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Episode #63: StoryNosh: Courage! And the winner is…

We have the very first winner of our very first StoryNosh theme, Courage! Just like our Salon Theatre, any writer can submit their stories to the theme but in StoryNosh we select a handful of stories that we adapt to film and the stories are presented in a cinematic style over the course of several weeks. The story with the most views in its first week wins the NiceNosh award and moves onto The Big Nosh, a tournament of champions-style competition which will take place at the end our season.

On today’s episode, meet Erica W. Jamieson, writer of the piece Emends, which took home our first ever NiceNosh Award.  It’s a great time to chat with Erica because we are getting ready for the debut of Passion, the next StoryNosh theme. And if you’re wondering if you can still share your story with us…yes! There’s still time to submit for our final theme of the year, Identity. All information can be found at the-braid.org/storynosh.

Watch all the pieces from StoryNosh: Courage here.

Episode #63: StoryNosh: Courage! And the winner is…2022-02-07T09:26:25-08:00

Episode #62: A Fromer Family Affair

On this episode, get to know the Fromer siblings! Rabbi Jaclyn (Fromer) Cohen of Temple Isaiah and Andrew Fromer of The Braid both ended up paving artistic, creative and musical career paths in the Jewish world…but how did it happen? Very unexpectedly! Despite growing up under one roof, they have two very different journeys that might surprise you…and they most certainly surprised the parents! Listen and enjoy this fun Fromer family episode as Rabbi Jaclyn and Andrew professionally cross paths this week when Temple Isaiah hosts a performance of The Braid’s latest Salon, Sweet Tea & the Southern Jew. 

Click Here for your tickets to Sweet Tea & the Southern Jew!

Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen is proud to serve Temple Isaiah as Associate Rabbi. Born and raised in West LA, Rabbi Cohen earned her BA in Religious Studies & Music from UC Davis and spent two years working in Bay Area Jewish community organizations before entering Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion’s rabbinic program. Upon ordination from HUC-JIR in 2014, Rabbi Cohen moved to Seattle, Washington to serve on the clergy team of Temple De Hirsch Sinai. Her primary focus was “The Tribe,” Temple’s hub of Jewish life, learning and spirituality for those in their 20s and 30s, as well as “The Village,” a programmatic initiative for Jewish families with young children. Since 2018, Rabbi Cohen has served on Temple Isaiah’s clergy team with a focus on music and ritual. Her background is eclectic and representative of what it means to create a unique kind of 21st century-rabbinate. In addition to overseeing Temple Isaiah’s ritual department – including its choirs & musicians, holiday celebrations and lifecycles – Rabbi Cohen also teaches, counsels and works closely with our K12 and preschool communities. Outside the synagogue she is a writer and advocate for birth justice and maternal & mental health, having contributed written pieces to Kveller, Jewish Daily Forward, Hey Alma and The Chalkboard Mag, among others. Rabbi Cohen is also a certified yoga teacher, fusing her passion for the practice with a deep love of prayer. She and her family live in Culver City.

Andrew Fromer attended Windward School in Mar Vista where his career as an actor began in the school plays and musicals. After completing his BFA in theater at UC Santa Barbara and an exciting year of living in Israel, Andrew returned to LA for acting and producing. His TV credits include Never Have I Ever (Netflix) and Anger Management (FX); feature film credits include Highway to Havasu (Billy/Producer) and The Sweet Life (Mike/Assistant to Production). Theater credits include Pledge (Sherman u/s), Bad Jews (Jonah), and The Braid’s Jews in America. Andrew also runs youth engagement at Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas. He is excited to be coordinating this year’s iteration of NEXT, The Braid’s Emerging Artist Program (the-braid.org/next) and hopes you will enjoy his work as Editor on The Braid’s new digital storytelling competition, StoryNosh! (the-braid.org/storynosh).

Episode #62: A Fromer Family Affair2022-01-18T09:28:56-08:00

Episode #61: Prayer and Performance

Join us as we chat with Rabbis Toba August and Nina Feinstein about our history of working together within our special program, “Prayer and Performance.” Not only are our Salon performances and their stories entertainment, they also provide a deep and rich gateway into experiencing prayer. Over the years we have worked with Rabbis like Toba and Nina to bring our stories into special holiday and Shabbat Services so that congregants can go on a new journey of prayer. What is it like? Listen to the epsidoe to find out!

If you’re interested in bringing our stories to your community, contact jodi@the-braid.org.

Click Here to view our upcoming events/performances, like Monica Piper’s class and Annie Korzen’s Sunday Morning with the Braid event.

Click Here to submit your story for an upcoming Salon or StoryNosh!

Episode #61: Prayer and Performance2021-11-01T09:53:58-07:00

Episode #60: “Belonging” – a Fall Party Preview

Ready to kick off our 14th season? We sure are! JOIN US on October 10 for our special event, Welcome Back(ish) Fall Party @ 1:30 pm PT / 4:30 pm ET Live on Zoom.

On this episode, hear a brand new recording of “Belonging,” a story that debuted at our 2020 fall party, written and performed by Joshua Reuben Silverstein who is writing a brand new piece for the October 10 event. To hear that one, get your tickets today! And don’t forget to add some raffle tickets at checkout for a chance to win some BIG gift cards from Apple, Amazon, Williams-Sonoma and more.

Episode #60: “Belonging” – a Fall Party Preview2021-09-21T12:56:02-07:00

Episode #59: “That One Was Really Personal” with Jasmine Curry

Frequent cast member and audience favorite Jasmine Curry shares stories from a life of adapting to unexpected turns. What was it like behind-the-scenes to pivot an in-person Salon show into the uncharted Zoom frontier? How has she made virtual improv comedy work without hearing the laughter of an audience? And at the very moment her own spouse was coming out as transgender, what was it like to perform a writer’s story that tapped into those very same overwhelming emotions?

Jasmine Curry trained at New York University, Experimental Theatre Wing, and was a resident actor at Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, PA. She studied improv and sketch writing with The Groundlings Theatre and iO West. Jasmine has worked in educational theatre with Writers Room Productions, California Weekly Explorer, and The Imagination Machine. She can be seen every Wednesday performing Longform improv online with her improv troupe The Interlocutors. She previously appeared in The Braid salons Family Matters, For Goodness Sake, Sex Love and Addiction in the 21st Century, Living After, and The Way Home. She wrote for the salon Persian Sunrise, American Sunset and is an Abby Freeman Artist-in-Residence at The Braid.

Episode #59: “That One Was Really Personal” with Jasmine Curry2021-08-12T08:32:16-07:00

Episode #58: Meet David Chiu, Our New Staff Member!

On this episode, get to know The Braid’s new Marketing & Communications Manager, David Chiu! Who would have thought that on this episode, two male staff members of The Braid (formerly Jewish Women’s Theatre) would be discussing Paul Greengrass films, Sigourney Weaver’s Oscar nomination for Aliens, and 19th century mythical changelings in Ireland. Oh! And our efforts in shifting the way Jewish culture is portrayed across media. Curious? Have a listen!

David Chiu is a West LA-based screenwriter and two-time NEXT at the Braid Emerging Artists Fellow. His television credits include LORE (Amazon Prime). Writing credits for The Braid include True Colors, Inside Our Time, For Goodness Sake (also Director), I Am a Jew, Who’s Hiding Now? and The Rest is History (also Director & Literary). David is represented by The Gersh Agency and Authentic Talent & Literary. Additionally, David is a member of the Board of Trustees at Temple Isaiah of Los Angeles; recipient of its 2019 Emerging Leader Award. He is an environmental activist and volunteer on various electoral campaigns, a Jew of Color, of Litvak and Cantonese heritage.

Episode #58: Meet David Chiu, Our New Staff Member!2021-07-15T17:37:25-07:00

Episode #57: Audio Replay of Ellen Harper Event

In case you missed it, a free-wheeling conversation with ELLEN HARPER: singer-songwriter, folk music historian, and Jewish mom to famed recording artist Ben Harper. She’ll reveal intimate insights about famed musicians like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger. In addition, she’ll share her own struggles with the anti-Semitism her family faced and the racism she encountered as a single mother raising biracial sons. Whether you love folk music, inspirational women, or someone with stories that make you want to pull up a chair, this is one crackling conversation you won’t want to miss!

Order Ellen’s memoir, ALWAYS A SONG here.

Join us for our next Sunday Morning with The Braid event, CIRCUS JEWS on August 8!

Episode #57: Audio Replay of Ellen Harper Event2021-07-11T14:31:58-07:00

Episode #56: Preview – Stories from the Violins of Hope

Click Here for tickets and more info

The Holocaust had silenced them… until an extraordinary violin-maker brought their voices back to life, and to the world. Seven actors will bring to life the extraordinary story of violins played in ghettos, forests and concentration camps… and of the passionate Israeli violin maker determined to restore them. Now heard in performances all over the world, they are called the Violins of Hope.

On this episode we preview the incredible collaboration coming to you in one performance only on January 31, STORIES FROM THE VIOLINS OF HOPE Click Here for tickets and more info.

You’ll hear about…
-The power of playing one of these violins from virtuoso violinist Niv Ashkenazi, the only violinist in the US with one of the Violin of Hope instruments from the collection
-The writing of the script from The Braid’s Writer, Event Producer and Dramaturg Lisa Rosenbaum
-The directing of the performance from The Braid’s Producing Director Susan Morgenstern
-The curation of the music from LA Jewish Symphony Artistic Director Dr. Noreen Green

This special performance was originally set to debut at Temple Isaiah (Templeishaiah.com) and was part of the Violins of Hope Los Angeles Program Tour (violinsofhopelosangeles.org), produced by Susanne Reyto. Special thanks to Gail Solo, our Angel Donor, whose support helped make this show possible.

Episode #56: Preview – Stories from the Violins of Hope2021-01-21T16:14:57-08:00

Episode #55: Audio Replay of Leonard Cohen Tribute

In case you missed it, Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a Tribute to Music and Literary Legend LEONARD COHEN. In conversation with Michael Posner, author of Leonard Cohen, Untold Stories: The Early Years (Book #1 of Leonard Cohen, Untold Stories. A 3 volume series.) Plus an unforgettable performance of Cohen classics by Broadway star Rena Strober!

Moderated by award-winning writer/producer Arlene Sarner.

MICHAEL POSNER is an award-winning writer, playwright, journalist, and the author of seven books. These include the Mordecai Richler biography, The Last Honest Man, and the Anne Murray biography, All of Me, both of which were national bestsellers. He was Washington Bureau Chief for Maclean’s Magazine, and later served as its national, foreign, and assistant managing editor. He was also managing editor of the Financial Times of Canada for three years. He later spent sixteen years as a senior writer with The Globe and Mail.

RENA STROBER has performed on Broadway (Les Mis), TV (VEEP, Shameless), Film (Waiting in the Wings) and voices dozens of cartoons for Disney & Netflix. She has also been honored to have been part of numerous Braid/JWT events. Recently Rena released an exciting family album called IMAGINE THAT: The Sesame Street Music of Joe Raposo & Jeff Moss. The album features herself, Jason Alexander, French Stewart and a choir of young blind singers. Rena is a teacher and advocate for the blind and is using this celebration of Sesame Street music to raise money and awareness for the blind. When she’s not singing and trying to make the world a kinder place, Rena is raising a wacky and wonderful tiny Jewish woman named Izzy. Visit https://www.renastrober.com for more!

Episode #55: Audio Replay of Leonard Cohen Tribute2020-12-09T09:18:52-08:00

Episode #54: Audio Replay of Jewish Women – An Archive of Our Own

In case you missed it…Who are the shoulders we stand on and where can we find their stories? Meet JUDITH ROSENBAUM – feminist, educator, historian, writer, activist—and CEO of the Jewish Women’s Archive, the pioneering national organization that documents Jewish women’s stories, elevates their voices, and inspires them to be agents of change!

Visit their website: https://jwa.org

Moderated by author and JWT writer Lisa Rosenbaum. With a dramatic performance by one of JWT’s wonderful actors along with a Q & A.

Click Here for a Video Replay

Judith Rosenbaum, CEO of the Jewish Women’s Archive, served for nearly a decade as JWA’s Director of Public History and Director of Education, developing its major programs and educational initiatives. A graduate of Yale University, with a PhD in American Studies from Brown University, she has taught and lectured widely on Jewish studies and women’s studies. She writes for academic, popular journals and blogs including Tablet, The Forward, Huffpost, The Jewish Week. Tikkun Magazine, Sh’ma Magazine, PresenTense, Reform Jewish magazine, My Jewish Learning, Kveller, Role/Reboot, and in anthologies.

Click Here to join us September 6 @ 11am PDT for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid virtual event, THE COMEDY OF COPING with celebrated writers Cindy Chupack and Annabelle Gurwitch

Episode #54: Audio Replay of Jewish Women – An Archive of Our Own2020-08-24T15:55:16-07:00

Episode #53: Audio Replay of Virus Tsuris with Mental Health Experts

In case you missed it, Mental Health experts help us find inner strength, courage and compassion as the current pandemic takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride. Our guests, psychiatrist Shelly Cohen M.D, J.D. and clinical psychologist Anita Siegman Ph. D, will help us understand and manage the responses of our bodies and minds.

