Dear Cincy Jewfolk,

I’m writing from St. Paul, Minnesota, to invite you to a very special opportunity. A chance to take part in a new version of an old-fashioned Jewish tradition — Storytelling.

Many of us grew up before the internet. Before cell phones. Back when long-distance calls cost more. But we still managed to connect with our communities and families.

Remember those Sunday visits?

The ones where everyone would gather around Bubbe’s house and drink weak tea and nibble Mandelbrot. The conversation would range from who is getting married or starting a new job to how the Reds are playing or which dry cleaners are best.

But more important things happened there. We shared real-life experiences. Our history, our struggles, our triumphs. And our Jewish connections.

You know you just thought of one of those stories!

This is what you do next — write it down.

For the last two years, I’ve had the honor of sharing some of my stories at TC Jewfolk’s Stories from the Tribe storytelling event. It’s so incredibly meaningful. And fun.

I know that Cincy Jewfolk is bringing Stories to the Tribe to your city this fall.

And I’m imploring you to try this.

Here’s how it works.

You write down your story, schedule a meeting with Galit Breen, the producer, and read the story to her.

You don’t need to be an actor or a professional in the arts or literature.

You are the master of your own story, and you are getting the chance to read it out loud to your community.

There’s nothing to be nervous about (though everyone feels it).

The author and the whole 2025 Stories from the Tribe Twin Cities cast taking a bow after the show. (Image credit to Sydnee Bickett Photography)

Those stories change us.

Think back to the stories you remember hearing during your formative years.

They link us to our history and our community. They make us laugh and cry and change us for the better.

You have stories like that in you.

Your words and your experiences need to be shared.

So take some time.

Write the story.

And meet with the Jewfolk storytelling show producer, Galit Breen, to make it ready for the bima.

I have trusted Galit with my words quite a few times now. And I guarantee she can bring out your best work. Email her right now (cincyevents@jewfolk.com), She’ll help you get started.

Do it! Rekindle the storytelling. You’ve got it in you.

Love,

Rachel, writing to you from TC Jewfolk