2017 - Processing "One of Us"

Processing "One of Us" 

In the days before One of Us premiered, I was fluctuating between apprehension and anticipation. In the days since, I find myself marking the time since the world has had the opportunity to hear and see these stories.

I have been hearing from many of you. Some of you are asking what you can do with your feelings of being triggered by your own experiences so closely related to the ones showcased on the screen.

Some of you are asking how you can help or what you can do.  Even in that question, there is usually a follow up of what do I do with my feelings.

And many are shocked that this is going on in our backyards and we didn’t even know…

First, be kind and gentle with yourself.

This might mean taking a bubble bath

Taking a walk

Going for a run

Writing in your Journal

Meeting a friend for coffee

Share your feelings

Hug each other

And be nice to you.

Most of all, be gentle with yourself and allow your emotions the space they need.

You alone know what you need, please give yourself that gift.

For those of you who want to know how to help; Please Donate to Footsteps.

Footsteps helps many Ettys, Aris and Luzers in all genders and in all stages of their transition.

For those of you who are shocked or appalled by what you have witnessed by watching the film- The sad truth is that there are marginalized communities in all of our backyards! I am so grateful that this film was made so that it can shine a light and expose this particular truth.

How appropriate that this week’s Torah Portion is Parshat Lech Lecha, Genesis 12:1.

Usually translated, “Go forth from your land, from the place that you were born, from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.”

In Hebrew it can mean Lech - “Go!” Le-cha -  “Toward Yourself.”

In other words, go towards YOUR truth, YOUR purpose, and YOUR life.  Even if it means that you are leaving behind your comfort zone, your previous community, your family.

I bless us all to remember that the texts that we grew up, whose meaning was fed to us (and sometimes even forced down our throats) can be redefined by us even as we chart a new course for ourselves.

As we leave our comfort zone, I will share with you the words of a Karen Drucker song:  “I will be gentle with myself, and I will only go as fast as the slowest part of me feels safe to go.”

Please after the release of this documentary – be gentle with yourself and with each other.

I have appointments available, feel free to reach out and schedule some time to talk.

Hope you enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Shabbat Shalom

Chani

201-477-0274

chani@chanigetter.com

2017 - One of Us

"One of Us" 

A new documentary about people leaving insular Hasidic communities.

As someone who is passionate about choice, I was recruited by Footsteps 4 years ago to establish their Rockland Location and Family Justice programs. As someone who was raised and ultimately left my insular Hasidic Community, I was a perfect fit for this role.

In the documentary One of Us, I am featured in my role as counselor. I provide support and guidance to Etty - one of the characters in the film.

Footsteps is an organization now in it’s 14th year, which began with Malky Schwartz, a young woman who left her community and was taken in by a secular grandparent. Recognizing her own vulnerability and how fortunate she was to have someone take her in, she started Footsteps to create spaces for other people like her, to find the support they need.

I myself left the community before Footsteps existed, and I am acutely aware of how different my journey could have been, had Footsteps been around at that time. Therefore I am passionate about and committed to this work alongside my private practice as a Coach, Counselor and Officiant.

I am proud of the work that I do, and I am proud to be a part of this important documentary. The people at Loki Films were extraordinarily mindful of privacy and confidentiality throughout their three years working on this film. Feel free to reach out to me as always, with any thoughts, concerns, feelings or comments.

Once available, I will share a link to some Q&A and discussion topics for people who would like to host a screening in their home, and/or understand more about the work.

The documentary will be shown at a limited number of screenings  and will premier on Netflix after October 20th.

Link to Trailer 

Link to IFC screenings

Link to JCC screening

Link to Footsteps

Link to ONE OF US page

Link to my Website page about this