Click Here for a Video Replay

Moderated by Maureen Rubin, Emeritus Professor of Journalism, Cal State Northridge. With a dramatic performance by one of JWT’s wonderful actors along with a Q & A.

For a list of Mental Health Resources, as mentioned in the event head to https://the-braid.org/mhresources

Dr. Shelly Cohen’s Top 10 ways to Stay Healthy/Positive During Pandemic:
-Keep a routine
-Sleep
-Exercise
-Eat well
-Help others where you can
-Refrain from reading the news all day
-Stay connected to others
-Get help if you’re feeling overwhelmed from a mental health provider
-Try to find meaning for yourself during this time
-Take vacation

Shelly Cohen M.D, J.D. is a graduate of NYU School of Medicine and a board-certified adult psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry. She treats adults with mood, anxiety, OCD, ADHD bipolar and psychiatric disorders with a holistic and patient centered approach.

Anita Siegman Ph. D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and, for the past 20 years, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. During her doctoral training at USC, she became the founder and Director of Counseling and Psychological Services.

Click Here to join us August 23 @ 11am PDT for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid virtual event, JEWISH WOMEN: AN ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN with Judith Rosenbaum, CEO of the Jewish Women’s Archive

Episode #53: Audio Replay of Virus Tsuris with Mental Health Experts2020-12-08T17:06:11-08:00

Episode #52: Audio Replay of Dressing Hollywood! with Debra McGuire

In case you missed it, a talk with award-winning costume designer DEBRA MCGUIRE. Plus a photo fashion show of Debra’s work and audience Q & A.

Click Here for Video Replay

Moderated by Arlene Sarner, award-winning writer/producer.

Fashion Designer and Costume Designer DEBRA MCGUIRE is best known for her 10 years on TVs FRIENDS. Scores of other TV shows include NEW GIRL, FRESH OFF THE BOAT and SPEECHLESS. Film projects include ANCHORMAN and SONIC (The Hedgehog). Currently, she’s designing for Jennifer Aniston for THE MORNING SHOW and the upcoming FRIENDS reunion. A passionate theatre lover she’s created costumes for Dolly Parton and won Best Costume Design for the play Atlanta, and nominated for Best Costume Design for David Mamet’s BOSTON MARRIAGE. In 2016 she designed the original musical, I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU (written by Arlene Sarner and Jerry Leichtling,), was nominated for several OVATION awards.

Click Here to join us August 9 @ 11am PDT for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid virtual event, VIRUS TSURIS: Jewish Mental Health practitioners talk about coping in our shutdown world.

Episode #52: Audio Replay of Dressing Hollywood! with Debra McGuire2020-07-28T08:45:14-07:00

Episode #51: Audio Replay of Fierce, Funny and Fabulously Alive

In case you missed it, a talk and Q&A with Adam Immerwahr, Artistic Director of Theatre J, America’s premier Jewish Theater in Washington DC, and award-winning playwright Alix Sobler. Moderated by author and JWT writer Lisa Rosenbaum.

The lights of Yiddish theater have dimmed, but Jewish theater is alive and well in America today. What makes a play Jewish? What are the new Jewish playwrights saying and who are they speaking to?

July 26 @ 11am PDT! Join us for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid event, Dressing Hollywood! with Costume Designer Debra McGuire (Friends, The Morning Show)
Click Here for Registration

Episode #51: Audio Replay of Fierce, Funny and Fabulously Alive2020-07-28T08:44:15-07:00

Episode #50: Audio Replay of Double Lives, with Esther Amini and Jacqueline Saper

In case you missed it, a conversation with the writers of new autobiographies that reveal the struggles and triumphs of growing up Jewish and Persian—both in Iran and America.

Esther Amini is a writer, painter and psychotherapist.  Her stories have appeared in Elle, Lilith, and The Jewish Week, among others.  Her funny, poignant and uplifting debut memoir Concealed, Memoir of a Jewish-Iranian Daughter Caught Between the Chador and America tells of being a first-generation American with Jewish-Iranian parents still mired in Mashhad.

The multitalented Jacqueline Saper was born and raised by an Iranian father and British mother, and has always been a bridge between East and West. Her deeply intimate and personal story From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran, takes us from her privileged childhood, through Iran’s social revolution and women’s changing roles.

Order Esther’s book Concealed by clicking here – Follow Esther on Instagram and Facebook.

Order Jacqueline’s book From Miniskirt to Hijab by clicking here – Follow Jacqueline on Instagram and Facebook.

Join us for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid virtual event, July 12, 11am PDT – FIERCE, FUNNY AND FABULOUSLY ALIVE: JEWISH THEATER IN AMERICA with Adam Immerwahr, Artistic Director of Theatre J, America’s premiere Jewish Theatre in Washington, DC and award-winning playwright Alix Sobler. CLICK HERE to register.

Episode #50: Audio Replay of Double Lives, with Esther Amini and Jacqueline Saper2020-06-30T14:28:01-07:00

Episode #49: Sex, Addiction & Love Pt. 2 – Interview with Sionne Elise

Part 2 of our previewing the 2nd Salon of our season, Sex, Addiction & Love in the 21st Century, which was abruptly postponed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, “The Show Must Go On!” as they say and we’re bringing these dangerous, outrageous, and oftentimes tender stories of the carnal sort to you via Zoom! June 27-29, you can join us for live performances of our latest Salon.

Those with Subscriptions and previously purchased tickets can attend for free – if you don’t have any tickets yet, you can CLICK HERE to purchase for $20.

On today’s episode, a conversation recorded with actor/musician Sionne Elise, recorded way back in a time before COVID-19, early March of 2020. Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Fromer sat down with Sionne to chat about her rising acting career (check her out as Phoebe in Lifetime’s soon-to-be-released Killer Cheerleader) and more! Including a preview performance of her piece from the Salon, “Not Going Anywhere.”

Join us on Zoom for Sex, Addiction & Love in the 21st Century – Includes Q&A with Talent! If you are a subscriber or March ticket holder, please contact andrew@the-braid.org if you have not already claimed your preferred date:

June 27 @ 8pm – TICKETS
June 28 @ 4pm – TICKETS
June 29 @ 7pm – TICKETS

Episode #49: Sex, Addiction & Love Pt. 2 – Interview with Sionne Elise2020-06-25T12:35:54-07:00

Episode #48: Audio Replay of Sex, Addiction & Love Art Talk

In case you missed it, JWT’s Artistic Director, Ronda Spinak, talks with our featured visual artists, Sarah Hadley and Ellen Cantor about their work and process.

CLICK HERE for a video replay of the event so you can see the beautiful artwork!

“Sarah Hadley exhibits images that depict intimate female joys, sorrows, dreams and desires…Ellen Cantor begins with photographs that illustrate the past – but she also focuses our attention on universal human emotions.” -dnj Gallery Owner & Curator Pamela Schoenberg Catch the companion JWT Salon Show of the same name June 27-29. DETAILS BELOW!

Join us on Zoom for Sex, Addiction & Love in the 21st Century – Includes Q&A with Talent! If you are a subscriber or March ticket holder, please contact andrew@the-braid.org if you have not already claimed your preferred date:

June 27 @ 8pm – TICKETS
June 28 @ 4pm – TICKETS
June 29 @ 7pm – TICKETS

Episode #48: Audio Replay of Sex, Addiction & Love Art Talk2020-06-23T17:14:49-07:00

Episode #47: Sex, Addiction & Love Pt. 1 – Interview with Robin Russin

We’re back!! Our 2nd Salon of the season, Sex, Addiction & Love in the 21st Century was abruptly postponed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, “The Show Must Go On!” as they say and we’re bringing these dangerous, outrageous, and oftentimes tender stories of the carnal sort to you via Zoom! June 27-29, you can join us for live performances of our latest Salon.

Those with Subscriptions and previously purchased tickets can attend for free – if you don’t have any tickets yet, you can CLICK HERE to purchase for $20.

On today’s episode, a conversation recorded with writer Robin Uriel Russin, recorded way back in a time before COVID-19, early March of 2020. Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Fromer sat down with Robin to chat about his multifaceted career as a filmmaker, teacher, writer (and more!) and to discuss Robin’s piece featured in Sex, Addiction & Love, titled “The Rose of Sharon.”

Join us on Zoom for Sex, Addiction & Love in the 21st Century – Includes Q&A with Talent! If you are a subscriber or March ticket holder, please contact andrew@the-braid.org if you have not already claimed your preferred date:

June 27 @ 8pm – TICKETS
June 28 @ 4pm – TICKETS
June 29 @ 7pm – TICKETS

Episode #47: Sex, Addiction & Love Pt. 1 – Interview with Robin Russin2020-06-22T14:47:44-07:00

Episode #46: Audio Replay of Public Health Advocate – When We Need It Most

In case you missed it, Rear Admiral Susan J. Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A (ret.) is an internationally recognized leader and major force in bringing important public health issues including women’s health, mental health, and global health to increased scientific and public attention. She provided distinguished service as a leading national expert in the administrations of four U.S Presidents. She was the country’s first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health, U.S. Assistant Surgeon General and Senior Global Health Advisor.

In this event, Rear Admiral Blumenthal will provides trustworthy, truthful medical information as she shares her expertise in women’s health, COVID-19, and other epidemic threats.

Click Here to Register for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid Virtual Event:
DOUBLES LIVES: TWO ACCLAIMED PERSIAN-AMERICAN AUTHORS, TWO INCREDIBLE MEMOIRS
With Esther Amini and Jacqueline Saper
Sunday June 28th @ 11:00 am PST / 2:00 pm EST
**Free to Attend! But we hope you will consider choosing a virtual ticket**

Episode #46: Audio Replay of Public Health Advocate – When We Need It Most2020-11-24T13:32:00-08:00

Episode #45: Audio Replay of Rabbinic Soul Sisters

In case you missed it, a Conversation with Rabbis Toba August and Naomi Levy. The story of a 30-year friendship between two remarkable rabbis that has deeply influenced each other’s lives and the lives of thousands of people all over the world.

Moderated by Lisa Rosenbaum, author and JWT writer
With special performance from actor/musician Marnina Schon.

Click Here to Register for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid Virtual Event, PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCATE – WHEN WE NEED IT MOST with Rear Admiral Susan J. Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A.

Episode #45: Audio Replay of Rabbinic Soul Sisters2020-06-15T12:59:25-07:00

Episode #44: Audio Replay of Jewish Nonprofits Event

In case you missed it, this is your chance to learn about three remarkable Jewish nonprofit organizations from across the county that you might not be familiar with, but definitely should be! Join us for an informative and inspiring discussion, plus a live performance from one of JWT’s most popular shows, “The Accidental Activist.” And it’s coming to you live from New York, Atlanta and Mississippi. Panelists are:

* Naomi Firestone-Teeter – Executive Director, Jewish Book Council
* David Raphael – Co-Founder and CEO, Jewish Grandparents Network
* Michele Schipper – CEO, Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life

Click Here to Register for our next Sunday Morning at the Braid Virtual Event, Rabinnic Soul Sisters! May 31st at 11:00 am PST

Episode #44: Audio Replay of Jewish Nonprofits Event2020-05-19T15:07:44-07:00

Episode #43: Audio Replay of Creative Couples Event

In case you missed it, Angella Nazarian dives into the stories of 15 couples who motivate one another, change their lives, and who have left an unparalleled mark on the world of literature, philosophy, and art due to their collaborations. From intellectuals and activists Martin and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the mysterious Queen Elizabeth 11 and Prince Philip, Nazarian highlights how each couple’s relationship enables them to reach greater heights in their respective fields. Join us for this special discussion PLUS:

-An interview with lawyer couple Nicole Kelly & Josh Ezrin
-An original JWT dramatic piece about Martin and Ruth Bader Ginsburg!
-Q&A with our guests

Discover how your relationships can motivate, nourish and transform you!.

Join us for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid event, May 17th at 11:00 am PDT Jewish Nonprofits: Making Mitzvot Across America Click here to register!

Want to watch a video replay of this event? Click here!

Episode #43: Audio Replay of Creative Couples Event2020-05-04T13:53:42-07:00

Episode #42: Audio Replay of Rob Eshman Event

In case you missed it, Rob Eshman has just become the National Editor of the venerable, historic paper The Forward. Join Lisa Rosenbaum, author and JWT writer, for a talk about his vision for the challenge ahead and how a kid from Encino with a passion for food became one of America’s most influential Jewish journalists.

Join us for our next Sunday Morning at The Braid event, May 3rd at 11:00 am PDT a conversation with best-selling author Angella Nazarian! Click here to register!

Want to watch a video replay of Rob’s event? Click here!

Episode #42: Audio Replay of Rob Eshman Event2020-05-01T10:40:51-07:00

Episode #41: NEXT @ The Braid presents Santa Monica Speaks Pt. 1

Join us on a little experiment from our Emerging Artists of NEXT @ The Braid! In this episode, you will hear 3 stories that materialized out of a writing exercise that took place during a recent meeting of the council. The stories are loosely inspired by the theme of NEXT’s upcoming Salon, For Goodness’ Sake which will debut in June. Are you an artist in your 20s/30s with a story to tell?? CLICK HERE to find out how you can submit your story to For Goodness’ Sake by March 6th!

