The Braid

Meet Writer Esther Amini! ✍🏼

Based in Manhattan, Esther is an author and a psychoanalytic psychotherapist whose writings have appeared in Elle Magazine, Tablet, The Jewish Week, and Lilith, among others. Her work has also been published in two of Zibby Owens’ Anthologies: “Moms Don’t Have Time To”
and “Moms Don’t Have Time To Have Kids.”

A longtime member of The Braid’s family of writers, eight of Esther’s stories have been performed in LA Salon shows, and two were staged at the 92nd Street Y in the show “Saffron and Rosewater.” She was awarded the Aspen Words - 2016 Emerging Writer Fellowship. In 2019, The Braid named Esther an Abby Freeman Artist-in-Residence.

Esther also penned “Concealed — Memoir of a Jewish-Iranian Daughter Caught Between the Chador and America” about growing up first-generation American in an Iranian-Jewish home in Queens. She is currently working on a collection of short stories.

We’re thrilled to include her story “A Persian Thanksgiving” - performed by Zoë Hall - in our current Salon show “L’Chaim America!” — a celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday. Through poignant and humorous contemporary stories, the show illuminates the richness and diversity of Jewish experience, and the America we hold in our hearts.

At a time when the world feels intent on dividing us, this show offers a meaningful respite from the rhetoric. We look forward to seeing you there!  For the full schedule and tickets, visit https://the-braid.org/calendar/ 🎟️

estheramini.com

Meet performer Rhiannon Lewis! 🎶🎭✍🏼

Rhiannon is a singer-songwriter, composer, and actor, born and raised in the heart of LA. She started at The Braid as the 2024 production and stage management intern, and has since transitioned to working with The Braid both behind the scenes and on the stage. Rhiannon holds a BFA in performance and composition from CalArts. Their debut album “Yearbook” showcases a decade’s worth of songwriting, detailing the emotional rollercoaster of young friendships, relationships, and self-worth. Outside of music and theatre (but not that far outside) Rhiannon is engaged at Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock as a cantorial soloist.

Rhiannon will be performing in several pieces in our upcoming Salon Show, “L’Chaim America!” - a celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. Through poignant and humorous contemporary stories, this show illuminates the richness and diversity of Jewish experience, and the America we know in our hearts.  

When the world is trying to divide us, this show gives us a respite from the rhetoric! We look forward to seeing you there. For the full schedule, and tickets 🎟️, visit https://the-braid.org/calendar/