This newsletter is an abstract container for me to practice flexibility, coming back, and settling in and not the space where I am most primed to share my words. I see the way newsletters are taking on fascinating forms and yet it is not my community building medium. I experience joy and eager excitement when contributing personal essays to small publications with a theme and gathering for cooking workshops in partnership with community organizations. You will see all the fun I have been up to in the Pantry updates! So what does that mean for the A Crowded Table newsletter?
As likely expected, you will continue to see infrequent updates from me in your inbox. I will send exciting business news, workshop opportunities, and where to find me and my musings in the wild. This will likely be seasonal—but you know how we center flexibility here. These logistical updates will be paired with a recipe, reflective food and cooking metaphor, or shout out to something that has contributed to my practice.
None of this can happen without acknowledging Palestine. My heart remains heavy in witnessing the harm and violence of the Israeli occupation on Palestinians. This is a constant conversation in my communities with efforts to support families in Gaza with resources, organizing with others in Chicago to pressure our elected officials to support a permanent ceasefire, and uplifting the voices and work of Palestinians. I want to highlight the efforts of Chicago based, Palestinian therapist Saja Bilasan. You can learn more about her organizing here.
Food is political and the following pieces are necessary reading on the importance of food in identity, community, and resistance building. I recommend the essay, A Cuisine Under Seize by Laila El-Haddad and a profile in Them with chef Marcelle G Afram on how Everything is for Palestine.
Lujayn, a 14 year old girl in Rafah, recounts her harrowing experiences in this essay, The Bulldozer Kept Coming. I give you her words, “I don’t know if the war will stop while we’re still alive, but what matters is that there are many people resisting with what is more important than weapons. Every day, a father walks under bombardment to feed us. A mother stands against bulldozers and tanks hoping to protect her daughter, knowing that even if she dies, what matters is that her daughter will live. A grandson carries his grandmother and never thinks of leaving her behind for even a moment. A sister pulls her brother out from under the rubble, away from death, and tries to save him.”
How will you resist for Palestine?
If you would like to hear more from me, I have an essay on the meaning of challah making as an anti Zionist Jewish person in the newest edition of Golem Zine. I welcome discussions (fears, doubts, and questions too) on Judaism, Zionism, antisemitism and Islamophobia, community organizing, and protesting.
Next, the Panty!
I contributed a guided visualization for intention setting through gardening in the newest edition of Digest Mag. There are companion recipes for preparing a bountiful radish harvest. Radishes are seasonal for spring and beginner/porch gardener friendly. They grow in roughly two weeks and are best sown throughout the season. Peep the spread, grab your own copy, and get gardening! Speaking of radishes, my backyard garden got a major upgrade this season and the seedlings are officially in the ground. Look out for more in the 2024 summer supper series!
I facilitated a new workshop with Wediko Children's Services alumni and therapists with the Wendt Center for Grief and Loss. We roasted homemade granola and built yogurt bowls while discussing personal values, mindfulness practices, and meaningful connection. My books are open for workshops so if you know an organization, team, or group looking for a unique engagement experience please reach out using this form!
Lastly, my gratitude! I love writing. I love reflecting. I love metaphor and imagery. I love cooking and creating and sharing. I love learning. All of these loves take consistent management and effort and I deeply appreciate the space to grow (like my radishes) in this newsletter. I am so excited to see A Crowded Table take on new forms. If you have ideas for me send them my way at emma@acrowdedtable.net. See you around the table for summer supper!
Beautiful, encouraging and thought provoking as always- love this newsletter in every form it takes & on any timeline!