Quick note: the Fellows did not read their own stories so as to anonymize the content.

Don’t miss JWT’s Second Salon of the season: Sex, Addiction & Love in the 21st Century! CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS <–Some dates are already selling out!

The 2019-2020 NEXT @ The Braid Fellows are Leenie Baker, David Chiu, Amanda Horowitz, Charles Volk, Rachel Minkoff, Isaac “Izzy” Salant, Sara True Rosenthal, and Sophie Stern Greenbaum. Daphna Shull serves as NEXT Literary Manager and Ora Yashar serves as NEXT Literary Consultant. NEXT Council Coordinator is Andrew Fromer.

For more information on NEXT @ The Braid, JWT’s Emerging Artists Fellowship, click here.

Episode #41: NEXT @ The Braid presents Santa Monica Speaks Pt. 12020-02-23T21:30:14-08:00

Episode #40: Mapping of the Mind Part 1

“A window into his soul.”

On this episode, Andrew sits down with Laura Ornest, Co-Producer of Mapping of the Mind, to discuss her late brother Maury Ornest. His story is one of several featured in our latest Salon which has been received with such incredible support as we shed light on humorous, heartfelt and hopeful stories from those touched by mental illness.

Maury was a promising young baseball talent in the 80’s, drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers, and working his way through the minor leagues until injuries got in the way. Suddenly, his life took a sharp turn when he was struck by severe mental illness. At one point on his journey, a doctor suggested painting as part of his treatment and he fell in love with art, colors, even snails, and sharing his feelings on a canvas. When Maury passed away at 58 from heart disease, his family discovered an unknown storage unit filled with 1400 paintings and countless journal entries detailing his experiences in art and life.

Also in this episode, you will hear excerpts from the performance including some of Maury’s writings and as an added piece, a piece written by multi-talented artist Julie Chafets Grass, who also has artwork featured in our art show!

CLICK HERE for info on viewing our art on display at The Braid

PIECES FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

MO’s Journal #2 and #3*
Written by Maury Ornest.  Adapted by Ronda Spinak from journals.  Performed by Josh T. Ryan.

*Music: “Maury’s Theme” by Mike Himelstein & Michael Turner.  

The Queen of MORE
Written by Julie Chafets Grass [adapted from The Queen of MORE, Poems by her Sidekick, ©2018 Julie Chafets Grass.  All rights reserved.]  Performed by Nadège August.

CLICK HERE to purchase Julie’s book on Amazon

Interested in booking a performance of Mapping in the Mind in your community? CLICK HERE to email Andrew

*Mapping of the Mind is underwritten in loving memory of Jack Spinak by his beloved brother Sydney Spinak and his niece Ronda*

MAPPING OF THE MIND CREDITS
Material Adapted, Curated and Produced by Ronda Spinak
Directed by Susan Morgenstern
Co-Produced by Laura Ornest
Dramaturg Lisa Rosenbaum
Literary Manager Suzanna Kaplan
South Bay Producer Liz Altman
San Francisco Bay Area Producer Carol Kirsh
Assistant Director Aysha Wax
JWT Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Fromer
Associate Producers Rose Ziff, Susie Yuré
Artistic Associate Daphna Shull
Stage Manager Amanda Horowitz

Performed by Nadége August*, Nicole Lipp, Josh T. Ryan and Kate Zentall*
*Actor is an Abby Freeman Artist in Residence at JWT

CLICK HERE for tickets to JWT’s upcoming events including Sex, Addiction & Love in the 21st Century and Creative Couples with Angella Nazarian!

Episode #40: Mapping of the Mind Part 12020-02-25T18:29:06-08:00

Episode #39: Getting Good at Getting Older with Rabbi Laura Geller

Happy Hannukah! On today’s episode, we welcome Rabbi Emerita Laura Geller to discuss her incredible book, Getting Good at Getting Older – she was the third member of our panel from a recent Sunday Morning at the Braid event and her insights were not to be missed! So Lisa and Maureen sat down with Rabbi Geller to hear her gems of wisdom and share them with you, our podcast audience.

Click Here to purchase a copy of her book on Amazon

ABOUT RABBI GELLER
Rabbi Emerita Laura Geller of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, was one of the first women rabbis ordained in the U.S. and the first to lead a major metropolitan synagogue. Twice named one of Newsweek’s “50 Most Influential Rabbis in America,” she was featured in the PBS documentary Jewish Americans. Rabbi Geller is the author of numerous articles and books and was on the editorial board of The Torah: A Women’s Commentary. She is a Fellow of the Corporation of Brown University,
from which she graduated in 1971. One of her recent initiatives is, “Next Stage: Boomers and Beyond” and she is a founder of the first synagogue based ChaiVillageLA, which is part of the national Village Movement (chaivillagela.org). With her late husband Richard Siegel, author of The Jewish Catalog, Rabbi Geller authored the just-published book, Getting Good at Getting Older: A Practical Catalog Grounded in Jewish Wisdom.

For more info on Rabbi Geller and her book, head to rabbilaurageller.com

Episode #39: Getting Good at Getting Older with Rabbi Laura Geller2019-12-22T19:52:13-08:00

Episode #38: Thanksgiving with a Persian-Jewish Twist

Happy Thanksgiving!! On today’s episode, a delicious treat for you…we are proud to present a recording of a classic, beloved piece from our Salon Saffron & Rosewater, which highlighted the experiences of Iranian Jews through a fragrant evening of incredible stories, song, and lovely surprises. Hear a celebration of being Jewish and American with Saffron Rice and Cranberry Sauce, written by Esther Amini and performed by Roxana Rastegar.

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
Saffron Rice and Cranberry Sauce
Written by Esther Amini adapted from A Persian Thanksgiving, published in The Jewish Week, Performed by Roxana Rastegar

Want more Inspiring Jewish Stories this holiday season? JOIN US FOR…

Season 17 of Salon Theatre | Buy Subscription / More Info

Not That Jewish | Buy Tickets / More Info

Tastes of Tradition Food Event & Film Screening | Buy Tickets / More Info

Episode #38: Thanksgiving with a Persian-Jewish Twist2024-11-26T21:41:05-08:00

Episode #37: Shalom Y’all! With Ann Zivitz Kientz of the Institute of Southern Jewish Life and JWT Artistic Director Ronda

JWT is heading South to…THE SOUTH! On today’s episode, we speak with Ann Zivitz Kientz, Director of Cultural Programming at The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL). Ann and Jewish Women’s Theatre have been hard at work putting together an incredible tour of six states in the Southern US to bring our unique theatrical experience to Jewish communities in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. As Ann joins us remotely from the ISJL offices in Metairie, Lousiana, you’ll hear from her about the amazing vibrancy of Southern Jewish Life and some of the offerings that ISJL provides to the wide range of communities in and around the South.

Later in the episode, JWT Artistic Director Ronda Spinak and JWT Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Fromer chat about what shows are coming their way and how this exciting tour came together.

For all info on our Southern Tour, head to bit.ly/jwtsoutherntour

Music Credits:
Humidity by Silent Partner Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/… Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109

Episode #37: Shalom Y’all! With Ann Zivitz Kientz of the Institute of Southern Jewish Life and JWT Artistic Director Ronda2019-11-08T11:31:07-08:00

Episode #36: Getting Older without Getting Old with Ruth Weisberg and Rosaline Zukerman

Two amazing guests from Sunday’s sold-out event! USC Professor Ruth Weisberg and family law attorney Rosaline Zukerman have a lot of wisdom to offer on the subject of living deep, meaningful lives, well into their elderhood.

Our November 3rd Sunday Morning at The Braid event, “Getting Older without Getting Old: Jewish Women Gracefully Ageing and Still Doing it All” will also feature Rabbi Emerita Laura Geller who will join Ruth and Rosaline for an incredible morning of laughter and wisdom. The event is sold out so have a listen to today’s episode for a little preview of the incredible insights these women have to offer.

ABOUT RUTH WEISBERG
An Artist, Professor of Fine Arts and former Dean at the USC Roski School, Ruth is currently the Director of the USC Initiative for Israeli Arts and Humanities, and the founder and President of the Jewish Artists Initiative of Southern California. She has had over 80 solo and 190 group exhibitions, including a major exhibition at the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena and a retrospective, at the Skirball Museum, Los Angeles as well as a solo exhibition at the Huntington in San Marino. Her work is in sixty major Museum collections including The Art Institute of Chicago; The Biblioteque Nationale of France; Paris; Istituto Nationale per la Grafica, Rome; The Los Angeles County Museum of Art; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and lives with New York; The National Gallery, Washington, D.C. and the Whitney Museum. Weisberg has two children and lives with her husband in Santa Monica, California.

ABOUT ROSALINE ZUKERMAN
Rosaline “Roz” Zukerman enrolled in law school in her late 40s, when most women decide to take a breather from the heavy lifting of bringing up a family with four kids. At the age of 50, Zukerman launched her own family law firm. Over the next 39 years, she built a successful Century City law firm of five attorneys, of which she is still the titular head. In a family law practice which incorporates her background in psychology, education and counseling, Zukerman has adapted to the shifts of an ever-changing culture, including her LGBT clients. An exemplary 95% settlement record has won Roz the admiration and respect of clients and peers. Devoted to her husband, children, and twelve grandchildren, she is active in civic and cultural affairs in Los Angeles and in mentoring young women.

Episode #36: Getting Older without Getting Old with Ruth Weisberg and Rosaline Zukerman2019-10-31T10:41:26-07:00

Episode #35: Living After with Jenna Fields of Sharsheret and Cynthia Freeman

We are standing up to cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness month with two very special performances of a brand new show, Living After! It is a moving, funny, and poignant collection of stories and songs that will uplift and create a conversation around this challenging subject.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR LIVING AFTER

In part one of today’s episode, Lisa and Maureen are joined by Jenna Fields, California Regional Director of SHARSHERET, a national non-profit organization, working to improve the lives of Jewish women and families living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer – JWT and Sharsheret have partnered together to present Living After and a portion of the ticketing proceeds will be donated to Sharsheret. Jenna joins us to talk about the amazing work they are doing, as well as the services available to the Jewish community through Sharsheret.

More info at sharsheret.org

In part two, Ronda and special guest Cynthia Freeman join in to talk about JWT’s Abby Freeman Artists in Residence program. Cynthia is the sister of Abby, JWT’s very first employee who passed away from breast cancer at the age of 37. Abby’s legacy lives on through our program, a way to honor hard-working artists who share the mission and ideals of our organization. There will be a reception in honor of the Abby Freeman Artists-in-Residence program following the 2:00 p.m. performance of Living After, on Sunday, October 27.  And now, we would like to welcome Cynthia Freeman, Abby’s sister. 

BUY TICKETS
Saturday Oct. 26 @ 8pm
Sunday Oct. 27 @ 2pm (reception to follow)
@ The Braid in Santa Monica
2912 Colorado Ave. #102,
Santa Monica, CA, 90404

ABOUT JENNA
Jenna Fields, MA, MSW, California Regional Director, is a graduate of the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College and the School of Social Work at the University of Southern California. Jenna oversees Sharsheret’s office in the Greater Los Angeles community, and all local programmatic efforts including outreach, education, partnership development and fundraising.

ABOUT CYNTHIA
Senior program director Cynthia Freeman oversees an $8 million-plus portfolio of fiscal sponsorship projects; manages capacity-building initiatives and regranting programs for foundation, government, and corporate clients; and supervises staff and consultants. Prior to joining Community Partners in 2006, Freeman worked as a policy director for the Association of Community Human Service Agencies, a trade association of community-based human service agencies that contract with Los Angeles County to provide child welfare and mental health services. Previously, she spent seven years in the field of philanthropy, most recently at the New York Foundation, making grants to community organizing, advocacy, and start-up projects in New York City’s low-income neighborhoods. She also planned new grantmaking and technical assistance initiatives and ran a summer internship in philanthropy. Freeman has served as a consultant to numerous nonprofit organizations and worked on initiatives with government entities including the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Burbank Police Department, and New York City Department of Homeless Services. She began her career as a community organizer and fundraiser for ACORN, a grassroots community organization of low-income people. She has served on the steering committees of Interfaith Funders and Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy and is prior board chair of Jumpstart and co-leader of the Southern California Fiscal Sponsors Network. Freeman is a graduate of Brown University and has an MPA in nonprofit management from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service.

Episode #35: Living After with Jenna Fields of Sharsheret and Cynthia Freeman2019-10-17T17:04:54-07:00

Episode #34: Season 12 Preview with Ronda and Susan

CLICK HERE to buy your 2020 Subscription!

A show exploring mental illness – a collection of outrageous stories of the carnal sort – incredible life-changing moments. These are set to be shared in JWT’s inspiring 12th Salon Season! On today’s episode, JWT Artistic Director Ronda Spinak and JWT Producing Director Susan Morgenstern return to discuss what has them excited for this year’s 3-Salon Season which is sure to be our best season yet! Hear about the excitement shared when a writer reveals a secret for the first time on our stage, what we can look forward to in each Salon and what does it mean for a JWT piece to “marinate.”

Subscriptions are on sale now, click to buy!

Want more info on Salon Theatre? Check out this video.

Episode #34: Season 12 Preview with Ronda and Susan2019-09-18T11:34:06-07:00

Episode #33: Both/And from True Colors!

