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Gathering the Sparks is a powerfully driven one-man show, conceived and performed by Reuven Russell. Through a deeply affecting theatrical synthesis of narrative and music, Russell magically transforms into a variety of diverse characters, including Rabbi Meir Kahane, an Israeli soldier, a Jewish mother, a Hollywood producer, a black nationalist Muslim and a mystical Chassid. Using each character as a voice to question and explore the world’s existing political, social and religious climate, Russell refreshingly illuminates the spiritual dilemmas which invade us all. Through laughter and pain, Gathering the Sparks offers an inspiring and provocative look at the state of "Jewishness" today.

"Gathering the Sparks is a wonderfully provocative program staged by a wonderfully talented performer. This show will definitely ignite sparks in the souls of its audiences. If you're not afraid to be provoked and ignited -- go see Gathering the Sparks."
-
Ephraim Buchwald
Director
National Jewish Outreach Program

"Reuven Russell is a talented and stimulating actor, who delivers a poignant message with humor and compassion."
-
Kim Goodfriend, Director
Cultural Arts
Atlanta JCC

"I was overwhelmed … Russell’s show is a must for all."
- Mendel Duchman
Co-Publisher, B’nai B’rith Messenger

"3 thumbs up!…Reuven has a unique ability to entertain and touch Jews from all walks of life."
- Rabbi Shlomo Kugel
Director, Chabad Upper West Side N.Y.C.

"Mr. Russell pulls you into his world with laughter, drama, and tears."
- Arie Posin, screenwriter

GATHERING THE SPARKS
has been enthusiastically received at:

S. Diego Repertory Theatre
Atlanta JCC
Boston University
Syracuse University
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Albany
SUNY Binghamton
Ivy League Torah Study Program
Lubavitch Youth Organization
Camp Morasha
Camp Mesorah
Jewish Renaissance Festival
Jewish Enrichment Center (LA)
Maimonides High School (Boston)
Yavneh Minyan of Flatbush
Yeshiva University of LA
Sephardic Educational Center (LA)
United Israel Appeal of Canada
Torah Outreach Project
Chabad of Long Island
Chabad of Northridge (CA)

 

Chabad of Greater South Bay (CA)
Chabad of Northern Virginia
Chabad of Atlanta
Chabad of La Jolla (CA)
Chabad of S. Monica
Chabad of Toronto
Chabad of the Upper West Side (NY)
Chabad of St.Louis
Chabad of Montreal
Chabad of Detroit (Long Lake)
Chabad of the High Desert (CA)
Chabad of Natick (MA)
Chabad of West Hartford
Chabad of New Haven
Chabad of West Bay (RI)
Chabad of Burlington (VT)
Chabad of Cheviot Hills (CA)
Chabad of Tijuana
Chabad of Louisville
Chabad of the Loop (Chicago)