Daphne Levin-Kahn – Co-ordinator of High School Jewish Studies

International Slam Poetry Star at Emanuel: Caroline Rothstein

This week, we were incredibly fortunate to have Caroline Rothstein, an award winning Spoken Word Poet, who has been brought to Sydney by Limmud Fest, performing for and running workshops for our Years 9 and 10 students.

Following on smoothly from a unit on Poetry in class, the English teachers who accompanied Year 10 felt that Caroline’s performance was a perfect conclusion to the term:

Caroline Rothstein

“Caroline was amazing. An inspirational performance poet with a strong message of hope: that one individual can make a difference in people’s lives and be a powerful force for good. Her poetry was passionate and vulnerable, aggressive and sensitive. The students were clearly inspired and were a fantastic audience, asking challenging and thought provoking questions that prompted a deeper engagement with Caroline’s poetry.” Hannah Chedzey, English Teacher

“Caroline was a whirlwind of passion, energy, fury, frustration, hope and love… everything a poet should be! It was invaluable for the Year 10 students to hear and witness how the words of a poem take on life when lifted from the page and spoken by their creator with such conviction. The sentiments behind Caroline’s work will continue to resonate with me for a long time to come and, judging from the insightful questions and invigorated buzz that emanated from the Year 10s after the session, I am certain the same can be said for them.” Helen Philp, English Teacher

Our students were mesmerised, leaning forward in their seats to catch on to every word:

“I had goose bumps and I was so immersed in what (Caroline was) saying. Nothing was wrong in the morning, but I felt better after hearing (her) speak. The way in which poetry is able to communicate perspectives on societal issues is something I find truly amazing. I felt empowered and inspired to start writing on causes that I am passionate about.” Sara Bortz, Year 10

“Caroline’s poems were amazing, inspiring and moving and even brought me to tears! She talked about real issues in such a compassionate way and I loved it!” Paris Spennato, Year 10

As a conclusion to the workshop, Caroline gave students space and time to write their own poem, prose or even draw a picture, to represent them imagining a world full or empty of something they care about deeply. Some students shared their work, and Aaron Jaffe has agreed to have his poem on peace, quiet and safety reprinted for your reading pleasure:

A soulful and peaceful place
A place where I can relax
A place where I can dream
My place

A place that if I were to go to sleep I know, I know, that I will be safe
A place that if I were to close my eyes, I know, I know that no harm can get to me
A place that if I were to walk alone at night, I know, I know that I’ll feel comfortable
My place

A place where I can be alone yet feel surrounded by kindness
A place where I can sit down and be loved
A place where I can be in true freedom
My place

A place called home

The feeling was mutual as Caroline posted on her twitter/Facebook on Monday evening:

She was so taken with the original way that Michal Wolstein had interpreted two of Caroline’s own poems in a way she had not thought of before, she took notes on what Michal said!

I thank Caroline for sharing so openly of herself and to Sharon Berger from Limmud Fest for connecting me with Caroline.

To find out more, check out www.carolinerothstein.com/. For a two-minute gem, watch her inspirational and gutsy poem, “My G-d is a Queer G-d”, and consider how that speaks to your own idea of God.

Shabbat Shalom