Israel

The Life Waiting For Me: A Letter

By Rivka Mazal Tauber | September 15, 2022

This essay was workshopped in The Layers Writing Workshops. Dear Hashem,  You know everything that I have been through.  You…

Where I’m Meant To Be

By Sefira Lightstone | August 29, 2022

THIS ESSAY WAS WORKSHOPPED IN THE LAYERS WRITING WORKSHOPS. There was something I wanted.  Something I was so busy dreaming…

Looking Toward the Heavens

By Shira Lankin Sheps | August 7, 2022

Last night was surreal. I sat with some of my sisters, my mother, and my daughter in the darkness listening…

Danielle’s Story: Embracing Surrender: My Experience With OHSS

By Shira Lankin Sheps | June 6, 2021

1/6 “Unexplained Infertility” “It was the day before Thanksgiving. I remember because I took the day as a good omen.…

Reality Under Rockets

By Shira Lankin Sheps | May 11, 2021

I had never heard a rocket siren before. I’ve watched countless videos of rocket sirens, rocket explosions, and all sorts…

Shira’s Story: Behind the Scenes of the New Layers Book

By Shira Lankin Sheps | February 1, 2021

(1/6) Some of you may already know parts of my story.  This next part I’ve been keeping to myself for…

The Gifts of Hands and Hope

By Mandy Broder | December 13, 2020

From a very early age, I loved anything that involved art. My father is very artistic and I would watch…

Azi’s Story: “Finding the Light Within Us”

By Shira Lankin Sheps | August 24, 2020

(1/8): “Feeling Deeply” “From a very young age, I had a great capacity to feel. I recall watching an episode…

Waiting For All the Answers

By Shira Lankin Sheps | July 30, 2020

This year I am almost at a loss for words.  The last two years I have wrestled with the question,…

Tova’s Story: Finding My Inner Strength

By Shira Lankin Sheps | July 12, 2020

(1/6): Seeds For The Future “It all started when I was living in New Jersey. I was a teacher and…

Gates of Gold

By Mushkie Uliel | July 12, 2020

My journey of self-discovery is one that takes place gradually over many years. It’s only looking back, that I can…

I’m getting married today!

By Beth Magid | May 12, 2020

I will be getting married B”H today, Lag Ba’Omer, in Jerusalem. I am 34 years old and had been looking…