In a four-part series, Sheila Lewis reports on her experiences at the recent Seminar on Jewish Story, sponsored byThe Whole Megillah LLC, together with the Association of Jewish Libraries. Thanks to WNBA-NYC VP of Communications Jessica Napp for the link. To read other entries in the series and more on publishing, check out The Whole Megillah.
From the momentBarbara Krasner, founder of theWhole Megillahand creator of the May 18 first-of-its-kindSeminar on Jewish Story, introduced the day’s schedule, I knew we were in capable hands. Barbara, with the organizing team of Liza Stabler,Temple Emanu-Ellibrarian, and Heidi Estrin,Association of Jewish Librariespresident, pulled off more than capable. The day unfolded like a magical feast.
Peninnah Schram, Keynote Speaker
Legendary legend-tellerPeninnah Schram, first keynote speaker, cast a spell with stories and advice, reminding us why we love to share stories. Her descriptions of Jewish story categories and their importance are worth pondering:
- Healing stories—to restore energy for life.
- Wisdom stories—real counsel woven into the fabric of life. The mind is messenger and the voice is the message of the heart.
- Stories for wonder and curiosity inspire awe.
- Stories to create meaning in life help make sense of the world.
- Stories that enhance the senses and give voice to imagination.
- Stories can express a group identity and elicit a response.
“Our earliest stories shape and influence us,” she intoned, before leaving us with “Apples with Stars,” a poetic, midrashic tale that inspired all of the above.
I was primed for thechildren’s book panelof three authors and an editor.April Halprin Wayland’spicture book,New Year at the Pier, offered a fresh and charming look attashlich,through the eyes of a child.Susan Lynn Meyer’srivetingBlack Radishes, was based on her father’s years growing up in German-occupied Franceduring WW2 and his hair-raising escape. Gustave’s story sticks to a child’s point of view, making it an excellent read for all ages—I read it straight through. In stories that recall history, the past is never dead, or over. This point was made by Susan and echoed by Susan’s editor,Rebecca Shortof Delacorte Press (Random House). Rebecca articulated her conviction that the appeal of Jewish children’s books should start with a well-written story about characters who are well-drawn, never stereotypical or clichéd. The Jewish character or essence of the story will come out, whether implied or more overt, but first and foremost, the writing must be good.
April Halprin Wayland, Rebecca Short, Deborah Heiligman, and Susan Lynn Meyer (left to right)
Deborah Heiligman, versatile children’s author for all age levels, spoke about her recent Young Adult (YA/Teens)book,Intentions. “Intentions” refer to the Hebrew wordKavannot. Intentions, and its close relative, atonement, central to Judaism, are themes Deborah weaves throughout a controversial and complex story about a teen’s grappling with the flawed and disappointing adults in her life. Over the many years it took Deborah to complete this novel, she learned more deeply about Judaism, which ultimately enriched her writing.
