Jewish Writers Institute

Josh Burstein

Josh Burstein is a standup comedian and journalist. A digital strategist who produced content for the Obama Administration and Biden campaigns, Josh works at the intersection of impact, education, and entertainment.

Hanna Anderson + Mollie Biskar

Mollie and Hanna have always told stories, both independently and as a team, that are authentic, empowering, and often about outspoken women. They collaborate on “The Dating Detectives” podcast.

Alex Aciman

Alexander Aciman is a journalist and screenwriter, who has written about food and family recipes for Tablet, and currently works for The New York Times/Wirecutter, and has worked on the food documentary series Rotten, for Netflix.

Alexandra Zahav

Alexandra Zahav is an actor, writer, director. She judges the top screenwriting competitions and coaches screenwriters, as well as facilitates Jewish spiritual dance workshops. She has spent over a decade focused on seeking knowledge and understanding of self, others, and God, and chasing ever-elusive wisdom.

Alex Salsberg

Alex Salsberg is an independent animation director who loves telling stories through funny, weird and heartfelt cartoons. Alex has directed videos for Billy Ray Cyrus and Utkarsh Ambudkar, and has worked on projects for MTV, Nickelodeon and WGBH. He is also co-writer and director of the award-winning comedy short “Class of 84,” about a Jewish family facing anxiety and mortality, and host of “I Loved This Conversation,” a podcast about people living creative lives.

Frieda Vizel

Frieda Vizel grew up in the Satmar Hasidic community of Kiryas Joel. Although she left the fold in her twenties, she continues to connect with the Orthodox Jewish community through her work as a Brooklyn tour guide and Youtuber. Her lively Youtube channel explores Hasidic life through interviews, street visits, analysis, food, holidays, and more.