Help Make "Inner East" a Reality

Over the past 15 years I’ve been working on a project that pairs my writing with my paintings to re-create prayer from an inclusive, nonpatriarchal perspective. Inner East: Illuminated Poems and Blessings arises out of my deep convictions as a feminist Jew, but it is not intended only for women or only for Jews. I do not write prayers for a single gender or group; my goal is to offer words that are inclusive and welcoming. I write as a poet because I believe that poetry is the most direct path to the heart.  

Like my several collections of meditative poems and blessings published by university and trade presses, this new project, which I am self-publishing, offers fresh language for the prayer of the heart. But it also goes a step further, accompanying the words with visual art to create a “dialogue” that reaches beyond the limits of verbal expression to deepen a prayerful state. I hope that Inner East will speak to everyone who is looking for new ways to enrich their inner lives. 

Because I am self-publishing, I’ve had the rare opportunity to work directly with excellent professionals—book designer, editor, typesetters—to bring to life my ideal vision. Inner East is now ready to be printed as a fine-art book, which will cost $10,000. But, having spent thousands on production costs so far, I’ve broken my piggy bank. This is where I’m hoping you will come in. 

If this fundraiser attracts $7,500 in donations, I’ll be able to move forward and Inner East will become a reality at last. Donations of any amount will be deeply appreciated.

$50: Friend
$100: Advocate
$250: Angel
$500: Seraph
$1,000: Best Friend Forever

Those who donate at least $50 by August 15 will be acknowledged and thanked by name inside the book. Angels, Seraphs, and Best Friends will receive personally inscribed copies. 

I plan for Inner East to be available within four months of reaching its fundraising goal. You’ll be notified by email when it’s out and where to find it. You can also check my website  for updates. 

Many thanks in advance for your support!

With all good wishes,
Marcia
View more sample pages at http://www.marciafalk.com/innereast.html .

About Marcia Falk

Marcia Falk is the author of several books of highly acclaimed poems and translations, including The Song of Songs: Love Lyrics from the Bible. Her books The Days Between and The Book of Blessings: New Jewish Prayers for Daily Life, the Sabbath, and the New Moon Festival have been acclaimed as "full of timeless spiritual wisdom, eloquently signaled in concise lines" (Read the Spirit). Marcia is also a life-long painter and a Life Member of the Art Students League of New York. Her work has been exhibited in juried group shows and solo shows at galleries and universities across the country and in Israel.