“I emerged from the birth canal strangling on the umbilical cord.  I wonder if God was giving me a chance to change my mind: are you certain you want this adventure of life as a Cuban Catholic daughter of a Jewish mother?”

On this episode, hear the incredibly moving piece “Both/And,” one of the favorite stories from the hit show True Colors which returns to The Braid in Santa Monica for four performances September 19-22. Written by Maria Ramos-Chertok and performed by Heidi Mendez (bios below), “Both/And” is from the collection of pieces that makes up our wildly popular Salon show True Colors – full of humorous, revealing and inspiring stories from Jews of Color exploring identity, community and being a Jew in modern times.

TRUE COLORS CREDITS
Material Adapted, Curated, and Producedby Ronda Spinak
Producedby Eric Greene
Directed by Susan Morgenstern
Dramaturges Lisa Rosenbaum & Susan Baskin
Literary Manager Suzanna Kaplan
South Bay Producer Liz Altman
San Francisco/Bay Area Producer Carol Kirsh
Assistant Producer Barbara Koletsky
Associate Producers Rose Ziff & Susie Yuré
Artistic Associate Daphna Shull
Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Fromer

Starring: Brie Eley, Kimberly Green, Heidi Mendez, Joshua Silverstein and Katherine Washington

Written By: Ruth Behar, Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl, David Chiu, Marcos Cohen, Courtenay Edelhart, Marra B. Gad, Marissa Tiamfook Gee, M.A. Hosein, Maria Ramos-Chertok, Larry M. Sanders, and Joshua Silverstein

Featured on this episode:
Both/And
Written by Maria Ramos-Chertok. Performed by Heidi Mendez.

MARIA RAMOS-CHERTOK (Writer) is a writer, workshop leader, and coach who facilitates the Butterfly Series, a writing and creative arts workshop for women who want to explore what’s next. Her book, The Butterfly Series: Fifty-two Weeks of Inquiries for Transformation, was published in August 2018. She is finalizing her debut novel, Rosie’s Blues, inspired by the experience of her mother opening their family home in Hackensack, New Jersey, as a shelter for battered women and children. Maria’s manuscript won the 2018 Adult Fiction Mentorship prize from the Word for Diversity. She is a contributor to All the Women in My Family Sing: Essays on Equality, Justice, and Freedom (Feb. 2018), edited by Deborah Santana, and She’s Got This! Essays on Standing Strong and Moving On (Feb. 2019), a Write-on Mamas project. Since 2014, she’s cohosted women’s salons showcasing women-of-color artists. For more info, visit: www. mariaramoschertok.com.

HEIDI MENDEZ (Actor) is a bilingual actor/director/educator who has worked professionally in Madrid, Mexico City, Utah, Texas, and now California. Her favorite roles include Lady Bracknell, Prospero, and most recently Amanda in The Glass Menagerie. Some favorite shows as director/choreographer include Cats, Working, Fiddler, and The Diary of Anne Frank. She is known as the Rapping Grandma to kids in juvie where she volunteered for two years which led her to be founder/director of ACT RISK NO MORE, a nonprofit whose mission is to rescue troubled teens through theater. Heidi is married to Nick (a Mormon bishop) and is the mother of three boys, resulting in her being afraid nothing. For fun, Heidi takes hip-hop classes and plays dress- up with her granddaughter. Education: BA in acting from BYU and MA in directing from Texas State, plus two Utah teaching certificates for theater and Spanish.

For more info on True Colors, click here.

Episode #33: Both/And from True Colors!2019-10-17T16:26:19-07:00

Episode #32: Hippie Woman Wild! with Carol Schlanger

Why did a not-so-nice Jewish girl, expelled from Yale Drama School during the Vietnam protests, abandon her acting dream to follow the man she loves to an off-the-grid commune in Oregon? CAROL SCHLANGER, acclaimed actress, writer and JWT favorite will read and perform a hilarious, bawdy and true story from her new book as she celebrates the publication of her memoir, Hippie Woman Wild: A Memoir of Life & Love on an Oregon Commune.

Sunday, August 11th 10:00am – 12:00pm
At The Braid Performance and Art Space
2912 Colorado Ave. #102, Santa Monica, CA, 90404

On this episode Lisa and Maureen are joined by Carol and Arlene Sarner, award-winning screenwriter and moderator of the event. They chat about how laundry is done – commune style, what it was like suddenly swapping Manhattan for rural Oregon and why Carol never wants to see a chicken again…enjoy the episode! RIP Eddy the Ram.

Click here to purchase the book and/or leave a review on Amazon!

CAROL SCHLANGER is a professional award winning actress and writer, best known for her honest, fearless and outrageously funny work. She’s billed as “a baby boomer’s answer to Lena Dunham.” A native New Yorker, Carol first received notice and rave reviews as ” The American Housewife” at the New York Public Theater. Carol is a graduate of Yale Drama, where she began her professional acting and writing career working with Improv Guru, Paul Sills at the Body Politic in Chicago. Since, she has worked consistently in film, television and on stage. Her plays have been produced both in New York and L.A.

Carol has worked as a staff writer for Imagine Television and created two pilots, Back to the Garden and Hello Pilgrim for CBS. Her one-woman play, Mouth to Mouth (1995) received L.A. Critics Awards for Acting and Writing. She was the 2011 winner of the L.A. playwrights story slam. A much in demand storyteller, she performs in high-end venues throughout L.A including The Moth, Sparc, Tasty Words, the JWT and I Love A Good Story.

An old hippie, and lifetime organic farmer, Carol has just completed her memoir, Hippie Woman Wild, about a 24 year old urbane and, radicalized New York actress from privilege, and Yale, who joins her cowboy lover, Clint, in a back-to-the land movement of the 1970’s, living on in the Oregon wilderness on a commune. The wild, multi-layered story is the unheard female voice of a generation.

Episode #32: Hippie Woman Wild! with Carol Schlanger2019-10-17T16:27:19-07:00

Episode #31: The Way Home with NEXT @ The Braid

CLICK HERE to get your tickets to The Way Home

What happens when you bring together the next generation of Jewish theatre artists under one roof? You get an incredible, compelling and uniquely original theatrical production! Hear from the Writers, Producers, Directors and creative Artists that make up this year’s cohort of NEXT @ The Braid Fellows as they get ready to share with you THE WAY HOME – performing June 8-18 all over Los Angeles at a Thrift Store, Fabric Shop or Art Gallery near you!

Wondering which venue is near you? Click here for all days, times and locations!

June 8th – Downtown LA *Come Early for a Special Art Gallery Viewing*
June 9th – Santa Monica *Come Early for an Art Talk with our Artists*
June 11th – Reseda
June 12th – Fairfax/Melrose
June 13th – Venice *Come Early for a tour of this unique Fabric Shop*
June 15th – Santa Monica *Come Early for an Art Talk with our Artists*
June 16th – Studio City *Come Early for 10% Off Shopping…Dad’s Like to Thrift Too!*
June 18th – Silverlake

ABOUT NEXT
Now in its third year, NEXT is a professional development fellowship program from JWT. Each year, a group of emerging artists are selected from a competitive applicant pool. The fellows then select a theme and invite the Los Angeles community to submit stories, poems, plays, musical works and art around that theme. NEXT fellows then collaborate to curate, cast, direct, and produce an original show and companion art exhibit over a nine-month period.

WHO ARE THE NEXT FELLOWS?

JUDITH GOLDSTEIN (Producer & Art Curator) Calling herself a modern day gypsy, Judith has lived in four countries, four states and countless cities- absorbing the culture, art and traditions from every place she’s had the pleasure of experiencing. Judith has worked in food industry as a cook, food writer, and historian. In 2014, she graduated from the University of Gastronomic Sciences with a Master’s in Food Culture and Communications. In addition to her passion for gastronomy, Judith immerses herself in photography, writing, and dance.  Her love and enthusiasm for art and food has always been the anchor that united her dynamic journey and she hopes to bring her passion, world experience and love for the humanities to the NEXT @ The Braid community.

CHANDLER TURK (Literary) is a writer for film, television, and theatre. He is currently the writers’ production assistant for Disney’s upcoming series “High School Musical: The Musical” which will premiere on their new streaming service Disney+ in late 2019. Turk earned his BFA at NYU Tisch’s Department of Dramatic Writing in 2018.  He has previously worked for the Inkwell Theater as the associate producer of Chickenheads (September 2018) and Journey to Alice (January 2018).

AYSHA WAX (Director & Marketing) is a writer, director and comedian. She is fun, witty and unintentionally the loudest person in the room. Aysha loves creating stories that are fun, festive, and feminist. Her webseries Wannabees that was co created by Marian Bruno was sold to Fox Digital in 2014.  Aysha has also had her sketches featured on Buzzfeed, Funnyordie, Wifey TV, and WhoHaHa. Aysha has performed improv and sketch around Los Angeles at iO West, the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, Westside Comedy Theater, The Pach Theater and the Groundlings.  Aysha also spent eight years teaching Hebrew School around Los Angeles, which inspired her one woman show Hebrew School Horror that she toured around LA and NYC. When Aysha is not creating things she moonlights as a dating consultant with her partner Rebecca Leib. Their dating classes are known as “Feeling It” dating. Aysha can help you level up dating wise while enjoying the process and maybe finding a partner in the process. In essence, Aysha is here to make your life a little better and more fun!

ARNON Z. SHORR (Marketing & Director) is an Israeli/American modern-Orthodox Jewish filmmaker who lives and works in Los Angeles. His award-winning shorts and features have screened in festivals around the world. His most recent short film about Jewish pirates, “The Pirate Captain Toledano”, an official selection at 48 film festivals and competitions, is now available on Blu-Ray, DVD and streaming on Amazon.com

KYRA MORLING (Producer & Art Curator) is an actor, writer, and artist recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in theater. She’s split her time between Los Angeles and New York City working at The Hammer Museum, Gagosian Gallery, Royce Hall, Bowery Poetry Club, The Hole, and Marciano Art Foundation. As a performer, she has trained with Atlantic Theater Company, Upright Citizen’s Brigade, Second City, and has been featured in both Hollywood and Edingburgh Fringe. Her heart lies with Project Nongenue, an LA- based theater company in which she was a founding member. Find out more at kyramorling.com.

ORA YASHAR (Literary) is the Showrunner’s Assistant on the Netflix series ATYPICAL, a show which empathetically and humorously explores what it means to be “normal”. Further nourishing her love of storytelling is Ora’s ongoing involvement as a Script Consultant for Sundance’s Episodic Lab. Through a collaboration with Women In Film, Ora wrote an Emmy nominated PSA for the Santa Monica Museum of Art and directed a 2x Telly Award winning PSA for the ALS Association. Her short script ICE CREAM was a 2017 Austin Film Festival Semi-Finalist, Kansas City Film Fest Finalist and a 2018 Screencraft Film Fund Semi-Finalist. In order to say thank you to all those who have come before, Ora enjoys volunteering her time at the Motion Picture and TV Fund which supports the aging entertainment community in living with dignity and purpose. She earned her MFA in Directing from Chapman University.

JULIE LANCTOT (Director & Marketing) a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television, has participated in the LA theater community as an actor and assistant director. Most recently, she played Rosaline in Chase What Flies’ production of Love’s Labor’s Lost and Isabella in Method and Madness’ production of Measure for Measure. Julie assistant directed Dangerous Liaisons at Antaeus last Fall and is currently assisting on a staged reading of the Jacobean tragedy Women Beware Women. Now dipping her toes into the world of writing, she is developing an original web series with some of her closest friends. Julie is enjoying the process of becoming a hyphenate and looks forward to continuing her journey with JWT.

DAPHNA SHULL (Literary Manager) is a three-time NEXT Arts Council Fellow, literary manager, and writer, born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree in media production from Florida State University. After graduating in 2014, she headed west to pursue a career in screenwriting and the arts. Today Daphna works as JWT’s Artistic Associate and as a museum educator for the Zimmer Children’s Museum.

ANDREW FROMER (Council Coordinator), a Los Angeles native, grew up as an active member in the Jewish community through Stephen Wise Temple. He attended Windward School in Mar Vista, where his acting career began in plays and musicals. After completing his BFA in theater at UC Santa Barbara, and an exciting year of living in Israel, Andrew took a dive into filmmaking and has since branched into production by helping prepare for distribution two feature films he has acted in: AMP Creative’s Highway to Havasu (dir. Jeff Janke) and Mockingbird Pictures’ The Sweet Life (dir. Rob Spera). Andrew also edits, directs, and is very excited to be coordinating this year’s iteration of NEXT @ The Braid, JWT’s Emerging Artists Fellowship.

This show is made possible with generous support from the Department of Cultural Affairs of Los Angeles, Erwin Rautenberg Foundation, Y&S Nazarian Initiative, a program of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, and Gail Solo.

Thank you to our Community Organizational Partners for your commitment to Jewish Women’s Theatre and presenting our Salons in your communities.

