"There is only one way of preparing for the new age, by living it even now in our hearts. Somewhere in me I feel so light, without the least bitterness and so full of strength and love. I would so much like to help prepare for the new age and to carry that which is indestructible within me intact, into the new age, which is bound to come, for I can feel it growing inside me, every day." (Etty Hillesum 20th July 1942)

This is a quote which Etty wrote during the second World War. She kept in her heart a vision of a better world in which she wanted to help create. She not only believed in it, she also envisioned it and created space for it in her heart. We are holding an online course in order to develop the capacity to listen to our inner voices and write our own visions. During the course we will read excerpts from Etty's writing.  We will offer writing exercises, Council, guided meditation, group sharing and exchange. We will try to spark the light of vision and to find the words that will strengthen this vision. 

Previous writing experience is not a prerequisite. 

We will have four meetings each with a separate topic:

Session 1: Clearing space for my vision to arise.

Session 2: Facing my grief.

Session 3: Developing my sense of wonder and imagination.

Session 4: Discovering my vision.

Session 5: Discovering my task.

Who is Etty Hillesum?

Etty Hilllesum is a Jewish Dutch woman who died in Auschwitz at the age of 29. She left diaries and letters that she wrote in the last two years in her life. Her writings present a process of a young woman who searched for her inner freedom, chose to believe in the humanness of all people, even those who were so-called “enemies”, carried a vision of a better future in her heart no matter how hard life seemed on the outside.

Who are we?

We are passionate women and peace workers who work for social change and global healing. Dina, (Palestinian), is a lecturer and a writer on the issues of women empowerment and women sexuality. Emma Sham-Ba, (Israeli), is a Rabbi, a poet, and an artist. Three years ago we created the Etty Hillesum Cards in the three languages English, Hebrew, and Arabic because we wanted to share the huge inspiration she gave us with others. 

To know more about our project, you can visit our website: https://www.ettyhillesumcards.com/

There is also a movie about Etty Hillesum and our work, you can watch the trailer here:

https://www.ettyhillesumcards.com/the-film

The course will be in English.  All the meetings will be recorded and available to the course participants. 

We will use a protected online discussion platform to share the written texts and reflections between the lessons. The course is fully facilitated. 

More information will be sent after registration.