The Yom Hashoah Community Arts Project
Bitesized Poetry & Prose
TOGETHER STRONG
About the artist: Dr. Ruth Westheimer, America’s most famous sex therapist, is now the first Ambassador to Loneliness in the United States, appointed by New York State Governor Kathy Huchul. Breaking stigmas and pioneering the field of media sex education, the long-time cultural icon, is now taking on the loneliness epidemic, helping individuals live more meaningful and connected lives. Her latest book, The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life, co-authored with The Artists Against Antisemitism friend, Allison Gilbert, will be released October 22, 2024.
Born in Germany and sent to an orphanage in Switzerland when she was 10 years old to escape the Holocaust, Dr. Westheimer’s fascinating life has been portrayed on the stage in Becoming Dr. Ruth, a show that played Off Broadway to critical acclaim and continues to be performed around the country, and in the documentary, Ask Dr. Ruth, currently running on Hulu.
A board member of the YMHA of Washington Heights, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and Ben Gurion University, Dr. Westheimer has two children, four grandchildren, and resides in New York City.
by Dr. Ruth Westheinmer
HAVE YOU SEEN THOSE MAGIC CANDLES
A note from the artist: A short poem that came to mind when I read the prompt.
About the artist: Dr. Diana Levy Founder of Bookworm Kids. Professor of literacy at Florida International University. I write poetry and I create collages to fill my soul.
by Diana Levy
UNTITLED
A note from the artist: I loved the challenge of writing a story in just 18 words. Anne Frank's quote made me think about how each successive generation of a family is built on the experiences of those that came before them. Stories of generations past--about both light and darkness--affected me, and I know they will one day affect my daughter. The question is not if, but when.
About the artist: Jill Santopolo is the internationally best-selling author of Stars in an Italian Sky, Everything After, More Than Words and The Light We Lost, which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and has been optioned for film. Her books have been translated into more than 35 languages and have been named to the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Apple, and Indie Bound bestseller lists. She is also the publisher of Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, where she edits many critically-acclaimed, award-winning, and best-selling children's books.
by Jill Santopolo
LIGHT
A note from the artist: My seven-year-old nephew is obsessed with acrostic poems and curious about what it means to be Jewish—so I thought I would try my hand at an acrostic poem inspired by our prompt. If you look closely, you'll see the word: light.
About the artist: Alison Hammer writes stories about all kinds of love—romantic, friendship and family. She is the author of YOU AND ME AND US and LITTLE PIECES OF ME, both published by William Morrow (HarperCollins). She is also half of the writing duo Ali Brady. Their three books, THE BEACH TRAP, THE COMEBACK SUMMER and UNTIL NEXT SUMMER are published by Berkley (Penguin Random House). When she's not writing, Alison works as an advertising creative director and helps run the Artists Against Antisemitism.
by Alison Hammer
UNTITLED
A note from the artist: This is inspired by my crew of little niblings, who are always my light in the darkness.
About the artist: Talia Benamy loves writing stories that center Jewish identity and bring light into the world. She is also an editor at Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, where she works on books for kids and teens. In her non-book-focused time, she loves travel, politics, and being an aunt to a whole host of niblings. Talia lives in Brooklyn, where she was born and raised.