Fellows /

Shmuel Hoffman

Digital Storytellers Lab

2025-2026 Fellow

Schmoozing with the Schmalenbergs

Follow the fun and spunky family life of the Schmalenbergs, think of Shtissel meets Seinfeld. Each episode delves into the universal themes of faith, the human spirit, and what it means to be there for family on a personal level, all wrapped in the warm, age-old wisdom of the Schmalenberg family’s orthodox Jewish traditions.

Website

Born and raised in East Berlin, Shmuel began his career as a violist, performing with European orchestras and touring with Yo-Yo Ma after winning the Jeunesses Musicales International competition, before transitioning to film while exploring Jewish observance. He founded a production company and has created award-winning commercial and Oscar© qualifying documentary films for institutions such as the United States Holocaust Museum, Museum of Tolerance, Harvard University, Lexus, and MTV. A frequent speaker at the United Nations on Jewish identity and interfaith dialogue, he also serves on the Israeli President’s Voice of the People global council.