National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles
Patricia Torkan Art Studio Gallery
Eretz Synagogue Cultural Center
Fabric Planet
Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center

Episode #31: The Way Home with NEXT @ The Braid2019-05-28T09:45:06-07:00

Episode #30: True Colors with Joshua Silverstein and David Chiu

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Our latest Salon, True Colors, features humorous, revealing and inspiring stories from Jews of Color exploring identity, community and being a Jew in modern times. On this episode, Lisa and Maureen chat with two of the many creative minds contributing to this incredible show! Joshua Silverstein is an actor in the show, wrote a piece commissioned by JWT and the Jewish Journal named him “one of the five best Jewish beatboxers in the world.” Lisa and Maureen will also talk with brilliant screenwriter David Chiu on his experiences and challenges rising through the ranks of Hollywood and his passion for activism. Listen in for Royal secrets, Judaism in ancient China and more!

*Join us for True Colors in JUNE, extended by four shows June 25, 26, 29 at 7:30 pm and June 30th at 2:00 pm!*

JOSHUA SILVERSTEIN (Writer/Actor) is an award-winning actor, comic, writer, beatboxer, and educator whose performances and productions throughout the country have prompted admiration from creative greats ranging from Norman Lear to Prince. For more than 20 years, Joshua has provided and facilitated theater, improvisation, and spoken-word workshops and in-school residencies designed to create a safe and open space for students of all ages to experience the freedom of creative expression. Joshua brings passion, play, and persuasion to make words, thinking, and expression infectiously fun. During the school year, Joshua serves as the cohost and co-producer of Emmy Award–winning Downbeat 720, a high school open-mic that has been a staple of Santa Monica for the last 16 years. Joshua also performs for The Late-Late Show with James Corden on the segment “Drop the Mic” and on the weekly stand-alone half-hour TNT series, Drop the Mic.

DAVID CHIU (Writer) is a screenwriter living in Los Angeles. He and writing partner Patrick Wall wrote an episode for the Amazon Prime series LORE and recently sold a VR project to Dreamscape Immersive for development with Sam Raimi and Walter Parkes. Together, David and Patrick are represented by Authentic Talent & Literary Management. David is a member of Temple Isaiah, whose board of trustees he was nominated to this year. Through his work with the Temple Isaiah Green Team, he has personally advocated for environmental policy at City Hall and in Sacramento. A weekly attendee at his shul’s Torah study minyan as well as Shabbat services, he was honored to receive Temple Isaiah’s 2019 Emerging Leaders Award. Also a member of the Los Angeles Jews of Color group, David is thrilled to help celebrate the Jewish community’s diversity.

Episode #30: True Colors with Joshua Silverstein and David Chiu2019-05-29T21:34:43-07:00

Episode #29: Bravissima! Jewish Women in Music with Susan Greenberg and Miriam Cutler

Move over Gershwin and Barenboim, Jewish women musicians are rocking the world and JWT is thrilled to present three of the best at our upcoming event BRAVISSIMA! Jewish Women in Music on April 7th as part of our Sunday Morning at the Braid series. On this Episode, Lisa, Maureen and Arlene are joined by two of our three panelists: flute soloist Susan Greenberg and composer Miriam Cutler (Bios Below). Learn what it’s like to score such projects as The Simpsons, the documentary RBG, playing the Hollywood Bowl, traveling the world with the US State Department’s American Film Showcase and more!

BRAVISSIMA! Jewish Women in Music
April 7th, 2019 10:00 am – Noon
$25 General Single Ticket *Includes light brunch, live musical performance, panel discussion and Q&A with our guests*

SUSAN GREENBERG enjoys a versatile career as soloist, chamber musician, symphony player, and recording artist. The Los Angeles Times has described her playing as “brilliant” “elegant” and “supple.” During her 36 years with the LA Chamber Orchestra, she was a frequent soloist on both flute and piccolo. She has also appeared as guest soloist with the San Francisco and Oakland Symphonies, the Santa Monica Symphony, the Napa Valley Symphony, and at the Hollywood Bowl. Presently she is the principal flutist with the Santa Monica Symphony and the Vicente Chamber Orchestra. She has performed with the LA Philharmonic, L.A. Opera, New York City Opera, American Ballet Theater, as well as at the Casals, Ojai and Martha’s Vineyard Music Festivals. Ms. Greenberg was the principal flutist for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra’s tour of Japan, and has received the “Most Valuable Player” award on the flute from the National Association of  Recording Arts and Sciences. Ms. Greenberg is presently the flute professor at Pepperdine University and Santa Monica College. She is the Co-Artistic Director of Chamber Music Palisades and has recorded for over 500 motion pictures and many TV television shows, including the Simpsons for 25 years.

Emmy nominated Composer, MIRIAM CUTLER has an extensive background in scoring independent film & TV projects, as well as two circuses. She was chosen by her peers to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a member of the Documentary Branch and invited to represent Documentary Film abroad for the US State Department’s American Film Showcase. She has also been Composer in Residence at Columbia College of the Arts, and presented workshops at USC, UCLA, Berklee College of Music and internationally. She recently completed scores for Dark Money, Love, Gilda and RBG, which was nominated for a 2019 Oscar. Miriam’s passion for documentary film has led to a focus in non-fiction with credits including the award-winning Ethel (Sundance/HBO), Rory Kennedy’s five time Emmy nominated documentary about her parents, Bobby and Ethel Kennedy, which was shortlisted for an Oscar in 2013. Additionally her films have won several Emmy Awards and she has served as Lab Advisor for the Sundance Institute Documentary Composers Lab since it began in 2003. She has co-produced two Grammy-nominated live jazz albums, albums for Nina Simone, as well as independently released albums of her own songs and soundtracks. She recently released a compilation album from 18 of her film scores, available from Movie Score Media http://moviescoremedia.com/film-music-miriam-cutler/


Episode #29: Bravissima! Jewish Women in Music with Susan Greenberg and Miriam Cutler2019-05-28T09:49:25-07:00

Episode #28: Jewish Women Foodies with Susan Feniger, Dr. Beth Ricanati and Amelia Saltsman

WARNING: Listening to the following episode WILL make you hungry

Click here to join us at our Jewish Women Foodies panel on March 10th!

On this episode, Lisa and Maureen sit down with three incredibly marvelous mavens of the kitchen: cookbook authors Dr. Beth Ricanati, Amelia Saltsman and Susan Feniger, who not only writes cookbooks, but is a renowned chef, restauranteur, radio and TV personality and owner of Border Grill. They’ll give us a preview of our great morning of culinary chat on Sunday March 10th 10:00am – 12:00pm. You’ll also be able to get signed copies of cookbooks, a special challah baking demonstration and our first ever raffle! Amazing prizes await!

BUY TICKETS
Jewish Women Foodies Panel and Challah Baking Demonstration
March 10th, 10:00am – 12:00pm
$20 pre-sale, $25 at the door
*Includes light brunch, demonstration, panel and Q & A with our guests!*
Added bonus: Beth Ricanati, M.D. will share her thoughts about the therapeutic value of challah baking, followed by a demonstration – and samples.

ABOUT THE CHEFS
Iconic culinarian, author, and entrepreneur SUSAN FENIGER may be best known for her Modern Mexican concept, Border Grill restaurants, trucks, and catering, which she runs with her business partner of more than 35 years, Mary Sue Milliken. Now with locations in Downtown Los Angeles, LAX, The Huntington Library, and Las Vegas’s Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Border Grill continues to serve street food-inspired regional Mexican cuisine with a commitment to sustainability and the best quality ingredients. In June 2018, Feniger and Milliken debuted a fast casual eatery, BBQ Mexicana, at Las Vegas’s Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and later this year, they will return to Santa Monica with a new all-day Mexican restaurant. Feniger also launched her own solo ventures—Blue Window with Kajsa Alger at The Huntington Library in 2016 and to-go concept Grab & Global by Susan Feniger at both LAX and San Jose International Airports in 2018 After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, she made a groundbreaking move in joining the nearly all-male kitchen at Chicago’s Le Perroquet, serendipitously meeting the only other woman in the kitchen—Mary Sue Milliken. After working for Wolfgang Puck at Ma Maison in L.A., Feniger went to the French Riviera to further hone her skills, and returned to open City Café with Milliken in 1981, forever changing L.A.’s culinary landscape by introducing eclectic dishes from around the world. That evolved into the larger CITY Restaurant in 1985—and the introduction of Border Grill as a simple spot for authentic home cooking and street foods of Mexico informed by the duo’s treks through the country. A James Beard Award that same year confirmed their impact on the nation’s cuisine. Feniger and Milliken brought their innovative approaches to The Food Network with nearly 400 episodes of the “Too Hot Tamales” and “Tamales World Tour” series. They also were the original co-hosts of the popular food-centric radio show, KCRW’s “Good Food,” in L.A. Susan has co-authored six cookbooks, including Susan Feniger’s Street Food and competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” in 2010. In 2018, Feniger and Milliken were named the recipients of the fourth annual Julia Child Award from The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, marking the first women to be honored. The distinction complements additional accolades, including the Elizabeth Burns Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Restaurant Association in 2013; earned induction into Menu Masters Hall of Fame in 2014; and the 2018 Gold Award from the Los Angeles Times for culinary excellence and innovation in Southern California. Feniger is an active member of the community, and currently sits on the boards of the Scleroderma Research Foundation, L.A. LGBT Center, and L.A. Tourism & Convention Board; works closely with Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, Share Our Strength, and Human Rights Campaign; and co-founded Chefs Collaborative. Head to the Border Grill’s website for locations, menus and more info!

BETH RICANATI, MD has built her career around bringing wellness into women’s everyday lives, especially busy moms juggling life and children. She has practiced internal medicine at the NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic. In addition, her writings have appeared in peer-reviewed medical journals and many lifestyle blogs. Ricanati lives in the Los Angeles area with her family and one challah-loving dog. Visit Dr. Ricanati’s website, House Calls for Wellness for more info.

AMELIA SALTSMAN is a writer, teacher, and award-winning author of The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen: A Fresh Take on Tradition and The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook: Seasonal Foods, Simple Recipes, and Stories from the Market and Farm, Saltsman is passionate about helping everyday cooks make the connection between small-farmed foods and real-life meals. In her warm style, Amelia streamlines today’s desire for healthier, sustainable foods; the need to get dinner on the table; and the longing for rich holiday traditions into one seamless whole“Great taste and good farming practices go hand in hand. When the raw ingredients taste good, it’s the most obvious sign that our food has been grown sustainably and locally, and that it’s at its freshest and most nutritious. Amelia’s name is synonymous with intuitive, seasonal cooking, and her food reflects the bold, diverse flavors of her eclectic background. Amelia’s books have made numerous “best” lists, including The Washington Post, Cooking Light, and KCRW’s Good Food, and she has been featured in such diverse outlets as Parade Magazine, Yahoo! Food, Food52, Fit Pregnancy, Vegetarian Times, US Airways, USA Today, Jewish Chronicle of London, The Jerusalem Post, and Los Angeles magazine. Her work has appeared in Bon Appétit, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Food52, The Kitchn, Cooking Light, Huffington Post, Jewish Journal, National Geographic Traveler, and more. Amelia is a frequent guest on KCRW’s Good Food and has appeared on Hallmark’s Home & Family and Good Day L.A. Known as an energetic and inspiring teacher, she teaches at such venues as Google’s corporate offices and Rancho La Puerta. A long-time champion of local family farms, fair food, and farmers’ markets, Amelia is committed to raising the food literacy rate: knowing how, where, and by whom our food is grown; knowing how to cook a simple, healthy meal; and understanding the historical, local, and global impact our food choices have on our families and communities. Amelia served ten years on the California Certified Farmers’ Markets Advisory Committee and Direct Marketing Task Force; contributed to The Sage Encyclopedia of Food Issues; and empowers people to confidently “read” their farmers’ markets. Visit Amelia’s website for more info!


Episode #28: Jewish Women Foodies with Susan Feniger, Dr. Beth Ricanati and Amelia Saltsman2019-02-28T10:12:17-08:00

Episode #27: The Giving Life with Jill Black Zalben and Natella Royzman

CThe act of philanthropy is a vitally important lifeline for the communities in which we live. On this episode, Lisa and Maureen sit down and discuss the art of giving with two of our three panelists joining us at the upcoming event The Giving Life: Jewish Women Philanthropists. Jill Black Zalben of the Stanley & Joyce Black Family Foundation and Natella Royzman of the Jewish Community Foundation share their amazing stories about where a passion for giving has taken their lives. On February 24th, Jill and Natella will be joined by our third panelist Ilyse Teller of the Concern Foundation for a panel Q & A, light brunch and short performance.

WHEN: Sunday February 24th, 2019 10:00am – Noon
WHERE: The Braid Performance and Art Space, 2912 Colorado Ave. #102, Santa Monica, CA, 90404

Episode #27: The Giving Life with Jill Black Zalben and Natella Royzman2019-04-01T15:36:31-07:00

Episode #26: Family Secrets by the Bay with Michael Naishtut and Niloo

In this episode, Andrew chats with the other half of our cast who are sharing the tantalizing stories of Family Secrets all the way up in the Bay Area. Listen in and meet Michael Naishtut and Niloo, both with globe-spanning-multilingual performance careers!

Have a listen to hear about the tantalizing revelations that await in our first salon of the year, Family Secrets! Hear another preview piece from the show and dive into the experience of what its like to act in JWT’s signature style Salon Theatre on the road!

Performance in this episode:

An excerpt from
Ham and Cheese Croissants and a Letter to God
Written by Alexander Nemser
Performed by Michael Naishtut

Family Secrets credits:
Material Adapted, Curated, and Produced by Ronda Spinak
Directed by Susan Morgenstern and Lisa Cirincione
Dramaturg Lisa Rosenbaum
Literary Manager Suzanna Kaplan
South Bay Producer Liz Altman
San Francisco/Bay Area Producer Carol Kirsh
Assistant Producer Barbara Koletsky
Associate Producers Rose Ziff and Susie Yuré
Artistic Associate Daphna Shull
Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Fromer

Episode #26: Family Secrets by the Bay with Michael Naishtut and Niloo2019-02-19T19:13:50-08:00

Episode #25: Family Secrets with Debbie Kaspar and Rosie Moss

In this episode, Maureen is joined by guest host Andrew Fromer to chat with two actors from our first salon of the season, Debbie Kaspar and Rosie Moss! Debbie is a two-time Emmy-nominated writer and an award-winning comedian who has written for Roseanne, The Rosie O’Donnel Show among others. Rosie is a JWT veteran having performed in Guilty Parties last year; she has alos starred in Lifetime’s miniseries The Rookie and theatre goers will know her from starring performances at The West Coast Jewish Theatre and The Odyssey.

Have a listen to hear about the tantalizing revelations that await in our first salon of the year, Family Secrets! Hear some preview pieces from the show and dive into the experience of what its like to act in JWT’s signature style Salon Theatre.

Performances in this episode:
Uf Gozal
Music and Lyrics by Arik Einstein and Miki Gavrielov
Performed by Rosie Moss

My Sissy Boo
written and performed by Debbie Kaspar

Family Secrets credits:
Material Adapted, Curated, and Produced by Ronda Spinak
Directed by Susan Morgenstern and Lisa Cirincione
Dramaturg Lisa Rosenbaum
Literary Manager Suzanna Kaplan
South Bay Producer Liz Altman
San Francisco/Bay Area Producer Carol Kirsh
Assistant Producer Barbara Koletsky
Associate Producers Rose Ziff and Susie Yuré
Artistic Associate Daphna Shull
Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Fromer

Episode #25: Family Secrets with Debbie Kaspar and Rosie Moss2019-02-19T19:14:42-08:00

Episode #24: Season 11 Preview with Ronda Spinak

JWT Artistic Director Ronda Spinak returns to the podcast to let us know what’s in store for our incredible 11th season of our unique storytelling experiences known as Salon Theatre. Listen now for some tidbits on Family Secrets, It’s a Life and True Colors as well as insight into the process of putting together our one-of-a-kind style of show, how the pieces get chosen and what does it mean to attend a Salon at JWT.

Want to Subscribe to our 3-show season? Click here to book yours today!

Want to know how to have your work included in one of our shows? Head to our Submit Your Story page for info/guidelines…

Click here for Box Office home page!

Episode #24: Season 11 Preview with Ronda Spinak2019-02-13T13:44:18-08:00

Episode #23: Monica Piper in Not That Jewish

Happy Hannukah! Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and comedian Monica Piper (bio below) joins Lisa and Maureen for a very special holiday episode of the JWT Podcast, giving listeners a tantalizing preview of her incredible one woman show, Not That Jewish, now playing at The Braid in Santa Monica after a triumphant run Off Broadway. Ever wonder what it means to have a Jewish heart? Or how about how did Monica go from English teacher to award-winning comedy writer/performer/producer? Have a listen and find out…

Click here for more info on Not That Jewish

MONICA PIPER was a Campfire Girl … in the Bronx.  “You sense your life isn’t normal when you’re sitting on the D train with a bag of marshmallows and a twig.”

Monica began her career as a high school English teacher. While finding it rewarding, she had to move on. “I couldn’t handle the money and prestige.” Realizing her passion was making people laugh, she studied improv with Second City in Chicago and performed with the Wing and Papaya Juice in San Francisco. She then went solo as a stand-up and soon became one of Showtime Network’s Comedy All Stars. It wasn’t long before she landed her own Cable Ace Award–winning Showtime special, No, Monica, Just You, and was nominated for an American Comedy Award as one of the top five female comedians in the country. Monica was recruited by Ms. Barr herself to write on Roseanne, after which she went on to write for Mad About You and Veronica’s Closet. 

Monica was now a mother, and sitcom hours meant too much time away from her son, so she turned to animation. After writing for the adult cult favorite Duckman, she became head writer of the #1 children’s animated series Rugrats, for which she won an Emmy. She then developed and wrote series for Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Network.

Monica returned to her first love, performing. As a stand-up, she headlines fundraising events for organizations including the City of Hope, the Jewish Federation, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Brandeis Committee, and the Premiere Oncology Foundation, as well as Jewish groups nationwide. 

Monica also works in the corporate world as a motivational comedian. As a breast cancer survivor, she inspires audiences everywhere to lose the stress and Find the Funny in their personal and professional lives.

An artist-in-residence with Jewish Women’s Theatre, Monica performs original pieces for their At-Homes Salon Theatre Series and is eternally grateful to JWT and Gail Solo for commissioning her critically acclaimed one-woman play, Not That Jewish, which earned an LA Drama Critics Circle nomination for Best Solo Performance of 2015. Monica is thrilled to bring Not That Jewish back to LA after its hit seven-month run off-Broadway.

Monica recently enjoyed playing the role of Bess Myerson in Barra Grant’s Miss America’s Ugly Daughter at the Broad Stage Edye Theater in Santa Monica.

Monica lives in Santa Monica with her dog, cat, and son, Jake, whom she loves and adores “almost every day.”

Episode #23: Monica Piper in Not That Jewish2019-02-19T19:15:53-08:00

Episode #22: Jews in America – Fall Party Preview

On this episode, Lisa and Maureen are joined by Susan Baskin (see bio below) a writer and frequent contributor to JWT’s salons as well as JWT Artistic Director Ronda Spinak. Ronda and Susan have been working together over the past few months to prepare for JWT’s Fall Party, the annual kickoff to our season of salons. This year’s theme is Jews in America featuring historical documents, original works, music and more from all over the USA’s vibrant timeline. Maureen, Lisa, Susan and Ronda  discuss what inspired this year’s theme, the importance of citizenship and the duality of being a Jew in America, as well as a preview of what’s in store for this year at JWT. Listen and enjoy!

JWT Fall Party: Jews in America
October 28th, 2018 at a Home in Brentwood (details to follow ticket purchase)
Doors open at 1:30 PM for shmoozing, dessert buffet, and special surprises
Showtime is at 2:30 PM. 

If you bring someone who has never been to JWT before, you will receive a special thank you gift from us!

SUSAN BASKIN (Writer) wrote the Academy Award–winning film Violet and has also written extensively for television and film. Her credits include Remington Steele, Dynasty, and numerous television movies. Her essays have been published in The Los Angeles Times Magazine, West, and Los Angeles Magazine, and she is currently working on a novel.

Episode #22: Jews in America – Fall Party Preview2019-02-19T19:17:08-08:00

Episode #21: Past & Present: Russian Jewish American Stories at the Wende Museum

On the latest episode of the JWT Podcast Lisa and Maureen sit down with Dr. Joes Segal, Chief Curator of the Wende Museum of the Cold War in Culver City and JWT Artistic Director Ronda Spinak. We are preparing for a very special event at this fascinating museum, a unique reprisal of Past & Present: Russian Jewish American Stories, an incredible show that tells stories of loss and discovery, joy and tears, shame and pride through the eyes of those who have struggled to survive in two very different worlds. Attendees will get a private tour of the museum and see the performance amidst the unique art displays…

Join us on Sunday November 11th, starting at 5pm

Episode #21: Past & Present: Russian Jewish American Stories at the Wende Museum2019-02-19T19:18:11-08:00

Episode #20: Chutzpah & Salsa Preview with Sonia Nazario

On today’s very special episode, we revisit the incredible hit show Chutzpah and Salsa, true stories about what it means to have a Latin heart and a Jewish soul by writers from Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Venezuela & Panama. You will laugh, cry and be inspired by this entirely charming show as it is being REPRISED! This coming October 11th, 13th & 14th, made possible in part by a grant from the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission.

Click to here to view the trailer for the show

Today you’ll hear “The Value of One” a riveting true story from Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Sonia Nazario (see below for bio), performed by Rachael Hip-Flores. Following the recording is an interview with Sonia. Please join us for the performance on October 14th if you’d like to hear Sonia speak in person as she will join the cast and production team for the Q&A following the performance.

Click here to check out Sonia’s website

SONIA NAZARIO is an award-winning journalist whose stories have tackled some of this country’s most intractable problems — hunger, drug addiction, immigration — and have won some of the most prestigious journalism and book awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes. She was also a finalist for a third Pulitzer, in Public Service.

She is best known for “Enrique’s Journey,” her story of a Honduran boy’s struggle to find his mother in the U.S. Published as a series in the Los Angeles Times, “Enrique’s Journey” won the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 2003. It was turned into a book by Random House and became a national bestseller.

Her recent humanitarian efforts to get lawyers for unaccompanied migrant children led to her selection as the 2015 Don and Arvonne Fraser Human Rights Award recipient by the Advocates for Human Rights. She also was named a 2015 Champion of Children by First Focus and a 2015 Golden Door award winner by HIAS Pennsylvania. In 2016, the American Immigration Council gave her the American Heritage Award. Also in 2016, the Houston Peace & Justice Center honored her with their National Peacemaker Award.

Nazario, who grew up in Kansas and in Argentina, has written extensively from Latin America and about Latinos in the United States. She has been named among the most influential Latinos by Hispanic Business Magazine and a “trendsetter” by Hispanic Magazine. In 2012 Columbia Journalism Review named Nazario among “40 women who changed the media business in the past 40.”

She is a graduate of Williams College and has a master’s degree in Latin American studies from the University of California, Berkeley. She has honorary doctorates from Mount St. Mary’s College and Whittier College. She began her career at the Wall Street Journal, and later joined the Los Angeles Times.

She is now at work on her second book and is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times.

Check out Sonia’s talk on the TED stage: TEDx – Solving Illegal Immigration

Links to recent works:

NYT – Do You Care About the Rule of Law?

LAT – How to Secure the Border

NYT – How the Most Dangerous Place on Earth Got Safer

For more articles or to stay up-to-date on Sonia’s work, follow her Facebook page.

Credits for Chutpah & Salsa:

Adapted, Curated & Produced by Ronda Spinak
Produced by Suzanna Kaplan
Directed by Susan Morgenstern
Dramaturge Lisa Rosenbaum
South Bay Producer Liz Altman
Associate Producers Barbara Koletsky, Susie Yuré, Rose Ziff

Special thanks to Cindy Kendall for performance recording.

In today’s episode you heard:

Opening Remarks
Written by Suzanna Kaplan. Read by Ronda Spinak

Musical Summons of Cast
Violin by Marnina Schon

The Value of One
Written by Sonia Nazario.  Performed by Rachael Hip-Flores.

Click here for more info on Chutzpah & Salsa

Episode #20: Chutzpah & Salsa Preview with Sonia Nazario2019-02-19T19:19:09-08:00

Episode #19: Sacred Resistance Update with Vicki Juditz and Ronda Spinak

On this week’s episode, Andrew sits down with the incredible storyteller Vicki Juditz, creator and star of the now OVATION RECOMMENDED Sacred Resistance, as well as JWT’s Artistic Director Ronda Spinak. They chat about the latest extension of dates for the show (Must close October 7th!) and discuss the amazing, heartwarming and surprising reactions that audiences are having to this show. PLUS a special preview clip from a performance! Have a listen and don’t forget to grab your tickets:

Sacred Resistance Credits:
Written and Performed by Vicki Juditz
Directed by Susan Morgenstern
Produced by Ronda Spinak 
Lighting Designer Ernest McDaniel
Stage Manager  Michelle A. Prudente
Associate Producers Susie Yuré & Rose Ziff
Artistic Associate Daphna Shull

Sacred Resistance was made possible with generous gifts from Annette & Leonard Shapiro and from Gail Solo.

For more info on Sacred Resistance, click here.

Episode #19: Sacred Resistance Update with Vicki Juditz and Ronda Spinak2019-02-19T19:20:05-08:00

Episode #18: Story from a Prison Cell – Leslie Schwartz

Prepare for your Days of Awe with a Book Talk by award-winning author Leslie Schwartz. Her powerful new memoir: “The Lost Chapters: Finding Recovery and Renewal One Book at a Time” is one of atonement, transcendence, and of a passionate love of words. Join us for a light brunch, brief performance and discussion with Leslie about her transformational experience after being arrested and sentenced to 90-days in LA County jail…

Sunday August 26th,  10am-noon at The Braid in Santa Monica

Episode #18: Story from a Prison Cell – Leslie Schwartz2019-02-19T19:23:51-08:00

Episode #17: Uncorked with Corky Hale

If you don’t know Corky Hale’s name, you’ve most certainly heard her music.  Liberace, Sinatra, Streisand…just to name a few. And she’s accompanied many, many more! Corky has been performing as a jazz harpist, pianist, singer, flutist…she’s produced, owned a clothing store, auditioned in the nude…as she says, her life is nuts! And she joins us on stage at the The Braid, this Sunday July 29th to chat about her upcoming biography Corky Hale Uncorked, Music, Marriage and Making a Difference. A light brunch will also be served.

