Stories on the page and stage.
I write essays that spark conversations, perform stand-up and improv, and help students find their voice. Explore the highlights below, then say hello — I love a good collaboration.
About
I'm a Jerusalem-based writer, English teacher, and performer. My work spans personal essays and cultural commentary, stand-up & improv, and thoughtful, student-centered teaching. I collaborate on creative projects and help people shape ideas into stories that land.
Selected Focus Areas
- Personal essays, memoir, and op-eds
- Stand-up comedy and Playback Theatre
- ESL, Diplomacy, public speaking & debate
- Workshops: voice, choice, and audience
Writing
A few reader-favorites. Real links can be swapped in anytime.
The Moral Call of Tikkun Olam
Personal, political, and philosophical.
How I Became a Sabra
Identity, kitchens, and belonging.
I Left Britain 31 Years Ago — But This Time It's Goodbye for Good
Leaving, returning, and letting go.
Teaching Till It Hurts
Love, burnout, and classrooms.
Square Roots and Second Chances
Math, mercy, and second chances.
What Readers Say:
“Sharp and genuine… earned every sentence.” — Rudy Gurtovnik
More testimonials
On Stage & Screen
Stand-Up — “Getting Through Middle Age Awkwardly”
Finding the funny in life’s inevitable transitions.
Stand-Up — “AliExpress Because I’m a Good Person”
Everyday absurdity meets cultural commentary.
Improv — “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Advice About Chulent”
A playful Playback Theatre scene packed with communal lore.
Comic Play — “This Is a Play”
A meta-theatrical comedy; I performed in the production.
Stage Performance — “The Eastcheap Gang” (Henry IV)
A spirited turn in Shakespeare’s boisterous tavern scenes.
Teaching
15+ years teaching ESL and creative English to advanced learners. I design courses that put voice and choice at the center.
Diplomacy & International Communication (elective)
Model UN & Debate
English Literature for Gifted Students
Podcast Project (11th Grade)
1:1 coaching for gifted/neurodivergent learners
Workshops & Talks
Available for PD sessions, writing workshops, and student-facing talks on audience, structure, and performance.
Collaborations
Open to public speaking, workshop facilitation, collaborative writing, and educational content development.
What I Bring
- Clear, compelling storytelling
- Stage confidence and improv chops
- Seasoned teaching & curriculum design
Testimonials
“Your lovely, wistful lament was the first thing I read this morning — and I wish I hadn't, because it completely derailed me. A clear, simple, and devastating account of what multiculturalism has brought.”
— Reader, Times of Israel
“I don’t mean a tear trickled down my cheek. I mean actual blubbering, snotty-nosed, uneven-breath crying. Your piece moved me in a way few things have.”
— Robin Alexander, Substack
“Ella, with each installment, I’m even more convinced there’s a book here. Kudos.”
— Gayl Salkin-Gutman
“Out of all the fluff pieces I see, your writing is sharp and genuine. You earned every sentence. You got my subscription — more importantly, you earned my respect.”
— Rudy Gurtovnik
“What a lovely story. You make it look totally effortless, Ella. I’ll likely never taste a sabra, but what an excellent metaphor it turned out to be.”
— Mike Knittel
“Thank you... very well written and expresses what many of us might be feeling.”
— Rosanna Black Josman (Facebook)
“What a fantastically written summary of the tragic demise of the Britain we were so privileged to grow up in.”
— Rina Prager (Facebook)
“Absolutely brilliant! We left the UK and came back to Jerusalem just two months before October 7th. Your words resonated so deeply.”
— Sharon Fuerst (Facebook)
“That was an amazing story. Your literary cadence and imagery made me feel like I was right there. What a homage to Dorothy.”
— Rudy Gurtovnik
“Loved this. Your Dorothy reminded me of my mother-in-law — life-changing lessons that never came from a book.”
— Rick Bailey
“What a gorgeous story, Ella. Thank you for giving homage to Dorothy and her indispensable place in your life.”
— Tamy Faierman, M.D.
Contact
I use a simple form so your message never gets lost. It opens in a new tab.
Prefer email? Add it to the message and I’ll reply directly.
Press & Requests
Looking for a quick bio, headshots, or a performance clip? I can share a short press kit on request — and I’m happy to tailor a workshop or set to your audience.