What would you do if you encountered an injured pigeon in your neighborhood? When this actually happened to a young Jewish woman, she was left in a quandary until she asked, “What does the Torah say?” The answer was clear and guided her actions, even changing the course of her life – and the lucky pigeon’s too. Assembling a host of true animals stories, The Braid again shines a light on how Jewish values and teachings affect life’s decisions – and how even the love of the smallest animal can reflect these basic beliefs. Charming tales abound from the pens and hearts of Emmy-winning writer Cindy Chupack, acclaimed photographer Penny Wolin, 11-time winner of The Moth Mindy Myers, and many more. In the salon theater style The Braid is renowned for, FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS focuses on animals and the human who love them.
Joshua Reuben Silverstein and Lisa Robins – Photo by David Chiu
Twelve true anecdotes by as many authors demonstrate the profound ties between humans and their special animals. Author Rosenbaum shares her true life tale about her independent blue parakeet – who ignored her futile attempts to rescue the bird as he flew through smoke and flashing embers – and miraculously survived the Los Angeles fires for days with the help of so many first responders who never gave up. And how about Shuba, that inquisitive – and huge – pet bobcat, who disappeared from author Lewis’ home – only to surface days later following a news blitz and lots of helpful neighbors? And let’s not forget about Pookah, who resembled a Persian feline but really exemplified Poca, a mischievous spirit, up to his usual tricks. Then there’s Top Dollar, the mini horse with a reputation for biting and kicking – who finally won a competition because he showed so well due to the determination of his young partner who never gave up on him. Powerful proof that hard work and high motivation pays off, even if Top Dollar bit his trainer just as she was reaching for her hard-won trophy. Finally, to top off the recollections, Wolin’s poignant memories of her beloved poodle, her companion for 15 long years – and when the time came to say goodbye.
Cherish Monique Duke and Avalon Greenberg Call – Photo by David Chiu
The authors whose delightful and often enchanting stories about animals that played a pivotal role in their lives included Lisa Schloss Lewis, Penny Wolin, Lisa Pearl Rosenbaum, Mindy Myers, Joshua Reuben Silverstein, Judith Glass Collins, Vanessa Bloom, Katherine Hay, Lauren Eric Krieger, Rabbi Janet Madden, Oscar Firschein, z”l, Jessica Cabot, Julia Pascal, and Cindy Chupack. The stories were brought to life by four talented Braid performers – Joshua Reuben Silverstein (as both author and performer), Lisa Robins, Cherish Monique Duke, and Avalon Greenberg Call.
The Braid Ensemble – Photo by David Chiu
FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS was clearly a successful group project with contributions by Daphna Shull and Rose Ziff (program design), Marilee Tolwin (cover art), Jan Berlfein Burns and David Chiu (photography), Cindy Kendall (videography), and the entire The Braid staff, leadership, and volunteers. If you are an animal lover (and aren’t we all?), you will adore FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS.
After the show – Photo by Elaine L. Mura
FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS runs through June 22, 2025, with performances in person in Los Angeles and the Bay area and live on Zoom Worldwide. For information about locations and reservations, go online.
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