Being a Guest in Service: The Power of Storytelling

Jessica Herrmann, Director, Jewish Service Learning

It’s only a matter of time  Will they tell your story?   Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?  – Lin-Manuel Miranda

Who lives and who dies are questions that many of us leave to the Almighty, but each of us are responsible in the way we describe others, how we frame, describe and tell stories.  -Rabbi Marc Gitler

 

When is the last time you paused to think about the power of stories, what your responsibility is once a story is shared with you, if you are required to do something after you hear a story, or how knowing your own story can help you share the stories of others?  

During our New Orleans Direct Service Retreat, we were guided by several questions that challenged us to reflect on the significance of storytelling and accountability in our service work. Amidst our experiences, two overarching questions emerged: What are our responsibilities when we hear someone’s story, and what does it mean to be a guest in service work? 

From April 4th to April 7th, I had the privilege of guiding, alongside my co-facilitator, Shoshana Madick, 22 participants on the New Orleans Direct Service Retreat. Over four days, we embarked on a journey through New Orleans’ rich and complex history, engaged with grassroots leaders, explored environmental justice through a Jewish lens, heard countless stories and authored some of our own stories. As we collected stories from various communities and individuals, we were mindful of what Rabbi Eliezer said in Pirkei Avot 2:10: Other people’s dignity should be as precious to you as your own. 

Our journey began with a deep dive into New Orleans’ Hidden History led by Mr. Leon, where we heard the untold stories of the city that forced us to confront themes of racism and colonialism that persist today. There is a clear line between the history Mr. Leon shared and the current criminal justice system. Sammy from The Promise of Justice Initiative joined us for dinner and shared her story about working in criminal justice reform and her campaign “Jews Against Gassing.” Moved by her efforts, we created signs to be used in the Louisiana Senate vote on the use of gas as an execution method. As a third-generation Holocaust survivor, creating the signs was a meaningful way to bring action to my grandparent’s story.  

On Friday, we ventured to New Isle, the first federally funded resettlement project due to climate change. As guests in the community, we partnered with The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana to plant over 300 trees, contributing to environmental restoration efforts. We heard from Louisianian natives about the changing landscape and the rich stories that the soil holds and shared wishes for future stories that the trees we planted would experience. In the evening, we joined the Kol Halev independent minyan for Kabbalat Shabbat services in a local beer garden, fostering community bonds. 

Saturday morning, we created a Living Talmud to prompt discussions on the ethics of traveling for service work, voluntourism, and what is Jewish about Tikkun Olam. One participant summarized our conversation by saying “it is impossible to know the whole world’s actions so we must travel and use the knowledge of locals to create social action.” 

As we were guests in the Hollygrove community we turned to Ms. DeeDee, a local leader and collaborator with Peace by Piece, a non-profit, to learn about the community. We were able to serve alongside Ms. DeeDee on various projects including flyering, garden clean-up, and building garden beds. Later, we learned about environmental racism at the industrial canal, focusing on the idea of l’dor v’dor – from generation to generation. Think of those who came before us to this land and how we are leaving the land for those who will come after. During Havdalah we each shared what we are holding onto from our experience in New Orleans that will inspire action.  

Throughout our retreat, we were reminded of the profound impact of storytelling and the importance of being respectful guests in service work. Each story we heard left an indelible mark, calling us to action and challenging us to consider our roles in creating positive change. Now, as we return to our homes, we carry with us the stories, experiences, and lessons learned in New Orleans. Inspired and empowered, we are ready to put our experiences into action, effecting change in our communities and beyond. 

What are the stories (the ones you have collected or created) that inspire you to serve?