Escape to Northern Virginia’s wine country for a new event series presented by 1455 and Kalero Vineyard, showcasing local and international storytellers as they present their work and share insight into the creative process, inspiration, and the person behind the pages.1455 is proud to partner with Kalero Vineyard, in Purcellville, VA, to celebrate storytelling, coupled with amazing wines.
EVENT DETAILS:
1455’s Wine & Words at Kalero Vineyard continues with Sarah Birnbach, who will read from A Daughter’s Kaddish.
December 4, 2022 | 4pm | FREE EVENT
About A Daughter’s Kaddish
A Daughter’s Kaddish (Wonderwell; September 2022) recounts Sarah Birnbach’s year-long odyssey to persevere through an unfamiliar world of Jewish prayer. To honor her beloved father, Sarah commits to reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish twice a day in synagogue for eleven months—a Jewish mourning ritual that was historically reserved for sons—despite her father’s initial request that she hire someone male to do so. A novice worshipper and single working mother, Sarah’s obstacles were many—including objections to her prayer practice because of her gender, her own daughter’s near-fatal car accident, an incident that tore her synagogue apart, and her mother’s dismissiveness.
Sarah incorporates these religious and spiritual practices into her already hectic 21st-century life while struggling with the heavy emotional distress of grief. As she travels the country for work, Sarah must find a synagogue where she can pray in each city and town she visits, a challenge that brings many surprises—and upsets. Throughout her year of devotion, Sarah takes comfort in the loving memories of her childhood while at the same time grappling with some very painful ones—ultimately discovering how the path of faith and grief can lead to true healing. A Daughter’s Kaddish addresses the universal experience of grief, will resonate with the Jewish community, and will appeal to feminists.
ABOUT SARAH BIRNBACH
Sarah Birnbach embarked on her encore career as a writer in 2015 after successful careers as a human resource management consultant and a licensed clinical social worker. She is a five-time award winner from the Soul-Making Keats Literary Competition, a program of the National League of American Pen Women, and a
two-time award winner in Bethesda Magazine’s essay contest. Her stories have been published in numerous magazines and professional journals. An active member of the Women’s National Book Association, she lives in Rockville, Maryland.
Website: sarahbirnbach.com
Twitter: @sarah_birnbach
Instagram: @Sarah.Birnbach
Facebook: facebook.com/SarahBirnbachWriterAuthor
ABOUT 1455
At 1455, storytellers are sacred, and we’re dedicated to showcasing the written word and other forms of creative expression. Curating community through year-round free programming, 1455 connects art and audience via intimate conversations and the promotion of diverse voices. Taking our name from the year Gutenberg’s printing press helped democratize content on a global scale, 1455 continues the tradition of using technology to advance an understanding and appreciation of impactful storytelling. 1455 exists to serve anyone who appreciates the arts and is interested in the sort of community commonly found only in academia or online book clubs. Every day, 1455 will augment the passion for the literary and creative arts in adults and young people through programs that sponsor expression, education, and sharing of stories. Website: 1455litarts.org Twitter: @1455litarts Instagram: @1455litarts Facebook: facebook.com/1455litarts
