Testimonial from April 27, 2017
'I learned a lot at the the seminar. Sherri is a masterful teacher, guiding and stimulating us to develop a new way of analyzing our writing.'
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From the Concrete to the Sublime:
Revealing The Meaning and Secrets of Your Story
with award-winning writer, Sherri Mandell
Join Sherri Mandell at this one-day seminar on personal essay & memoir writing based on the acronym of PARDES: pshat (the simple meaning), remez (what it reminds us of), drash (the meaning), and sod (the secret that waits to be revealed), the four levels of hermeneutics or Biblical interpretation. This framework provides a conceptual map for analyzing any experience or encounter. It also provides an excellent structure for thinking about and developing any piece of writing.
We will do exercises that teach us how to immerse ourselves in the details of our stories, integrate memories and/or research, investigate meaning, and incorporate images in order to reveal the depth and breadth and power of our stories. We will also look at professional writing. Come prepared to write. DetailsMaximum Participation: 14
Cost: 400 NIS by April 9; 490 NIS thereafter. Location: Talbiya, Jerusalem (more details upon registration). Registration: Sign up and we will be in touch. Payment can be made via bank transfer (Israeli banks only) or cheque/check. 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. |
 Photograph by Debbi Cooper
Sherri Mandell won a National Jewish Book Award in 2004 for her spiritual memoir, The Blessing of a Broken Heart (Toby Press, 2003). Translated into three languages, the book was adapted into a stage play, which opened at the San Diego Repertory Theater and has played at the LA Jewish Women's Theater and the Arizona Jewish Theater. Her latest book, The Road to Resilience: From Chaos to Celebration (Toby Press, 2016) details the spiritual stages of resilience. She and her husband Seth direct the Koby Mandell Foundation, founded in honor of her son who was murdered by terrorists in 2001 when he was 13 years old. She is also the author of Writers of the Holocaust (Facts on File, 1999) and has written for numerous magazines and journals including The Ilanot Review, USA Today and Hadassah Magazine. She received Moment Magazine's prize for best short fiction in 2009 and a Simon Rockower prize for the personal essay in 2011. She is also a certified pastoral counselor.
Endorsements'Writing with Sherri is not just about writing; it is about the art of expressing deep emotion or ideas while learning literary and writing technique at the highest level. It is being taught with inspiration. It is always geared towards moving to a higher level, with warmth, humor, insight and respect for wherever one finds oneself. It's truly a treasure to experience her teaching.' (R.W.)
'Sherri Mandell's genuine warmth, humor and incisive ability to synthesize the essence of a piece of writing are invaluable.' (F.W.) 'Sherri has been my writing guru for years - I follow her around wherever she happens to be teaching. Her classes are enjoyable and inspiring. With her vast teaching experience and incredible insight, she is able to motivate each student to let her creativity flow and to grow in her writing. Sherri's the best creative writing teacher around!' (S.S.) 'I only had one writing teacher before Sherri. With my first teacher I was bored and uninspired. If you are looking for the best writing teacher in Jerusalem look no further. Sherri Mandell is the most stimulating writing teacher around.' (R.G.) |