On Being Jewish Now is the gift that keeps on giving.

As Zibby Media’s Founder and CEO, a bestselling author, editor, and podcaster, Zibby Owens set out to amplify Jewish voices after the explosion of antisemitism ignited by the October 7th attack.

But she didn’t just edit and publish personal essays from 75 authors and advocates in an anthology titled On Being Jewish Now. She didn’t just build the foundation for Jewish creatives to speak in a series of live events across the country, or create a book that spent 27 weeks on the USA Today Bestseller list. And she didn’t just donate the profits to Artists Against Antisemitism or continue to validate the Jewish experience by featuring essays from 200 contributors (and counting) on a Substack of the same name.

Zibby’s work has gone far beyond the scope of editing and publishing a book—it’s fostering dialogue when it’s essential for Jewish voices to be heard. It’s inspiring community when solidarity is needed more than ever. And now? In partnership with The Braid, 14 of the lived, personal experiences from the anthology are being adapted for a live audience in a landmark stage production premiering March 22.

On Being Jewish Now features a small ensemble of actors playing multiple narrators, and will tour Southern California and the Bay Area with performances through April 23. For those who can’t make it in person, there will be performances live on Zoom Thursday, April 16 at 4 PM (PT) and Sunday, April 19 at 11 AM (PT). Tickets can be purchased here.

Zibby reflects, “It gives me goosebumps thinking about all the personal, moving stories I’ve read and edited now coming to life, especially in front of an audience. I always imagine people hearing the stories but being in a room together, a true community, and sharing the experiences will be so incredible. I can’t wait.”

This isn’t just a win for Zibby—it’s a triumph for the entire On Being Jewish Now family. From essay contributors to the theatrical team bringing a selection of these pieces to life, it felt only fitting to capture reflections from the robust community of advocates who are connected to these stories.

It is a wild and incredible honor to bring these stories to life. Knowing that we are sharing deeply personal stories, lived experiences, in this heartbreaking and chaotic time makes me feel so connected to the Jewish People at large. We sing a song in the show that translates to “all the world is a very narrow bridge,” and right now this show is the bridge we need to feel healing, validation, and connection.

Abbe Meryl Feder, OBJN Cast Member

There’s a........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)