Storytelling: Wit and Wisdom from a Wondering Jew
 

From my days as a drama major at the University of Michigan, through working at summer camps, schools and synagogues, I’ve developed a particular performance style.  There is a subtle but significant difference between storytelling and acting.  An actor performs a script, written by somebody else, and becomes a character.  He relates to other characters on stage, and the audience is permitted to eavesdrop, but they are not part of the conversation.

 

A storyteller is having a conversation with the audience.  He may take on character qualities, but is in essence himself, sharing from his soul.

My performances are designed to be entertaining, educational and enlightening.  I customize every storytelling program to fit whatever audience is listening.  Young children, seniors, college students, teenagers and special needs groups all enjoy the stories.

 

Both Jewish and secular enjoy these universal tales.  I have programs that bring in stories from different cultures, such as Asian and Native American, that appeal to a more general audience.  Much of my work was cultivated through working with colleagues at CAJE (The Coalition for Alternatives in Jewish Education), where I was a frequent presenter, performer, and teacher.  In the years preceding the CAJE conference’s transitions, I co-chaired the National Jewish Storytelling Network.
 

I’ve led dozens of workshops for educators through CAJE, Young Audiences of Houston, and other presenters.  I was awarded an “Apple Award” by the Texas Institute for Arts in Education.  In 2001, I was invited as a guest lecturer and scholar in residence, presenting 15 sessions to education majors at Texas A&M University on the importance of multicultural storytelling in the classroom.