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| Finding balance within the “White Fire” By Miria Kano Desert Sage Editor Natana Deutsch, Rabbi Lynn and I previously discussed compiling a Sage issue that focused on women spiritual leaders within our community. As a graduate student studying women spiritual leaders, I was drawn toward a discussion with Rabbi Malka Drucker regarding her new book, “White Fire: A Portrait of Women Spiritual Leaders in America.” Rabbi Drucker leads HaMakom The place for Passionate and Progressive Judaism in Santa Fe and has authored several books for children and families, including Grandma’s Latkes and The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays. The idea for her most recent book, “White Fire,” derives from an ancient mystical legend that the Bible was written with black fire on white fire. Now, we can only read the black fire (the letters), but someday we might again be able to see the white fire. For Rabbi Drucker, women spiritual leaders in America are like white fire, and in today’s culture in which women are gaining access to spiritual leadership, we can once again see a previously untapped power. The following is exerted from my interview with Rabbi Drucker. MK What is your idea or hope for the book? MD My dream for this book is that it become an introduction to a new idea — that a community of women spiritual leaders can make a difference in the world. Women are the mothers of the world, and women spiritual leaders represent the transcendent creator. As leaders we represent creation and nurturance. This is how I understand White Fire, and I hope that women and men will bring forth more white fire to balance the world MK How do you think these ideas are relevant in today’s social environment? MD We need to focus on how to cope with fear and anger. The work is not to be drawn into you own polemic, your own black fire. The world is too aligned to the most physical, the most aggressive. It is time for white fire, to bring in the feminine, subtle and gentle aspect that is often overlooked, but essential. MK As a spiritual leader, what is your role for Jewish men and women? MD Well, first of all, it is hard for everyone regardless of gender during these times. When I wrote the book, I realized that it was time to create a circle, to build bridges wherever there are dualities. What my people need right now is not to forget the desire to live and that the highest wisdom is joy. MK How do you cope with these times? MD God has given us these times! Since Sept. 11, we are more frightened and insecure but also more grateful for every day of peace and health. I am most concerned with how we can behave with integrity and compassion. The spiritual place to stand in this war is not to let animosity breed animosity. God has given us the ability to know when we are out of balance. I look for the blessing in each moment, and thank those who come together to pray. Rabbi Drucker said that she drew comfort from writing this book, and in the end “liked herself better” for having met the other women leaders. I can honestly say the same about my time with her, and thank her for sharing her thoughts with us. — Miria Kano. Miria Kano is the interim executive director for Congregation Nahalat Shalom. | |||||||||
