It was my honor and pleasure to be Marcie Sclove’s guest on her inspiring program “Going Deeper.”
Marcie’s questions (which she had not shared in advance), led me into surprising territory, replete with spontaneity, vulnerability, memory, revelation and joy.
The only thing I knew heading into this interview—besides trusting Marcie Sclove’s gift for deep asking and deep listening—was to bring my poem, “In There With Those Girls” and a few short clips from The Tremble of Love: A Novel of the Baal Shem Tov.
The rest would unfold.
The interview was conducted in two parts (each about half hour long): the first more personally focused, the second featuring The Tremble of Love. Part Two follows this in its own post.
Please let me know, by commenting below, what you found of interest or moving in our conversation. And if someone(s) you know might find something of value herein, please share the video with them (or via social media).
Thank you!
Ani
G'Mar Chatima Tova
I close with this customary greeting whose literal meaning is: "a good final sealing." I will add to that: May you know the love of which you are made. What better than to know this?
With gratitude,
Ani
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I keep getting interrupted, and as a result I’ve heard this incredibly beautiful interview many times. Each time I am more moved. The question is it okay to be happy–the fear of being happy in the wake of horror and the response of how necessary it is in spite of the seeming requirement not to be, plagued me as a child also–although stemming not from the Holocaust experience. My experience differed of course. Depression, anger and sadness was the atmosphere around me from babyhood and on. The moment of falling into that pitfall is vivid. Suddenly overwhelmed with “happiness” for whatever unfathomable reason, I announced to my family: “I’m so HAPPY”, and getting no response I sank, knowing I had said something awful and forbidden. I listened to your poem about your father with tears filling my eyes and feeling full of your interview words. Thank you, Ani and that thanks is with enormous love.
I look forward to Part 2 (without interruption)
Dear Fran,
Thank you so much for your open hearted reply. How sad for a child discovering and declaring her joy at being alive to be met by the weight of her family’s sorrow. I feel for the shining and vulnerable little girl you were and for those around you who could not meet you and be lifted by your joy.
But it’s never too late, is it, to allow that joy and faith; no matter the darkness: to light the candle and do what we can to keep it kindled in the buffeting winds of circumstance (and the mind).
Much blessing to you! And, thank you for persisting with the interview despite all the interruptions! I hope that Part II was smoother. 🙂
With love,
Ani
PS. In case you did not read the full story of my father’s dream, you can find it on this blog: https://anituzman.com/vigil-of-light/