is a part of the Jewish Herbalism Learning Circle, an ongoing series presented by Celia Robinovitch with support from the Montreal Jewish Arts Collaborative (MJAC).

About Our Guests:

Ami Weintraub (he/they) is a Jewish writer and Rabbinic student. Ami is the author of the personal memoir, "To the Ghosts Who are Still Living." Ami is the founder and former director of Ratzon:Center for Healing and Resistance, a Jewish, queer anarchist community center in Pittsburgh. Currently, Ami is in his 5th year of study in the Aleph Rabbinic Ordination Program. A focus of Ami's work and community organizing is building a world without domination where people can freely connect to their cultures, lands and bodies. He currently spends time learning about the Jewish mystical traditions of trees, meditation and trance experiences. Learn more: https://www.amiweintraub.com/teaching

Celia Robinovitch is a Montreal-based social worker, herbalist and DJ. She holds a bachelor’s in social work from McGill and is a graduate of the Concordia City Herbal Apprenticeship Program. Celia has worked extensively in community outreach, harm reduction, and urban agriculture. She currently works at Santropol Roulant on the Meals on Wheels team, and spends her free time DJing and learning more about Jewish herbalism traditions in hopes of integrating her Jewish heritage with her love for plants and accessible healthcare. 

Accessibility: Please note that our building is not currently accessible to visitors with limited mobility. This workshop will take place on the ground level, which is accessible via ramp.