On December 2nd, 2012, sixteen Muslim and Jewish organizations across Los Angeles joined to create "Home: True Stories of L.A.'s Muslims and Jews" - a unique cultural event centered around the theme of "home" with music, stories and interactive art installations. The evening was co-hosted by New Ground Executive Director Sarah Bassin, and Edina Lekovic, Director of Policy and Programming, Muslim Public Affairs Council in L.A.
Inspired by the wildly popular Moth Story Slams, six Muslims and Jews shared their true tales (see links and embed below) about what "home" means to them as audience members had the opportunity to explore the concept for themselves. More than 200 people came to hear tales that covered everything:
how religion and medicine link an orphaned doctor to his family history
the role of guava jam in linking to family heritage, tradition and identity
finding the courage to escape from Torah camp
the evolving definition of home, involving blackouts and the Wizard of Oz
how grandparents' post-war visit to their towns in Eastern Europe redefines home
a boy's inspired connection with his grandmother that continues to motivate his drive for success
I was honored to have been one of the six storytellers, and the company was eclectic, spirited, funny, inspiring and grateful. Oddly enough, the "Escape From Torah Camp" story was NOT mine. In fact, I would like some massive credit for only using one Yiddish word in my story, which didn't center on social media, Jewish innovation or NextGen engagement.
It was also fascinating to meet and speak with the other storytellers, and discover points of commonality (whether it was food, family, tradition or the Wizard of Oz) through their stories. Two of the storytellers - one Muslim and one Jewish - actually knew each other from the University of Miami. I learned that fellow storyteller Taz (@tazzystar) Ahmed lost her mother within a month of my mother's passing. (You can read her writing, including a piece about dreaming of her mother, here.) I look forward to developing these relationships, and having the opportunity to deepen our conversations.
See below for my performed story - the written story upon which this story is based will hopefully appear in my blog in the days to come. (I don't mean that to be read as messianically as it sounded.)
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