Joel is a trained Storahtelling artist and Maven, and is the only performer in the UK bringing this innovative work to synagogues, youth movements, summer camps etc.
The Storahtelling Story
Storahtelling promotes Jewish cultural literacy through original theatrical performances and educational programs for multi-generational audiences. Using twenty-first century performance art techniques, Storahtelling brings personal contemporary meaning to 5,000 years of Jewish tradition.
Founded in 1998 by Amichai Lau-Lavie, Storahtelling is now in its tenth year of operations, celebrating ancient ceremonies in modern garb: deep inside tradition, way outside the box.
The Maven
Storahtelling's primary focus is the revitalisation of the traditional Torah Reading Service and the revival of the ancient craft of interpretive translation. The Reading of Torah is one of the world's oldest forms of ritual storytelling still in practice. It has been performed weekly for over two millennia in synagogues across the world. Historically, the Hebrew chanting was accompanied by live translation in the local vernacular, provided by the Meturgeman or Maven (a translator/commentator, someone who makes understood), increasing both comprehension and contemporary relevance.
Around one thousand years ago, this art form began to fade out of synagogue practice. Today, the inability of Jews to understand Torah, its words as well as its deeper meaning, exemplifies their disconnection from the treasures of their own heritage. The Reading of Torah once functioned as the central opportunity for education in the Jewish community. Although still performed weekly, the ritual has clearly lost much of its historic vitality. By incorporating innovative translations, dramatic commentary, and (if appropriate to the community) live music into the weekly reading, Storahtelling brings the Torah front and center once again as an inspiring and creative part of Jewish life.
Maven performances are typically presented in synagogues during the Saturday morning or afternoon service, corresponding to the traditional place and time of the Torah Reading, but are also geared toward weekday presentations at summer camps, day schools, and conferences. In these presentations, members of the Storahtelling company incorporate innovative translations, dramatic commentary, modern stagecraft and live music into the traditional chanting of Torah. Maven performances are often combined with a full Shabbaton programme of events, including study classes, lectures, Q&A sessions, Havdalah, and training workshops. These events engage a multi-generational and cross-denominational population through interactive participation in the theatrical performance. Storahtelling recognises that each congregation is different, and works with each community's halachic and customary needs in regards to length of Torah reading (triennial cycle) and musical accompaniment.
Raising the Bar
Celebrating the transition from Jewish childhood towards Jewish adulthood by ceremoniously initiating Jewish youth as storytellers, Raising the Bar focuses on the B’nai mitzvah preparation process. Storahtelling’s process empowers students and their families to reclaim the ancient craft of the Jewish community translator and storyteller: the Maven. 2,500 years ago, Mavens were part of every Torah service as community leaders who presented an oral translation of the publicly chanted Torah into local vernacular — words everyone could understand. Through a specialised curriculum that employs study in drama, writing and creative expression, the Storahtelling trainer guides students and families as B’nai Mitzvah candidates take on the role of community Maven. The result is a unique, in-depth Torah experience for the family and the wider community with impact that extends far beyond the event.
For more on Storahtelling please visit http://www.storahtelling.org