Author to talk of healing power of Psalms on Friday
Published 10:11 am Thursday, September 10, 2015
With the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, people look for comfort in many ways. One woman is sharing her comfort with the Austin community.
Austin author Tara Mizrachi will present “9/11: How We Can Help the World One Psalm at a Time” at noon Friday at the Austin Public Library.
Bagels and donuts will be provided.
Tara Mizrachi
“I’ve found that Psalms are a really great way to help the world and to help each other,” Mizrachi said.
The program will begin with a discussion of “Where were you on Sept. 11” and will be followed by a discussion about the inner meaning of selected Psalms. The event is open to everyone.
“Psalms for me personally is something I’ve been doing all my life, not even on purpose,” Mizrachi said.
She said people are always looking for a way to help the world, and sharing her experiences with the comfort of Psalms is one way she can help. She hopes the program will be inspiring and uplifting, and will give the audience new perspective on ways to cope with tragedies like Sept. 11 in positive ways.
Psalms have helped Mizrachi in her own times of struggle.
“When I personally had a health problem and I had a surgery, and when I just had that my family and friends were praying for me with Psalms and it made me feel better,” Mizrachi said. “So I wanted to share that with others. I felt that I had a second chance at life.”
Mizrachi’s knowledge stems from years of studying with Rabbi Pinchus Wechter, of the Institute for Jewish Humanities, and at the City University of New York. Her articles have appeared in the Fort Lauderdale News, Sun Sentinel, Kol Yaakov, Yated Newspaper, psalmsonline.org and psalms-tehillim.com. Her music has been featured in the Jerusalem Festival and the International Festival. She held classes at Fort Benning’s Jewish Chapel for men and women of the U.S. Army. She works as a sub-para-professional for Austin Public Schools and volunteers for the Salvation Army and Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice.
“I hope people will experience and be comforted by Psalms,” Mizrachi said.
Mizrachi recently published her novel “Software for the Soul: Psalms for Everyone,” and will discuss it at the presentation as well. A book signing will follow the presentation. For more information, call Mizrachi at 507-219-1512.
