About our Presenters:
Master storytellers Renée Brachfeld and Rabbi Mark Novak have been presented as Scholars/Artists in Residence at over 160 synagogues across the US and Canada, leading services, presenting workshops, and performing for both adult and family audience. They are co-founders of The MultiFaith Storytelling Institute, and have shared their vision of sacred storytelling at the Wisconsin Chaplaincy Association annual retreat and a full week’s course at The Vancouver Theological Seminary. In addition, they have been featured presenters at LimmudFest in England, Limmud NY, Ruach HaAretz, Routes, and the Seattle International Storytelling Festival.
Reb Mark is a founder and spiritual guide of MOSh: Minyan Oneg Shabbat, the only exclusively online Zoomagogue.
He received Simcha (Rabbinical Ordination) in 2012 from Reb Zalman Shachter-Shalomi Z”L and ALEPH. Mark is a professional musician, storyteller, hazzan, songwriter, liturgist, avid gardener, and Washington Nationals baseball fan.
Mark began his music career as a child, singing in a professional Jewish choir, and appearing on Broadway in the musical Oliver. From 1977 to 1986, he was the music director of Living Stage Theater Company at Arena Stage in Washington, DC.
Renée has been a professional storyteller (and juggler!) since 1987. In addition to performing, she teaches various workshops, including her current passion for building community through storytelling. Renee has led workshops for the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, and for the Unity Walk in Washington DC. She also leads extended retreats and week-long classes. Her work has been featured on NPR, and has been published in Peninah Schram’s Chosen Tales, and Goldie Milgram’s Mitzvah Stories. During the pandemic, Renee taught baking workshops online for synagogues nationwide. Renée is an avid runner and equestrian and she’d be happy to tell you all about Ride & Tie races.