On this episode, Lisa and Maureen sit down with Corky and the book’s co-author Arlene Sarner to discuss some of the aspects and backstory of Corky’s life that will appear in the book. Have a listen and enjoy the stories!

VIDEO: Click here to watch Corky on the Tonight Show with Tony Bennett

Episode #17: Uncorked with Corky Hale2019-02-19T19:24:54-08:00

Episode #16: My Bad, My Good (Abridged)

Opening Song:
I’ll Raise My Voice
Music and Lyrics by Rachel Gold
Performed by Bobby Conte-Thornton, Rachel Gold, Ellie Fishman, and Alex Prakken with pianist Eric Fegan, from the song cycle SONGS FROM FARAWAY PLACESOn today’s episode, we revisit another beloved show from JWT’s past, featuring more honest, revealing and funny confessions from millennials of pivotal moments in life – learning to love, settling the score, figuring out what makes someone Jewish, and other stories in this one-of-a-kind show that will make you rethink your views about a new generation!The pieces featured in this episode are:

A Jewish Pastry
Written by Anna Forward
Performed by Lisa Cirincione and Sean Topps

Father in Me
Written by Paul Versten
Performed by Sean Topps

Motherly Love
Written by Lili Nanus
Performed by Matisse Rose and Arva Rose

The Designated Mourner
Written by Lizzie Shackney
Performed by Mirai Booth-Ong

Closing song:

Throw Out
Music and lyrics by Pontea Banayan
Recorded and Performed by Pontea Banayan

Material Adapted and Produced by Ronda Spinak
Directed by Susan Morgenstern
Assistant Director Lisa Cirincione
JWT Producer Jodie Mendelson
House Producers Elana Polan, Josh Hillinger and Sam Mandel

We’d also like to thank NuRoots, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and Moishe House for their support and partnership

Click for more info on My Bad, My Good

 

Episode #16: My Bad, My Good (Abridged)2018-07-01T08:54:02-07:00

Episode #15: Guilty Parties (Abridged)

Listen in on the guilt of a new generation!  From the things we should have done to actions we regret.  No one is safe from this moral dilemma as we navigate the expectations of society, family, and relationships.

The pieces featured in this episode are:

CONFESSIONS
Compiled by Vicki Schairer
Performed by the ensemble, Nadége August, Nathan Bock, Chelsea London Lloyd, Rosie Moss and Judy Carter.

I TRIED TO ORDER COFFEE DURING A DATE, BUT HAD A CRISIS ABOUT SYSTEMIC BIAS INSTEAD
Written by Elana Spivak, from the blog McSweeney’s Internet Tendency
Performed by Chelsea London Lloyd, Nathan Bock and Nadege August

THE NUMBER
Written by Barbara Blumenthal Ehrlich
Performed by Nathan Bock and Chelsea London Lloyd

BEWARE
Written, performed and recorded by the Rosannah Sisters
Check out the Rosannah Sisters on Soundcloud

FINDING LOVE BEFORE YOU’RE DEAD
Written and performed by Judy Carter

Guilty Parties is this year’s salon from NEXT @ the Braid, JWT’s emerging artists fellowship. The fellows for 2017-2018 are:

Julie Gumpert
Sarah Resnick
Devan Liljedahl
Vicki Schairer
Andrew Fromer
Daphna Shull
Monique G. Lopez
Lisa Cirincione

For more info, visit NEXT @ The Braid’s page.

JWT Artistic Director Ronda Spinak
Executive Producer of NEXT at the Braid Abbe Meryl Feder
Additional Producing Liz Altman & Carol Kirsh
JWT Producing Director Susan Morgenstern
JWT Managing Director Sharon Landau

Episode #15: Guilty Parties (Abridged)2018-06-27T08:08:26-07:00

Episode #14: Dete Meserve

On this episode, Lisa and Maureen chat with best-selling and award winning author, creator and producer Dete Meserve (see bio below), in anticipation of her upcoming event at JWT. They are also joined by JWT Board Member and Literary Manager Suzanna Kaplan who will be co-moderating the event with Artistic Director Ronda Spinak.  Dete’s new book, “Random Acts of Kindness” includes true and inspiring stories that convey the power of kindness to transform ourselves and others. Have a listen to hear the inside scoop on all of the incredible stories that Dete discovered in creating this book.

EVENT DETAILS
Sunday, June 24th, 10am-12pm at The Braid in Santa Monica

DETE MESERVE is an award-winning author who is searching for Good. Like Kate Bradley in the novels Good Sam and Perfectly Good Crime, Meserve searches for people who are doing extraordinary good for others. While most mysteries focus on finding the killer or kidnapper, Meserve’s novels focus our attention on finding the helpers, the rescuers, and the people who bring light and hope into the world with their selfless acts of kindness. When she’s not writing, she is a film and television producer in Los Angeles and partner of Wind Dancer Films. Meserve lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children—and a very good cat that rules them all. Fore more info visit Dete’s Website.

SUZANNA KAPLAN was born in Mexico City and grew up speaking English at home and Spanish everywhere else. Following economic uncertainty, she moved to the US where she partnered with her best friend in a translation service and language school. They did well and being young, sold it as soon as they could and used the money to travel, eventually winding up in Israel. That trip stretched out to six years, a husband and a baby. Back in the US, Suzanna worked in Hispanic advertising and wrote for Spanish language TV. Her greatest pleasure these days is writing, producing and working with the wonderful women of JWT when not caring for the two most marvelous creatures known as grandchildren.

Episode #14: Dete Meserve2019-02-20T09:46:25-08:00

Episode #13: Sacred Resistance with Vicki Juditz

On this episode, Lisa and Maureen are back to chat with Vicki Juditz (see bio below), the writer and star of JWT’s next show, Sacred Resistance. They are also joined by JWT’s Producing Director (as well as the show’s director) Susan Morgenstern (see bio below), who has worked with Vicki to craft this riveting, humorous and poetic performance that compels us to ask the question, “What am I doing to make the world a better place?” Join us to hear how Vicki’s unconventional path to Judaism might be just the thing that inspires audiences to repair the world…VICKI JUDITZ Best known in LA for her one-woman show Teshuvah, Return about her journey to Judaism, Vicki has performed her original stories at theaters and festivals across the country, including the National Storytelling Festival and the Aspen LAFF Festival.  Her story Boca aired on KCRW’s UnFictional and Swing Dancing was featured in an episode of The Moth Radio Hour.  On TV, she has played comic roles on Coach, Everybody Loves Raymond, and My Name is Earl. This coming year Vicki will be performing at the Sierra Storytelling Festival in Northern California and with Storytelling Arts of Indiana in Indianapolis.

SUSAN MORGENSTERN began directing in college by staging musical theatre concert readings while co-teaching American Musical Comedy with Tom Lehrer at UC Santa Cruz. She went on to teach and direct at the renowned Stage Door Manor performing arts camp in upstate New York.  In Los Angeles, for Theatre West, Susan has directed selections from David Ives’ All in the Timing; the musicals Just Too Cool, book by Mary Garripoli, music by Phil Orem; and Saturday Night at Grossinger’s, book by Stephen Cole, music by Claibe Richardson; and Barbara Nell Beery’s play, The Socialization of Ruthie Shapiro.  At the Falcon Theatre she directed Leap, by Arnold Margolin, Surviving Sex, by David Landsberg, and the hit comedy, The Psychic, by Sam Bobrick. Susan directed Happy Days, a New Musical, book by Garry Marshall, music/lyrics by Paul Williams, at Cabrillo Music Theatre.  She directed an extended-run production of Meryl Cohn’s comedy Reasons to Live at the Skylight Theatre.  In 2014, Susan began working as a consultant show director at Disneyland Parks and Resorts, Anaheim.  She has directed numerous JWT salon shows, and now happily holds a position as JWT’s Producing Director.

Episode #13: Sacred Resistance with Vicki Juditz2019-02-20T09:50:12-08:00

Episode #12: United Colors of Jews

Yes, Jewish people come in all different colors! Back in January NEXT @ The Braid, our emerging artist fellowship, partnered with Jews of Color to produce a night of stories highlighting Jewish diversity. Attendees were encouraged to bring family photos and introduce the audience to their “multicultural mishpacha” through a great story, and the night did not dissapoint! In this episode, we bring you three of those stories told on stage that night, hosted by the award-winning performer Joshua Silverstein (see bio below). We hear from Emily Bowen Cohen about her Native American heritage, Benny Lumpkins Jr.’s life-changing experiences growing up in Detroit, and Courtenay Edelhart’s generously donated Hannukah shopping spree in Bakersfield. Have a listen and join us for this incredibly eye-opening episode!

JOSHUA REUBEN SILVERSTEIN is an award-winning actor, comic, writer, beatboxer, and educator. His various performances and productions throughout the country have received admiration from such creative geniuses ranging from Norman Lear to Prince.

He is an original member of Norman Lear’s DECLARE YOURSELF ROAD TRIP SHOW, a 3-year spoken-word/musical performance tour encouraging the American people to register to vote.

Beatboxing since the age of 5, Joshua has become the West Coast’s most sought-after beatboxer, named by the Jewish News Service as “one of the best beatboxers in the world.” His various collaborations with artists such as Slash from Guns and Roses, poetic icon Ursula Rucker and Improv legend Wayne Brady have earned him the title of “the hardest-working performer in L.A.”

His solo show, “The Joshua Silverstein Show,” has been receiving rave reviews since its preview at the Greenway Court Theater in Los Angeles in 2014. An early version of the show, titled “Tell Me I’m Pretty” (directed by Diana Wyenn), was presented at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles in 2016.  Backed by a three-piece band, Joshua playfully weaves through personal narratives pertaining to race and gender constructs in America. Using devices including pantomime, beatboxing, rapping, and spoken word, Joshua has created a show that continues to inspire, challenge, provoke and motivate. For more info, please visit Joshua’s website.

Episode #12: United Colors of Jews2018-05-23T12:31:13-07:00

Episode #11: Guilty Parties Update with Daphna Shull

On this episode, Vicki and Andrew chat with fellow member of NEXT at the Braid, Daphna Shull (see bio below) before Monday night’s performance at the Braid in Santa Monica of this year’s NEXT salon, Guilty Parties. They talk about their work together on the council, all the different areas that Daphna contributes to JWT and you’ll get to hear some bonus music written by Daphna that didn’t quite make it into the final show.

DAPHNA SHULL is a two-time NEXT Arts Council Fellow, literary manager, and writer, born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree in Media Production from Florida State University. After graduating in 2014, she headed west to pursue a career in screenwriting and the arts. Today, Daphna works as a museum educator for the Zimmer Children’s Museum and recently joined the JWT staff.

Episode #11: Guilty Parties Update with Daphna Shull2019-02-20T09:55:52-08:00

Episode #10: Happy Mother’s Day!

On this very special Mother’s Day edition of the JWT podcast, we quickly jump back to 2013 and the performance of Oh, Mother! a smash-hit of ours that was crafted to set the record straight about Jewish mothers, and there was nothing cliche about it! The piece featured in this episode is Evolution Without Me written and performed by Carol Schlanger.

Oh, Mother! was…

Produced by Ronda Spinak
Directed by Ellyn Gersh Lerner
Dramaturge Lisa Rosenbaum

Associate Produced by Susie Yuré and Abby Freeman

Episode #10: Happy Mother’s Day!2018-05-10T14:42:00-07:00

Episode #9: Guilty Parties

Vicki Schairer and Andrew Fromer are two young artists making their way through the Los Angeles entertainment industry. They also happen to be original members of JWT’s cutting edge fellowship known as NEXT @ The Braid, a program through which JWT gives voice, support and resources to emerging artists thanks to a very generous grant from the Jewish Community Foundation. Now in its second year, the fellowship culminates in a JWT-signature salon-style show that’ll showcase the writings, artwork and acting of other emerging millennial artists. This year’s show is entitled Guilty Parties and is sure to leave audiences wow-ed as they follow along on a wild ride through the guilt of a new generation.  From the things we should have done to actions we regret.  No one is safe from this moral dilemma as we navigate the expectations of society, family, and relationships.

In today’s episode, Lisa and Maureen sit down with Vicki and Andrew to chat about how NEXT got its start, what the creative process has been like as they work with the JWT leadership and a couple of teasers as to what juicy pieces await in Guilty Parties.

Find out more about NEXT @ The Braid

VICKI SCHAIRER is a director for film and theatre and a television producer. She has directed several short films and is currently in development for a handful of new projects.  She works as a television producer with credits on shows for Amazon Prime, TLC, the History Channel, and Fullscreen. She worked as a theatre director, production manager, and arts administrator in the greater Boston area prior to moving to Los Angeles in 2014. Vicki directed dozens of projects for the Boston stage and collaborated closely with playwrights to develop new work through workshops and readings. She worked in the artistic department of the Huntington Theatre Company and co-founded the collaborative devised theatre ensemble Project: Project, for which she co-wrote and co-directed original plays. She received her undergraduate degree in physics and theatre from Brandeis University and completed the Summer Institute in Film Production at UCLA.

