Now, more than ever, it's imperative to showcase the breadth of Jewish diversity. I'm so proud that I've almost completed a full year of my Livros Lookout series, in which each week I review and recommend a book - across genres - that has Sephardic and Ladino themes. For Jewish Book Month (starting today until Hanukkah) I'm announcing that I'll be continuing in 2025! Read my recent blog post on GilaGreenWrites why uplifting Sephardic voices in literature is so critical today.
What an absolute honor to be part of photographer B.A. Van Sise's exquisite exhibition, On the National Language, at the Skirball Museum in Los Angeles! Representing my beloved ancestral language of Ladino, my photograph hangs alongside those of over 40 other language preservationists of endangered languages. Each photograph features a word - not translatable in English - unique to the language and customs of entire peoples and traditions. Everyone should see the gorgeous poetry of these photographs that span all corners of the United States and its many dialects, open until March 2, 2025.
This month I had the pleasure of participating in the first cohort of authors from PJ LIbrary's Sephardic Stories Initiative. We are a diverse group of Sephardic authors who write for children across genres, from picture books, to middle grade books, graphic novels and beyond. By forming this group we are committed to bringing more stories about Sephardic life to children of all ages. Learn more about the initiative and the call for the second cohort (for which the first group will mentor) here!
Sometimes when I've got writer's block or performance anxiety (yes, they both happen!!) I look to different sources for inspiration. This week's motivation is drawing upon the boundless energy of my 8 year old daughter and my 106 year old cousin. How they each keep moving and learning and soaking life in is perpetual inspiration for the soul.
Along with representatives from around the globe, I just spent such a meaningful week paying tribute to the Greek Jewish communities of Rhodes and Kos to commemorate 80 years since their deportation. We heard from ambassadors, rabbis, priests, mayors, community leaders, Holocaust survivors and more. And what an honor it was for me to sing as part of the memorial ceremony inside the centuries-old Kahal Shalom synagogue in Rhodes. I sang two Ladino songs that were particularly meaningful for the Rhodisli Jewish community, “Arvoles” which they famously sang on their way to Auschwitz, and “Fiestaremos”, a Ladino interpretation of Hatikvah as translated by surviving members of the Levy family. Altogether, it was a heartbreaking and yet beautiful few days of remembrance, community and solidarity. I was proud to have lent my voice.
What an amazing time co-leading a Sephardic music and food travel experience from Rome to Seville through Savor, my program with chef Susan Barocas! We started off the adventure exploring the wonders of ancient Rome as well as its unique Jewish history. We loved walking through the Jewish ghetto learning about the Jewish community that has lived in Italy for thousands of years, and we capped off our experience by having a special Shabbat dinner with members of the Roman Jewish community. Then we boarded the Oceania Sirena for a 10-day cruise through Mediterranean ports with vibrant Jewish history, such as Tuscany, Portofino, the Cote d'Azur, Marseille, Barcelona, Alicante, Tangier and Seville. Throughout the trip we learned about the unique food ways and musical traditions of the region. From a private Spanish guitar performance, to a special Jewish history tour in Seville with Savor-participating chef Hélene Jawhara Piñer, participants were treated to unique, off-the-beaten path experiences. Make sure to sign up for my mailing list so you hear about the trip we're leading in 2025!
What a treat it is each year to participate in the Greek Jewish Festival in New York, sponsored by the Kehila Kedosha Janina (KKJ) synagogue in New York City. Only in NYC can several city blocks be closed to support such a joyous gathering of people who want to celebrate Greek Jewish life! I was presenting with Susan Barocas, my partner in Savor: A Sephardic Music & Food Experience, and together we had a stand to talk all things Sephardic music, food, culture and more!
Exciting news! I've got 3 new children's books coming out in 2025! Here's the latest book sale, to be joined by Uno, Dos, Tres: A Sephardic Counting Book (PJ Library Publishing, Spring 2025) and Bavajadas! That's Just Silly! (PJ Library Publishing, Fall 2025). I can't wait to get more Sephardic and Ladino-themed books into the hands of young families in the year(s) to come!
It's rare that I get the chance to share the stage with other Ladino singers, and that's just what I got to do this month with the wonderful Susana Behar. Together, we created a new program called Suenyos de Sefarad - Dreams of Sepharad. Combining songs old and news, we premiered the show for the 10th Annual International Ladino Day of South Florida. It was such a joy and I hope we get to replicate the program in other cities. Two Ladino singers in one beautiful program! Contact me if you're interested in learning more.
I am so excited to announce the launch of the American Ladino League, of which I am on the board!
The mission: The American Ladino League (ALL) supports the diverse and growing community of Ladino speakers and educators in the United States. We believe in opening Ladino studies to all who are interested. Whatever your background, whatever your goals – our suite of programs and resources will help you on your Ladino journey.
Check it all out by clicking below:
