Finding My Jewish Self

About the Book

                        Finding My Jewish Self reflects an intimate journey of self-exploration, study, concern for family and humanity.  In this second collection of poetry, Sandy Wicker exhibits a sensitivity to her changing world and the influences Judaic thought and tradition exert on her emotions, interests and decisions.  Wicker’s poems dip into history in their attempt to understand contemporary challenges and project a hopeful resolve for the future.  She demonstrates a lyrical style that remains accessible while it grapples with frustration, embraces humor and applauds the potential for peace and personal joy.

About the Author

            Finding My Jewish Self is a birthday gift Sandy Wicker is

presenting to herself as she approaches her 70^th year.  Somewhat of a

surprise decision, she finds the excitement of collecting her Jewish-

American poetry and prose a revelation, one with breadth and duration

she had not realized before but welcomes.  Being fourth generation

Jewish-American on her mother’s side—third generation on her father’s,

her gratitude and awareness of being born both in the United States and

Jewish seems a natural catalyst for study and expression.

            In 2004, Sandy published The Tennessee Waltz and Other

Dances with the help of David Axelrod and Writers Ink Press.  Several of

her poems included herein appear in that chapbook.  Many of her writings

have been printed in HaKol, Temple Beth David’s magazine-newsletter. 

She has served on the editorial staff of HaKol for over 35 years and is

thankful for this relationship. 

            Writing since childhood, the subject matter of her work ranges from

family, to nature, to political comment.  Sandy’s poems have appeared in

various anthologies noted in her Acknowledgments.  She is a member of

the SUNY Stony Brook OLLI  Poetry Workshop, The Live Poets Society

(First Prize Winner, 2001), Century Village Writers’ Workshop and Walt

Whitman Birthplace Association.  Sandy is especially appreciative of her

informal “Writing Group” of sister poets and treasured friends.

            As a teacher, Sandy has embraced poetry as a learning medium

throughout her varied career in preschool, elementary, high school and

college.  She is included in the 2002 edition of Who’s Who Among

America’s Teachers.  Now retired from teaching, Sandy remains committed

to voluntary programs where poetry “magically” reappears.  Married to her

teen years sweetheart Hal, Sandy resides in Commack, N.Y. and Deerfield

Beach, FL.  She is blessed with two much-loved children and five adored

grandchildren.

            Although most of Sandy’s writings do not focus on Judaic themes,

Sandy hopes—and prays that this selection will be of interest and

emotional import to her husband, children and grandchildren, as well as