“While Penny’s book tells the stories of powerful Jewish women working to make change in their communities, her presentations themselves challenge us to engage with these questions with immediacy and love. Along with the others whose stories are recorded on the pages of her book, Penny exemplifies the activism and passion that inspires those of us working for justice in our communities today.”
“Penny opened a sensitive and profound conversation at our temple. I was hoping to bring an understanding of both privilege and internalized anti-Semitism to my congregation. Penny’s great compassion, vulnerability and insight hit the mark. Most of the participants bought her book and a few are requesting a study group based on it. Kayn Yirbu/May such work increase.”
“Penny’s lecture was a powerful and engaging way for my students to understand the true power of what it means to choose justice. She exposed students to ideas they had not thought of before and enabled them to understand concepts such as internalized oppression through dynamic personal and political stories. My students still reference her lecture in class and in their writing!”
“Penny set up such a safe, gentle and respectful forum for all to learn and share. By the end of her reading and presentation, participants were stimulated, open and strategizing about how to keep the dialogue going.”
“Dr. Rosenwasser’s talk brought together many cross-sections of Princeton’s Jewish community to reckon with the powerful ideas in her book. The participatory style of the event was riveting, and I found myself pondering her deconstruction of “hurt people hurt people” for weeks afterward.”
“Having Penny speak and share her work at our school was a great gift. She brought her powerful political and historical analysis, using compassionate and open-hearted language. This rare combination made a space that many people could participate in, where we could have conversations that we haven’t had before.
“Your interactive approach was just right, and the content flawless — well thought out and well presented.”
“Penny can touch hearts in your community, no matter where in the diaspora you may be. She came to Bozeman MT and touched the souls of Jewish women and men, connected us to how the traumas of our past affect us today, and offered hope for healing through justice. A profound visit that not only offered healing, but also built community.”
“It was a great privilege to hear you speak… Your presentation was woven together so thoughtfully and intelligently as you tackle really hard issues and bring relevance and urgency to light. It is indeed “an activist’s call to repair the world.”
“Penny’s compassion, insight and humor made our first collaboration with members of a local synagogue a meaningful beginning ot transforming Jewish community and expanding dialogue about oppression, privilege and fear.”
“A couple people said it was one of the best Shaarei Shamayim events they ever attended. That’s a huge statement, after years of gatherings in a very warm and connected community. I think we will continue in some way, and use your book. The tone you set and opening you created sparked something sweet, powerful and hopeful. –Congregant from Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, Madison, WI You gave us the emotional support that reminds us WHY we do what we do…Talk and action go together.”
“Penny’s presentation at Kol Tzedek Synogogue was thought-provoking and engaging, and she was a pleasure to work with. I recommend her as a speaker for other congregations and settings in which people are working to integrate Judaism and justice.
“Penny is a wonderful, heartfelt speaker and writer who manages to speak the truth of our deepest fears with the utmost compassion and depth of spirit. A must-see!”
“Penny Rosenwasser puts together a profoundly engaging book talk. Just as her book includes many voices, so does her presentation, weaving in readings by community members, and completely captivating the audience. I laughed, I cried, I recognized myself in new ways, and committed at a deeper level to overcoming oppression in all its forms.”
“Please book Penny for your next event. Her books are dynamic and powerful, and her reading gave me goose bumps.”
“Penny brought a fresh, inspiring conversation to Portland last year. Her talk had depth and humor. She invited discussion about the diverse experiences that shape Jewish identity and the concept of ingrained anti-semitism and injustice. There was dialogue about community, multiculturalism, and the responsibility to do good. People talked and listened. But best of all, they became curious.”
“People were very engaged and found what you have to say, and the way you say it, very meaningful. I think it will open up conversations at the temple in new ways.”
“When Penny started discussing how people, especially trans, female, and queer Jews, can note these internalized negative terms, I felt so relieved that someone understood me. I related to what Penny was saying so deeply that I felt like I could remember this lecture for years.”
“Your book speaks to my own fears and how to overcome them to be a better ally. Denial of fear can be exhausting – while owning/accepting “yes there is fear, and I’m doing it anyway” frees my energy: to first put on my own oxygen mask, but then make room so others who are more threatened, can also breathe. Thank you.”
