In the latest episode of the Sababoosh podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with the renowned Israeli author, Dorit Rabinyan, whose work has left an impact on Israeli literature. Our conversation delved into the heart of her creative process, how she transformed a love of reading into writing, and the absolute joy that she finds in the act of writing. The reason behind the episode’s title is that she thinks of writing as playing in a sandbox - she gets a sense of playfulness and building.
Tablet referred to her as “The Wonder Woman of New Israeli Literature” and she has earned that title with her books and victory over adversity. Her 2014 book, ‘All the Rivers' was slated to be on the reading list for the Israeli high school curriculum, but Education Minister at the time, Naftali Bennett, vetoed its selection. Dorit’s book sales skyrocketed and she became a champion of coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
While she pays homage and gives respect to the literary giants of old, she is excited to be part of the new generation of Israeli writers.
She also spoke of her grandmother as her muse and how the stories that she shared during Dorit’s childhood made a big impact on her future career path. Dorit spoke movingly of the generations of women who didn’t have their stories told and how she now holds the ability to share her stories as a great privilege.
I don’t want to give too much way as I want you to listen and take your own lessons and inspiration from Dorit’s words.
Song of the Week
עוד יום
Ode yom
Another day
This jam comes from Cafe Shahor Hazak, an Ethiopian-Israeli rap duo, well known for their hit song, ‘Hakol yee-hee-yeh b’seh-dare’.
It always brings me a boost of motivation. It’s one of their lesser-known songs, but they do great work on the mic.
Slang of the Week
עברנו את פרעה וגם נעבור את זה
Uh-var-new et par-oh v’gawm na-ah-vor et zeh
We’ve gotten past Pharoah and we will get through this too
In slang terms → we have faced great challenges in the past and gotten through them and we will get through the current challenge as well.
Hopeful words for these current times.
Thank you kindly for checking out our newest episode. Keep listening and let us know what you think.
Wishing you a Shabbat shalom and a quiet and safe weekend!
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Recorded and edited by Or Ben Dor at Concept Studio.
S1E9: The Writer's Sandbox w/ Dorit Rabinyan