Maven || StorahStage || StorahLAB || RitualLAB || Raising the Bar || Testimonials

STORAHTELLING IN THE SYNAGOGUE

Storahtelling's primary focus is the revitalization 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 Maven (a translator/commentator), 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 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 (if customary) into the traditional chanting of Torah. Maven performances are often combined with a full Shabbaton program of events, including study classes, lectures, talkback sessions, Havdalah, and training workshops. Maven events engage a multi-generational and cross-denominational population through interactive participation in the theatrical performance. Storahtelling recognizes 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.

Maven || StorahStage || StorahLAB || RitualLAB || Raising the Bar || Testimonials