Scientist on antidotes to life’s poisons
Every life brings challenges, but Myra L. Weiner’s tale of varying tzuris, troubles, and the wisdom she gained in dealing with them “is an interesting and perhaps unique story,” she told NJJN. That’s what compelled her to write her memoir, “Uprooting the Poison Tree” (2019, Eliezer Tristan Publishing).
“By sharing my story I hope to help other people who go through various challenges that may be similar to the ones that I faced, such as dysfunction in my birth family and being a woman in science in an era when I was a minority and had to advocate for myself to advance in the corporate world,” she said. Weiner is a member of The Jewish Center in Princeton.
Her book intertwines three themes — Jewish identity and spirituality, development of a satisfying career in science, and devotion to family.
Weiner, a toxicologist, structured the book using metaphors from her professional career: She labeled as “toxic” each challenging experience and her efforts to cope as “emotional and spiritual antidotes.” Among them are Jewish rituals, chanting, prayer, offering forgiveness, being in nature, and more.
Another antidote for Weiner was writing her memoir. “Writing this book brought me both a cathartic healing and the opportunity to share in a way that I hope will help others,” she said.
If you go
Who: Author Myra L. Weiner discusses “Uprooting the Poison Tree”
When: Sunday, March 22, 4-5:30 p.m.
Where: The Jewish Center, Princeton
Contact: No RSVP required. For more information, contact Myra Weiner at 908-928-2733 or myraweiner@yahoo.com
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