April 25, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Healing a Broken Heart: Santa Monica Author Returns to Her Roots

By Samuel Harwood

In the wake of Paris and San Bernardino, communities have been called on for resilience. In Santa Monica, a new play demonstrates the inner workings of that process.

Based on the book by Sherri Mandell that won a National Jewish Book Award, “The Blessings of a Broken Heart” traces the story of how Mandell grieved and ultimately healed after her 13-year-old son was killed by terrorists near their home in Israel.

The play, which began its run at The Braid on February 18th, has already won the Egerton Foundation New Play Award for its director and adapter Todd Salovey and The American Spectator called Lisa Robins’ lead performance as Mandell “astonishingly evocative” and a “must see.”  

Explaining his interest in adapting the book into a play, Salovey explained that, “Sherri’s language and her imagery were like a bolt of lightning; in just two paragraphs I was riveted. There are so many parts of our lives – wounds – and so few pieces in the theater aiming directly at healing. This is one of the exceptions.” 

In addition to being an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction, Mandell began the Koby Mandell foundation, named after her son, to provide programs in Isreal for bereaved children and families. Before beginning her life in Israel, Mandell lived in Santa Monica working at a nursery school and a feminist art project. She feels the city’s unique support for arts and theater makes it ideal for the play’s aim of healing as well as entertaining. She also considers it a personal marker.

“When I got to Santa Monica to attend the play, I cried because it felt like my life had taken a giant looping circle,” Mandell said. “Being in L.A. again after so many years reminded me of how innocent I was then. It also reminded me what fun I had living in Santa Monica. Now my life has taken such a dramatic turn. Flying in from Israel for a play that told the story of my family’s life in Israel seemed like a painful honor – the fact of our tragedy, but moreover, the fact that our story was appreciated and recognized. Yes, I will always feel connected to Santa Monica.”

The play, hosted by the Jewish Women’s Theater (JWT), runs until March 20th on Thursdays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. JWT’s artistic director and the show’s producer, Ronda Spinak, hosts post-play discussions with the cast, artistic creators, community leaders and trauma experts after each Sunday performance. 

Performances run through March 20, 2016. The Braid is located at 2912 Colorado Ave #102, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Tickets are $30 – $35 and can be reserved online at jewishwomenstheatre.org or by calling 800.838.3006. 

in News
<>Related Posts

CHP Arrests Man Accused of Stealing $5K of Copper on PCH

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and was booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station A 22-year-old...

Topanga Beach Bus Resumes Service Between West Valley and Santa Monica

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The route now operates once daily in each direction and is being escorted by Caltrans The Topanga Beach Bus resumed...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

ASTEME Camps Explore Science, Technology, Math and Engineering

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Many teachers and parents hear this question daily when it comes to schooling: “When am I ever going to use...

Q&A: No Age Limit on Home Care Management & Home Safety, Tips from a Care Manager

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In-home safety issues that go unnoticed — cracked sidewalks, broken railings or uneven flooring for example — are often the root...

Film Review: Sinners

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

FILM REVIEWSINNERSRated R137 MinutesReleased April 18th   This is one big Blues/Jazz/Vampire/Disco Dance Party. Wow! Sinners will pick you up and...

SMC to Host Free Children’s Concert in May

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The event will feature collaborative performances with local artists, including a Taiko drumming group from Culver City’s El Marino Language...

LAX/Metro Station is One Step Closer to Transforming the Airport Commute

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

New Multi-Modal Metro Station Connects Angelenos to the Airport Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn announced...

THIS WEEKEND: Art and Music Festival Takes Over Third Street Promenade

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Admission is free and open to the public The Third Street Promenade will transform into a lively celebration of creativity...

Tony P’s Dockside Grill to Close After 28 Years in Marina del Rey

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In a farewell letter to patrons, owners wrote, “We hope these final weeks are a celebration of all we have...

Four Proposals Compete for SMC Station’s Affordable Housing Future

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The site sits in the Pico Neighborhood, where 83% of trips are by car and nearly half of residents struggle...

(Video) Matú Kai Brentwood: The full experience

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Sister restaurant to Matú in Beverly Hills, located at 11777 San Vicente Blvd. Sister restaurant to Matú in Beverly Hills,...

Uncle Stevey’s Bagels Wins Westside Hearts with Next-Level Bagels, Premium Sandwiches, and Local Coffee

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Family-Run Shop Serves Delicious and Thoughtfully Curated Bagels With Love By Dolores Quintana A little more than a year since...

Santa Monica’s Socalo Toasts Pali Wine Co. with a Five-Course Culinary Celebration

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Enjoy Celebrated Central Coast Wines, Including a 100-Point Red Blend Socalo, the acclaimed Mexican restaurant from celebrity chefs Mary Sue...

Fogo de Chão Hosts Wine Lover’s Dream Night with Chilean Winery VIK

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Diners Will Enjoy a Chef-Curated South American Menu, Highly Rated Wines Wine lovers and culinary connoisseurs are invited to gather...