ANDREW FROMER is a Los Angeles native and grew up as an active member in the Jewish community through Stephen S. Wise Temple. He attended Windward School in Mar Vista, where his acting career began in plays and musicals. After completing his BFA in theater at UC Santa Barbara and an exciting year of living in Israel, Andrew took a dive into filmmaking and has since branched into production by helping prepare for distribution two feature films he has acted in: AMP Creative’s Highway to Havasu (dir. Jeff Janke) and Mockingbird Pictures’ The Sweet Life (dir. Rob Spera). Andrew also edits, directs, and hosts his own podcast on the entertainment industry, SideKickBack Radio, which can be found at www.sidekickback.com. He is very excited to be on board for an exciting year with NEXT@theBraid.

Episode #9: Guilty Parties2019-02-20T10:00:40-08:00

Episode #8: Hold Me Heal Me (Abridged)

Today we are going back into Jewish Women’s Theatre’s archive to share stories from Hold Me, Heal Me, a show about the true healing power of kindness. The three stories in this episode illuminate how kindness comforts us even in our most broken moments.The pieces featured in this episode are:

The Shabbos Goy
Written by Joanne Verdino. Performed by Lisa Cirincione and Sean Topps.

A Balm in Beverly Hills
Written by Faye Sholiton. Performed by Kate Zentall and Sean Topps.

O, Engineer
Written by Anna Belle Kaufman. Performed by Kate Zentall.

Hold Me, Heal Me was underwritten by generous donations from Gail Solo, in dedication to Dr. Edith Eger, and Gladys & David Layne

Produced by Ronda Spinak
Assistant Producer: Barbara Koletsky
Directed by Eve Brandstein
Dramaturge Lisa Rosenbaum
Associate Producers: Susie Yure´ and Rose Ziff

For more info on Hold Me, Heal Me visit the show’s page.

Episode #8: Hold Me Heal Me (Abridged)2018-04-26T12:12:38-07:00

Episode #7: Funny Women of JWT

In today’s episode, Lisa and Maureen sit down with Shelly Goldstein and Melanie Chartoff (see below for bios), two incredibly funny women that have written and performed in several of JWT’s shows throughout the years including The Matzo Ball Diaries and Reckoning with Dad. Join us to find out how Shelly and Melanie got their start, what drew them into the world of JWT and how they both work to change the perception of Jewish women in the media.

MELANIE CHARTOFF is an inventor of stories and characters for the page, stage, and screen. As an actress, she’s best known for roles in series such as ABC’s late-night comedy show Fridays, Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, The Newhart Show, Ally McBeal, and Touched by an Angel. She won a Dramalogue Award for the LA premiere of March of the Falsettos and acclaim for her performances in ACT San Francisco’s Sunday in the Park with George, The Vagina Monologues in Chicago, and Beyond Therapy at LA’s Coronet Theater. She can be heard daily somewhere in the world voicing characters such as Didi on Nickleodeon’s long running Rugrats and its spin-offs, movies, and games. She’s written lyrics and book and costars in her upcoming two-character play with music, Fine Lines, and is a columnist for the Huffington Post and the Jewish Journal. She hails from the East Coast stages of Long Wharf Theater, Yale University, and off- and on Broadway (Scapino, Via Galactica, Do I Hear a Waltz). She currently enhances people’s public personae in her Charismatizing Improvising Coaching and Classes. For more information, visit her websites: www.melaniechartoff.com and www.chartoffteaching.com.

Order Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Crazy Family featuring one of Melanie’s stories!

SHELLY GOLDSTEIN has written for every genre of TV, film and stage. Her one-woman shows have played to sell-out crowds throughout the US and UK. She co-starred with Sir Derek Jacobi and Vanessa Redgrave in the British film, The Riddle and with Vinnie Jones in the Irish film, Assault of Darkness. She has written or punched-up sitcoms, dramas, films, lyrics, documentaries, animation, award shows, jokes and special material for such artists as Steve Martin, Barbra Streisand, Sharon Stone, Justin Timberlake, Anne Hathaway, LL Cool J, Jane Fonda, Garry Marshall, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Yoko Ono. She wrote the book for the disco musical, Last Dance, which work-shopped on Broadway and she directed the critically-acclaimed hit comedy The Vic & Paul Show in L.A. and Chicago. She is currently writing the new musical, Somebody Feels the Water and is the L.A. correspondent for London’s Good Vibes radio. She recently won the New York Times Caption Contest.


 

Episode #7: Funny Women of JWT2018-04-19T10:31:39-07:00

Episode #6: Crossing Our Red Sea

Lisa and Maureen stop by rehearsal for our upcoming salon, Crossing Our Red Sea. They chat with actors AJ Meijer and Tiffany Mualem, as well as the show’s director Eve Brandstein, with an extra special musical preview. With the Jewish holiday of Passover approaching, Crossing Our Red Sea is a surprising show revealing life’s truths found in the Passover story. This is not a re-enactment of the exodus tale, but a re-examination of it using thought-provoking contemporary stories, poems, plays and songs that will make you laugh and cry. Opening March 10th!

Episode #6: Crossing Our Red Sea2019-02-20T10:03:07-08:00

Episode #5: A Passover Preview with Jim Ruxin

Lisa and Maureen are back with a very special preview of our upcoming March 4th film screening and talk with filmmaker Jim Ruxin. In this episode, Jim discusses how Arthur Szyk came to create one of the most well known haggadahs in the world, as well as detailing the Passover haggadah’s historical significance as a tool for storytelling, art display, and even war propaganda! Check out the info for March 4th’s event below:

Special Pre-Passover Film Event:
Hidden secrets and provocative pictures in Haggadot through the centuries and around the world.

Sunday, March 4 2pm – 4pm @ The Braid

Take a journey through the visual history of the diaspora as seen through 500 years of Haggadot, featuring the film “In Every Generation: Remaking The Szyk Haggadah,” with filmmaker Jim Ruxin. Prior to the film, Ruxin will present a short program about haggadot from around the world. To close the program he will display one of the new, fine art limited edition copies of the Szyk Haggadah for JWT’s guests to experience, along with a collection of diaspora haggadot.

$25 admission includes light refreshments.

Episode #5: A Passover Preview with Jim Ruxin2019-02-20T10:06:42-08:00

Episode #4: The Space Between (Abridged)

The Space Between explores humorous, heartbreaking and surprising stories that cut to the heart of what divides us and illuminate the yearnings and struggles, successes and failures of reaching out to find common ground. In this episode, we are bringing you a selection of pieces from the show.

To hear the show in its entirety, check out our very first episode!

This is a groundbreaking new show created by the first generation of NEXT @ The Braid, JWT’s Emerging Artists Fellowship. These 12 up-and-coming young artists have brought together stories, songs, poems and plays to create a unique theatrical experience that hope to bridge the gap in a time of intense divisions.

The pieces featured in this episode are:

MY FRIENDS TIED BUT I DID KNOT Written by Sigi Gradwohl Performed by Zoe Lillian
Check out Sigi’s original article on the Huffington Post!

LAKEWOOD Written by Rachelle Davidowitz Performed by Kyla Schoer and Zoe Lillian

A MARINE COMES HOME Adapted from an interview with Arturo Alsonso by Vicki Schairer and Lisa Cirincione Performed by Michael Hanson and Donnabella Mortel

NORTH STAR Music and Lyrics by Dan Omelio, Jesse Macht, and Emily Kitter Performed by Jesse Macht

INTERVENTION #2, HOW MAY I CONNECT YOU Written by Max Mondi Performed by Jesse Macht

2017 NEXT Arts Council Fellows: Amirose Eisenbach, Sigi Gradwohl, Abigail Marks, Chelsea London Lloyd, Andrew Fromer, Christian Alexander Prentice, Daphna Shull, Rachel Berney Needleman, Lisa Cirincione, Vicki Schairer, and Vanessa Espino. With Arts Council Producer: Abbe Meryl Feder and JWT Leadership: Artistic Director Ronda Spinak, Managing Director, Sharon Landau and Producing Director Susan Morgenstern

Performed by: Donnabella Mortel, Jesse Macht, Kyla Schoer, Michael Hanson, and Zoe Lillian.

Featuring stories by Rachelle Davidowitz, Adam Rotstein, Kaitlin Mamie, Sigi Gradwohl, Art Alonso, Daphna Shull, Julie Mayerson Brown, Max Mondi, Molly Murray, Vanessa Espino, Vicki Schairer and Abby Marks.

Featuring music by Jesse Macht, Dan Omelio and Emily Kitter.

Recorded in front of a live audience at The Braid in Santa Monica, CA on June 23, 2017.With generous support from the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, Erwin Rautenberg Foundation, and Dennis Schuman Charitable Fund.

NEXT is a program of JWT. Artistic Director: Ronda Spinak; Managing Director: Sharon Landau; Producing Director: Susan Morgenstern.

More information is available at https://www.jewishwomenstheatre.org/showsevents/performances/past-shows-2/the-space-between/

Episode #4: The Space Between (Abridged)2018-02-15T01:39:12-08:00

Episode #3: A Preview with Arlene Sarner

Lisa and Maureen are back with a very special preview of our upcoming event, Jewish Women in Hollywood: Gamechangers.  They sit down with Sunday’s panel moderator, film and television veteran Arlene Sarner, a writer and award-winning producer, who has written for every major movie studio, including Universal, Fox, Columbia, Paramount, Disney, Warner Brothers, Tri-Star, and Orion, as well as TV networks ABC, CBS, CBC, and VHI. Her film work includes Academy Award-nominated Peggy Sue Got Married and Blue Sky, starring Jessica Lange in her Academy Award-winning role.Jewish Women in Hollywood (Sunday Morning Performance and Panel Discussion)
Join us for a dramatic performance followed by a panel discussion with TV executive Olivia Cohen-Cutler, film producer Sarah Platt, legendary film and TV costume designer Debra McGuire, actress/writer Heidi Kozak Haddad, plus actress/inventor Hedy Lamarr. These are some of Hollywood’s most successful, hardest-working women; learn how they do it, how they got here and how they’re going to keep on making a difference. $20 admission includes a light brunch, panel discussion, performance and Q&A.

Episode #3: A Preview with Arlene Sarner2019-02-19T14:51:29-08:00

Episode #2: An Interview with Ronda Spinak

Longtime board members Maureen Rubin and Lisa Rosenbaum sit down and chat with JWT’s Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Ronda Spinak. Find out how our great theatre got its start, what’s in store for the future and what Ronda is most looking forward to in our incredible 10th Season. You can also hear info about some upcoming events, such as:

Jewish Women in Hollywood (Sunday Morning Performance and Panel Discussion)
Join us for a dramatic performance followed by a panel discussion with TV executive Olivia Cohen-Cutler, film producer Sarah Platt, legendary film and TV costume designer Debra McGuire, actress/writer Heidi Kozak Haddad, plus actress/inventor Hedy Lamarr. These are some of Hollywood’s most successful, hardest-working women; learn how they do it, how they got here and how they’re going to keep on making a difference. $20 admission includes a light brunch, panel discussion, performance and Q&A.
Sunday, Feb. 11th 10:00 am – 12:00 pm @ The Braid in Santa Monica
FOR TICKETS

Episode #2: An Interview with Ronda Spinak2018-02-15T01:40:37-08:00

Episode #1: The Space Between

The Space Between explores humorous, heartbreaking and surprising stories that cut to the heart of what divides us and illuminate the yearnings and struggles, successes and failures of reaching out to find common ground.This is a groundbreaking new show created by the first generation of NEXT @ The Braid, JWT’s Young Professionals Arts Council. These 12 up-and-coming young artists have brought together stories, songs, poems and plays to create a unique theatrical experience that hope to bridge the gap in a time of intense divisions.

2017 NEXT Arts Council Fellows: Amirose Eisenbach, Sigi Gradwohl, Abigail Marks, Chelsea London Lloyd, Andrew Fromer, Christian Alexander Prentice, Daphna Shull, Rachel Berney Needleman, Lisa Cirincione, Vicki Schairer, and Vanessa Espino. With Arts Council Producer: Abbe Meryl Feder and JWT Leadership: Artistic Director Ronda Spinak, Managing Director, Sharon Landau and Producing Director Susan Morgenstern

Performed by: Donnabella Mortel, Jesse Macht, Kyla Schoer, Michael Hanson, and Zoe Lillian.

Featuring stories by Rachelle Davidowitz, Adam Rotstein, Kaitlin Mamie, Sigi Gradwohl, Art Alonso, Daphna Shull, Julie Mayerson Brown, Max Mondi, Molly Murray, Vanessa Espino, Vicki Schairer and Abby Marks.

Featuring music by Jesse Macht, Dan Omelio and Emily Kitter.

Recorded in front of a live audience at The Braid in Santa Monica, CA on June 23, 2017.With generous support from the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, Erwin Rautenberg Foundation, and Dennis Schuman Charitable Fund.

NEXT is a program of JWT. Artistic Director: Ronda Spinak; Managing Director: Sharon Landau; Producing Director: Susan Morgenstern.

More information is available at https://www.jewishwomenstheatre.org/showsevents/performances/past-shows-2/the-space-between/


 

Episode #1: The Space Between2018-02-05T10:46:23-08:00

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