Spiritualppt

Project Shalom, P.O. Box 21549. Pikesville, Maryland 21282 www.projectshalom2.org

projectshalom1@aol.com1

The Word and the Art of Spiritual Storytelling

Storytelling and SpiritualityStorytelling and Spirituality

• Many hidden meanings and noble concept are contained in the stories that the world tells.

• Folk tales that the world tells contain many hidden mysteries.

Storytelling and SpiritualityStorytelling and Spirituality

• Storytelling has always been a prime vehicle for communicating spirituality.

• Some of the greatest religious teachers were expert storytellers.

Where Is the Spirituality in the Where Is the Spirituality in the Stories?Stories?

• Religion is largely based on and communicated through tales.

• The scriptures has two parts:0 Instruction about commandments0 Stories

Holy Stories. Faerie Tales, Holy Stories. Faerie Tales, Legends & MythsLegends & Myths

There are those who enjoy stories and storytelling but in the back of their minds

think, “after all, they’re only stories.”

Listen and You Shall Listen and You Shall UnderstandUnderstand

When both tellers and listeners know they are engaged in a sacred activity, stories and storytelling will be held more dear. The teller will tell with the tongue of faith, the listeners will hear with the ears of faith, and the circle of holiness will be closed.

In the Beginning…In the Beginning…

“In the beginning…” It starts, as if the Holy One, blessed be He, was an elder with a long white beard, who sat us upon His knee and began: “once upon a time.”

Holy Stories Are the Light of the Holy Stories Are the Light of the WorldWorld

““To Separate Between the Light To Separate Between the Light and the Darkness”and the Darkness”

(Gen.1:4)(Gen.1:4)

A Jewish commentary explains: “The light is a reference to the ma’asim of the holy sages and saints, the darkness is a reference to these of the wicked”

(Bereishis Rabbah 20)

To Separate Between the To Separate Between the Light and the DarknessLight and the Darkness

In Hebrew, the word ma’asim has a double meaning: Deeds and stories.

The teaching of the Midrash is that there are differences as great as the differences between day and night, not only between the nations but also between their stories.

“And It Came to Pass That, When the Sun Was Going Down, a Deep Sleep Fell Upon Abram; And Lo, a

Darkness, Fell Upon Him” (Gen. 15:12)

Many Have Fallen Into a Many Have Fallen Into a Deep SleepDeep Sleep

There are many who have fallen into this deep sleep. Some people believe they are serving G-d, but they are really sleeping. The years pass by and what are they left with in the end?

Sleep, the Dread, and the Sleep, the Dread, and the DarknessDarkness

The sleep, the dread, and the darkness, were a vision of the lack of belief within the generations. The loss of faith is symbolically represented by the idea of sleep.

The Only Way to Wake The Only Way to Wake People Is Through Stories.People Is Through Stories.

When people wanted to speak of G-d’s hidden mysteries, they would speak in allegory and parable, hiding the concealed secrets of the scriptures.

What’s In a Story?What’s In a Story?

Most religious stories contain original concepts that are very wondrous and awesome.

They contain extraordinary, hidden, deep meanings.

Extremely Lofty, Awesome, Extremely Lofty, Awesome, Original ConceptsOriginal Concepts

The stories contain extremely lofty, awesome, and original concepts.

Stories Will Arouse the HeartStories Will Arouse the Heart

Also in most places, these stories contain wondrous, highly motivating moral lessons, which an intelligent person can understand by himself.

Reveal the Hidden Light Until Reveal the Hidden Light Until It Glows With Holy CharmIt Glows With Holy Charm

A holy storyteller – someone on a high spiritual level – can take a story that appears plain and dull, and can open it up to reveal its hidden light until it glows with holy charm.

Faith, Wisdom and ValuesFaith, Wisdom and ValuesReligious stories always have an

underlying purpose, which is to inspire people with faith and communicate

wisdom and values.

Prepare to Tell the StoryPrepare to Tell the Story

The Storyteller had to prepare himself even more then if he were repeating the deepest teachings, and the one hearing the story – even if he is the best of listeners, and the one telling the best of speakers – requires more preparation than if he were preparing himself to hear the deepest teaching.

A Prime Requirement for A Prime Requirement for Religious StorytellingReligious Storytelling

A prime requirement for religious storytelling is the realization and conviction that holy stories are not “simply stories” like any others. A person who does not sense their profound difference from profane stories – regardless of the latter’s excellence or charm – is not fit to tell them.

The Task of the Religious The Task of the Religious StorytellerStoryteller

The task of the religious storyteller to help people find “a key to their own stories of faith and struggle.”

Telling a Story/Being a Telling a Story/Being a StorytellerStoryteller

There is a big difference between telling a story and becoming a storyteller.

A big difference!

Be Involved With the StoryBe Involved With the Story

A story cannot be read off a page as if it were merely words. Stories demand involvement, entering into the story itself.

QualificationsQualifications

• First, a storyteller with religious integrity will not pander to an audience, cutting and trimming tales to fit their taste.

• Second, a storyteller does not have a free hand to change things at will.

Stories Lead to Spiritual Stories Lead to Spiritual ChangeChange

The Stories will cause a person to repent before G-d with ultimate sincerity, so that they will dedicate themselves fully to a life of scriptures and serving G-d at all times, turning away completely from all worldly vanities.

May All Your Stories End Happily

Storytelling ResourcesStorytelling Resources

• Other training sessions

• Storytelling Groups and Organizations

• Peers

Project ShalomP.O. Box 21549

Pikesville Maryland 21282

www.ProjectShalom2.orgProjectShalom1@aol.com

www.ProjectShalom2.org/StoryTour

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