Wounds into Wisdom: Healing Intergenerational Jewish Trauma: New Preface by Author, New Foreword by Gabor Maté, Reading Group and Study Guide

by Tirzah Firestone, Gabor Maté (Foreword)

“ Wounds into Wisdom is for anyone who has suffered trauma, either directly or in a family whose generational trauma is buried. It helps readers uncover suffering and use it to help others―the final stage of healing. We may not be able to control what happens to us, but we can control what happens next.” —Gloria Steinem
Our past does not simply disappear. The painful history of our ancestors and their rich cultural wisdom intertwine within us to create the patterns of our future. Even when past trauma remains unspoken or has long been forgotten, it becomes part of us and our children―a legacy of both strength and woundedness that shapes our lives.

In this book, Tirzah Firestone brings to life the profound impact of protracted historical trauma through the compelling narratives of Israeli terror victims, Holocaust survivors, and those whose lives were marred by racial persecution and displacement. The tragic story of Firestone’s own family lays the groundwork for these revealing testimonies of recovery, forgiveness, and moral leadership.

Throughout, Firestone interweaves their voices with neuroscientific and psychological findings, as well as relevant and inspiring Jewish teachings. Seven principles emerge from these wise narratives―powerful prescriptive tools that speak to anyone dealing with the effects of past injury. At the broadest level, these principles are directives for staying morally awake in a world rife with terror.

Genres: Mental Health

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2022

Reviews

[Roberta Lynne Ruben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult book to read because of the traumatic experiences of the Jewish women and men she interviewed and discussed in this book. To try and comprehend that traumas our ancestors suffered in Europe, the Soviet Union, and throughout the Middle East for decades is genetically transmitted to us is overwhelming for me. As a Jewish girl, I had a difficult childhood just trying not to believe what I heard and experienced. I have recommended this book to family members. Remembering all the painful times and events in the Jewish Calendar would make most people have PTSD.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firestone does an excellent job describing intergenerational trauma and how to heal from it. In addition, Firestone has a unique way of uncovering buried trauma from generations past, releasing the pain and then healing from the unconscious cycle of trauma that has been past down from generation to generation. The examples given relate to Israeli victims of war/genocide. This book is for everyone - with generational trauma and/or current acute trauma.

[Jacob Meyerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never know what to expect from a self help book, but this one is a true gem. The author is a psychotherapist and a rabbi, which gives her unique insights into intergenerational Jewish trauma - with takeaways that I believe can be applied to intergenerational trauma of any sort. Reading this helped me reflect on my own intergenerational patterns and unlock some of the deeply buried reasons for so many everyday triggers. Grateful for the read. Highly recommended.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books on trauma and helped many recover from it. This book is so humane and normalized the process that we all have to go through and is not written like a textbook. Thoroughly enjoyable and relatable.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book.

[Lisa November · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an insightful book on trauma written specifically about 20th and 21st century Jewish people, but definitely applies to everyone. Very insightful.

[Paula Kirman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important and powerful volume about Jewish intergenerational trauma, and how that trauma emerges in our lives. The author writes from her knowledge base and experience counselling Jewish people with trauma, so she provides a number of case studies. I personally found this book explained a lot in terms of how some of us live our lives and our worldviews.