Dear Friends and Subscribers,
Let me reintroduce myself. I am a Spoken Word Artist with over twenty years of experience writing, performing, speaking, directing, and facilitating writing workshops within the U.S. and abroad.
My work largely focuses on Jewish identity, drawing inspiration from my upbringing in New York City as a Sephardic Jew surrounded by friends from varied ethnic and religious backgrounds. Growing up with public school teacher parents who held liberal values, I’ve lived a life deeply rooted in progressive left circles. My career was cultivated in a grassroots art scene rich in racial diversity, surrounded by poets, musicians, and comedians who advocated for human rights, fought against racism, and demanded equality for all.
Raising a daughter who is Jewish, Black, and Latina, I'm deeply committed to ensuring she embraces and celebrates every aspect of her rich and diverse identity.
Like many, the events of October 7th, 2023, the ensuing prolonged war, and the surge of antisemitism in the world have profoundly impacted my life.
As a Jew with a strong connection to Israel, I've found myself increasingly isolated within my social and artistic communities. Discussions about the complex historical narratives surrounding the conflict feel one-sided and lacking in nuance. This has led to strained friendships, fractured relationships with colleagues, and a loss of social media followers.
This unexpected chapter has also sparked a renewed sense of purpose. In June, I traveled to Israel with a delegation of Jewish educators, sponsored by the Jewish Education Project. The program took us to massacre sites and memorials, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from victims of the October 7th attacks. Although emotionally heavy, it was profoundly meaningful. I extended my stay to perform and lead writing workshops in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Sharing new poems about my experiences as an American Jew during this unprecedented time, and listening to the stories of Israeli Jews, created a powerful and impactful exchange for everyone involved.
Throughout my years as a performing artist, I have repeatedly witnessed the immense power of personal monologues. Stories drawn from deeply vulnerable and personal experiences open our hearts and ears while also entertaining and educating us about what it means to be human. This 'edutainment'—the act of learning through entertainment—lies at the core of my current focus; Facilitating Spoken Word workshops dedicated to exploring Jewish identity and confronting anti-Semitism in the wake of the events of October 7th.
These workshops are appropriate for teens and adults in a variety of settings and locations. I can travel to your community or facilitate them virtually. I can combine these sessions with a live poetry performance/ Q&A which will include new poems based on these recent experiences.
As an educator, storytelling is the tool I value most. My goal is to create a space where Jews can reflect on this unprecedented time, bringing together Jews from the diaspora and Israel who have experienced recent global events through different perspectives, including those with varying political views.
Most importantly, I hope these personal stories can resonate beyond the Jewish community, acting as a bridge to mend fractured narratives.
Because if I don't fight for my multiracial daughter's future, who will?
Looking forward to connecting and working with you-
Vanessa Hidary
Let me reintroduce myself. I am a Spoken Word Artist with over twenty years of experience writing, performing, speaking, directing, and facilitating writing workshops within the U.S. and abroad.
My work largely focuses on Jewish identity, drawing inspiration from my upbringing in New York City as a Sephardic Jew surrounded by friends from varied ethnic and religious backgrounds. Growing up with public school teacher parents who held liberal values, I’ve lived a life deeply rooted in progressive left circles. My career was cultivated in a grassroots art scene rich in racial diversity, surrounded by poets, musicians, and comedians who advocated for human rights, fought against racism, and demanded equality for all.
Raising a daughter who is Jewish, Black, and Latina, I'm deeply committed to ensuring she embraces and celebrates every aspect of her rich and diverse identity.
Like many, the events of October 7th, 2023, the ensuing prolonged war, and the surge of antisemitism in the world have profoundly impacted my life.
As a Jew with a strong connection to Israel, I've found myself increasingly isolated within my social and artistic communities. Discussions about the complex historical narratives surrounding the conflict feel one-sided and lacking in nuance. This has led to strained friendships, fractured relationships with colleagues, and a loss of social media followers.
This unexpected chapter has also sparked a renewed sense of purpose. In June, I traveled to Israel with a delegation of Jewish educators, sponsored by the Jewish Education Project. The program took us to massacre sites and memorials, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from victims of the October 7th attacks. Although emotionally heavy, it was profoundly meaningful. I extended my stay to perform and lead writing workshops in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Sharing new poems about my experiences as an American Jew during this unprecedented time, and listening to the stories of Israeli Jews, created a powerful and impactful exchange for everyone involved.
Throughout my years as a performing artist, I have repeatedly witnessed the immense power of personal monologues. Stories drawn from deeply vulnerable and personal experiences open our hearts and ears while also entertaining and educating us about what it means to be human. This 'edutainment'—the act of learning through entertainment—lies at the core of my current focus; Facilitating Spoken Word workshops dedicated to exploring Jewish identity and confronting anti-Semitism in the wake of the events of October 7th.
These workshops are appropriate for teens and adults in a variety of settings and locations. I can travel to your community or facilitate them virtually. I can combine these sessions with a live poetry performance/ Q&A which will include new poems based on these recent experiences.
As an educator, storytelling is the tool I value most. My goal is to create a space where Jews can reflect on this unprecedented time, bringing together Jews from the diaspora and Israel who have experienced recent global events through different perspectives, including those with varying political views.
Most importantly, I hope these personal stories can resonate beyond the Jewish community, acting as a bridge to mend fractured narratives.
Because if I don't fight for my multiracial daughter's future, who will?
Looking forward to connecting and working with you-
Vanessa Hidary
