Jewish Writers Institute

Fellows /

Jake Emanuel and Willie Block

Screenwriters Lab

2025-2026 Fellow

Jake Emanuel and Willie Block

The Shattering

The Shattering is a supernatural horror series set in a Jewish shtetl in 1890s Russia, where pogroms, revolution, and ancient evil all loom. When a teenage girl is possessed by a dybbuk — a malevolent spirit — the town turns to Rabbi Nathan, a revered mystic and demon hunter. With his hot-headed young apprentice Moshe, Nathan must uncover a deadly mystery and confront both human corruption and unholy forces. It’s a terrifying religious horror story in the tradition of The Exorcist, rooted in Jewish history, spirit, and lore.

Jake Emanuel and Willie Block are writing partners originally from the east coast. They're most known for writing the film "Reunion" and the horror podcast "The Edge Of Sleep," which was adapted into a TV series.