The Shpiel Storytelling Initiative
A Jewish women’s storytelling community where lived experience becomes connection, voice, and belonging.
OUR MISSION
Storytelling as Community
The Shpiel is a Jewish women's storytelling initiative dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where women can share their stories, be heard, and build community through personal narrative rooted in Jewish faith, values, and lived experience.
"Storytelling helps preserve memory, build understanding, strengthen faith, and create connection across generations."
Live Storytelling Events
Intimate evenings of true personal storytelling — featuring both prepared stories and open mic sharing in a warm, supportive setting.
Community & Connection
A space for Jewish women to gather, listen, reflect, and build meaningful connections through shared experiences.
Jewish Lived Experience
Stories exploring identity, tradition, faith, family, healing, and belonging — grounded in personal truth and Jewish life.
HOW IT WORKS
Simple Guidelines. Real Stories.
Tell a True Story
Every story is based on something that actually happened to you. Personal truth is at the heart of everything.
No Notes
Stories are told "by heart," not read from a script. This creates a natural, authentic connection with the audience.
Have Stakes
The strongest stories include a moment of change, conflict, discovery, or reflection — something at risk.
No Props
We focus on voice and story. Nothing else is needed. Start strong, end strong.
Pitched: 8 min
Developed, structured stories selected in advance with a full narrative arc, characters, and reflection.
Open Mic: 3 min
Spontaneous, personal snapshots from your life. Sign up when you arrive — then randomly chosen.
WHAT WE AVOID
Rants or opinion pieces — stories should be narrative-driven, not arguments or essays
Stand-up comedy routines — humor is welcome, but not structured as rehearsed joke sets
Incomplete story arcs — every story needs a beginning, middle, and end
Storytelling here is not about perfection — it's about connection.
FEATURED STORY
From Our Founder
One of our earliest featured storytellers was founder Tova Jussim, whose experience sharing a personal story publicly was both empowering and transformative. It deepened her belief that Jewish women need more spaces to share their lived experiences, connect through storytelling, and build meaningful community around stories of identity, faith, resilience, and belonging. That vision became the foundation of The Shpiel.
After participating in a local amateur storytelling program, she became inspired to create a warm and welcoming space specifically for Jewish women to tell their personal stories, connect through shared experiences, and celebrate the richness of Jewish life and faith through storytelling. That vision became The Shpiel.
