Tales of Community and Connection

Week of March 5, 2022

Sarah Livia Brightwood Szekely, President of Rancho La Puerta
Joel ben Izzy, Storyteller and Author

Sarah and Joel will be sharing stories in Oaktree to welcome guests and set the tone for Wisdom Keepers’ Week, the annual celebration of the legacy of Sarah’s father, Edward Szekely, known lovingly as “The Professor,” on what would have been his 117th birthday. The theme for the week this year is “Roots of Community,” and Joel and Sarah will bring a mix of fun personal stories and traditional folktales focusing on friendship and nature, humor and healing, welcoming long-time and first-time guests alike.

 

 

It was back in 1983, after studying English, Creative Writing and Storytelling at Stanford, that Joel ben Izzy set off to travel the globe, gathering and telling stories.  Since that time he has taught and told stories in some 36 countries around the world. Joel has also produced six award-winning recordings of his stories and is the author of the The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness (Alogonquin, 2003), which recounts his own remarkable journey of healing, which has now been translated into 18 languages. In addition to Joel’s performing, teaching, recording and writing, he is one of America’s most sought after story consultants, with clients ranging from technology companies to foundations to Pixar Animation. He is married to Taly Rutenberg, who will be teaching Qi Gong this week.

For more information on Joel see: storypage.com