Imaginative Writing of Biblical Stories
with author, lecturer, & bibliodramatist,
Yael Unterman
December 5, 2019
09:30-13:30
Do you love the idea of exploring the Book of Books through the medium of fiction or poetry?
You're not alone. For centuries, going all the way back to the midrash, the Bible has served as an inspiration for numerous stories, poems, and novels. The prose in the Tanach is intentionally condensed, with omission of crucial details and dialogues. Did Abraham speak with Sarah before taking his son to be sacrificed? How did Esther feel, growing up a young orphan in the house of her uncle Mordechai? Who was Jonah before God appeared to him? We are not told – and where the verses leave off, the work of interpretation and imagination begins. As we will see, the authors of modern biblical fiction (such as the Red Tent), poetry, and modern midrash attempt to grapple with the powerful narrative, aiming to create a picture of the times and people, while inserting their own voices to varying degrees. They fill in plot holes, describe how characters look and act, create dialogue and present backstory. Come join them, and find your own voice in the conversation of generations! The workshop will include readings, bibliodramatic triggers, and writing exercises, touching on participants' favourite biblical stories. DetailsMinimum/Maximum Participation: 6/14
Cost: 390 NIS if paid in full by Nov 30, 450 NIS subsequently. Location: Katamon, Jerusalem Registration: Sign up and we will be in touch. Payment can be made via bank transfer, Pepper Pay or Paybox or credit card. Cancellation policy: If you cancel within one week of the class and your place cannot be filled, you will be asked to cover the total cost of the seminar. If you cancel earlier than one week before the seminar you will receive a full refund. If you cancel a credit card transaction, you will receive the amount paid minus the transaction fees incurred. |
![]() Yael Unterman holds Masters degrees in Jewish History (Touro) and Creative Writing (Bar-Ilan). Her books Nehama Leibowitz: Teacher and Bible Scholar and The Hidden of Things: Twelve Stories of Love & Longing were finalists in the National Jewish Book Awards and USA Best Book Awards respectively. She's published articles, stories, poems, and modern midrash in books (Torah of the Mothers, Dirshuni, Handbook of Women Biblical Interpreters, The Paid and Published Writer) and journals (Ilanot Review, Jewishfiction.net, Shofar Literary Review, Lehrhaus). She wrote an original play After Eden, has facilitated hundreds of bibliodrama workshops worldwide, and is an editor and writing coach.
|