Are there times in the day when you get discouraged with what’s going on in the world and feel ready to give up? Instead, it might be time to visit The Braid for some uplifting true stories of kindness which will make you laugh, cry, and want to do good for others. Performed by a cast of professional actors, HOLD ME; HEAL ME brings kindness and love back into your life with inspiring tales in the Salon Theatre style pioneered by The Braid, the world’s leading center for Jewish storytelling. HOLD ME; HEAL ME debuted in 2014, but its message remains as current as the day it was first produced.
Jeanette Horn and Kimberly Green – Photo by David Chiu
The Braid’s artistic director, Ronda Spinak, decided to bring the show back in 2025: “I honestly felt we all need it…I came close to losing my home in the Los Angeles wildfires, and so many of my friends lost theirs. Having evacuated to a hotel room, I turned on the TV looking for something positive and instead found a world that seemed racing to outdo itself in cruelty. I felt despondent. Then I turned off my TV and went out into my community. There I experienced strangers helping each other, firefighters acting heroically, a city coming together…and I realized that kindness was everywhere. So I decided to shine a light on the best of humanity.”
Karen Agam Macarah and Joshua Reuben Silverstein – Photo by David Chiu
Some of the stories are from the original show, including works by famed Holocaust survivor and author Dr. Edith Eger, award-winning playwright Faye Sholiton, and poet/art therapist Anna Belle Kaufman. Others have been developed for the 2025 production, including Spinak’s own story of two mysterious men who helped protect her house from the approaching fire. There is also the story of the sickly young boy who is befriended by a grandfatherly train enthusiast. Or perhaps the surprising connection between a Beverly Hills caller and a Mumbai customer service worker worlds away. Each of the stories and songs is filled full of heartfelt kindness and a healing balm for the soul. The show also showcases a brand-new song. With music and lyrics by Mike Himelstein, “Pay It Back” rocks the stage with a jazzy beat and a profound message.
Joshua Reuben Silverstein – Photo by David Chiu
Co-directed by Susan Morgenstern and Jasmine Curry, HOLD ME; HEAL ME always keeps its goal in mind – a full menu of tales tapping into the wellspring of kindness in all of us. The talented and experienced cast tell their stories in a poignant and sometimes hilarious way. To quote long-time Braid actor Jasmine Curry, “It has been really wonderful to have been invited to put on my director hat. There are many pieces that resonate with me. It will help me and everyone watching to take a moment to restore and nurture our souls, to remind ourselves that good is not lost from the world – and then, filled with this, to go out and fight for what is right.” Actors Karen Agam Macarah, Kimberly Green, Jeanette Horn, and Joshua Reuben Silverstein solidly agree and offer heartfelt performances to bring kindness – and joy – to each of us.
The Braid founder and artistic director Ronda Spinak moderates Talk Back with the Braid crew of performers, writers, and directors in HOLD ME; HEAL ME – Photo by Elaine L. Mura
HOLD ME; HEAL ME runs through April 10, 2025, with performances in person in Los Angeles and the Bay area and live on Zoom Worldwide. Ticket prices vary; for specific information, contact The Braid. For further information and reservations, call 530-304-6933, go online, or email The Braid.
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