In 2026, the Los Angeles-based theater company The Braid created “L’Chaim America!,” a look at American Jewry today that celebrates wide-ranging, rarely-heard Jewish stories that are integral to the story of America.
When I heard this line, I knew it was a play that felt important for the moment: “And I know in my heart that for all my country’s flaws, being an American is one of the greatest blessings imaginable” (David Chiu, from the story “The Greatest Blessing”).
The creative team behind “L’Chaim America!” say it began with a question and grew out of an opportunity that felt both celebratory and urgent. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, what can the everyday stories of Jewish life tell us about belonging, resilience, and the America we call home? This show lifts up lived experiences as a mosaic of voices to reflect the richness and diversity of Jewish life today. It places them within this larger national milestone and reminds us that these stories are part of the broader American tapestry and that they connect us all.
Now touring in honor of the United States’ 250th, we’re proud to host “L’Chaim America!” in Boston this July. Because there’s so much behind the show, I asked the team to share a bit about it and why you’ll want to come experience it. Here’s some of what they shared:
“The show comprises 12 contemporary, true stories from writers of various backgrounds, including writers and actors alike: Sonia Nazario, Latina Pulitzer-prize winning journalist for The LA Times and The New York Times; Susan Baskin, essayist and Academy Award-winning writer of the film “Violet”; Esther Amini, Iranian Jewish writer of the memoir “Concealed”; Joshua Reuben Silverstein, co-host and co-producer of Emmy Award-winning “Downbeat 720” and original member of Norman Lear’s “Declare Yourself Road Trip Tour”; and Zoë Hall, a regular on “Sesame Street” for nearly a decade. “We debuted in Los Angeles, toured to San Francisco and New York City, and now it feels so meaningful to come to Boston because this region is where the American story of independence began. With the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord, Boston became the birthplace of a revolutionary idea: that a nation could be built on liberty, courage, and the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive promise. “At a time when Jewish voices can feel marginalized, that kind of national recognition matters. It sends a powerful signal that Jewish storytelling is an essential part of the American story. For The Braid, it reinforces our role as a leader in Jewish storytelling. For the broader community, it affirms that these stories belong on the national stage and are part of the fabric of this country. “At its core, ‘L’Chaim America!’ is an invitation to come together, to listen, and to celebrate the richness and diversity of Jewish life in this country. It is also a reminder that storytelling is not just entertainment. It is a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and resilience.” “L’Chaim America!” will be performed in the Boston area on two evenings: at The Vilna Shul on Monday, July 13, at 7 p.m. (register here) and at Temple Isaiah in Lexington on Tuesday, July 14, at 7:30 p.m. (register here). The Boston performances are made possible in part through support from the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional generous support from CJP.
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