Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to bring a community closer together. On Sunday, August 26th, 2026, nearly one hundred Interfaith Families Project (IFFP) community members crowded into a room at Busboys and Poets Takoma Park for an evening of heartfelt storytelling. The eight storytellers who took the stage boldly and beautifully presented personal stories without notes, as listeners shared tables and food. The storytellers had been working hard for the past several months with fellow IFFP members, who served as curators, helping them prepare their stories for this night. Rev. Samantha Gonzalez-Block and Jodi Kanter warmly welcomed each storyteller to the microphone, and Reverend Jay Moses played classical guitar between stories to give us time to reflect on what we just heard. The night was filled with laughter, tears, warm hugs, words of gratitude and lots of cheers. It is a joy to lift up some of the evening’s stories below.
Kerry Murray “George”
Kerry has served as an exceptional yoga teacher at our 2025 Women’s Retreat, and she and her family have greeted people entering the doors of IFFP. She joined the IFFP community a few years ago, and became even more intrigued about it when she learned about our last storytelling event. Now, two years later, it is a joy to have her here on stage sharing her story.
Noah Walker “How My Mom Ruined My Life”
Noah has been attending IFFP his entire life – and has a zest for life! He can be seen carrying the younger kids on his shoulders or asking great questions in his COA class. He is in 8th grade, which makes him the youngest storyteller we have ever had participate in this event. And a fun fact: it was his idea! He came through the door and said, “I’ll tell a story”…and we are so glad he did.
Nophar Palumbo “What You Got”
Nophar has given countless children in the IFFP community a love of Hebrew (having served as one of our Hebrew teachers for many years now). She has also energetically led many carnival games, along with her family, at our annual Purim carnival. Her positive spirit and inviting energy draws people in, so it is a real treat to have her on stage tonight.
Michael Roy “My Church”
Michael joined IFFP in recent years, along with three generations of his family! He has a caring and inviting spirit and welcomes everyone with a smile. Moreover, he says yes to almost any small task IFFP needs – and how wonderful that he said yes to this experience. After a recent knee surgery, he told us that he may be doing his story seated but – what do you know? – nothing can keep him down!
Nicole Fradette “The Middle Finger”
Nicole has made an immeasurable impact on nearly all of our children, as the longest serving teacher at IFFP (over 15 years). She brings a heart for teaching and a desire to lift up the voices of our young people. Nicole’s chutzpah to share her story tonight, came from a desire to push herself to try something new – and we are so glad to have her front and center as a storyteller.
Larry Bostian “All the Beauty in the World”
Larry has been with IFFP since its early days, and is always willing to make a joyful noise during services. He sings in the band, and has led our community in the Lord’s Prayer many times – as well as offered reflections through the years. A member of our Care Team, he can connect with people of all ages with his gentle curiosity and generous spirit – and now through his story.
Kristy Tillman “Reaching Out”
Video recording not available.
Kristy is a longtime IFFP member, along with her family. She has been in many leadership roles in our community, and she’s currently a member of the Board. She’s a team player in every way and brings great energy to everything she does (including the Gathering announcements!). And today, we get to enthusiastically cheer her on, as she shares her story.
Harrison Wein “All Who Wander Are Not Lost“
Video recording available upon request.
Harrison is one of those unsung IFFP heroes. On most Sundays, you can find him and his spouse putting our tech equipment away after Gatherings. His calming smile and his curious mind make him a great member of any Continuing Education small group. A curator last time we did this event – and a storyteller this time, with gratitude we are excited to hear his story.
Stories are Steps Towards Deepening Love and Connection
“There’s no perfect family. There is no environment free of anxiety, hurt and wounding. There’s not one human on the planet with a perfect and entirely love-filled story to tell. But together we can create safer and braver environments in which love can grow. We can create spaces of empathy, imagination, and play. In those spaces, we can look at our stories – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and find wisdom in them. We can create new stories for ourselves and be deliberate in our efforts to play them out, to rehearse them in our lives. In the kind of space I’m describing, adults and children alike can flourish, heal, and learn to love themselves more.”
– Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World
Acknowledgments
Curators: Fredie Adelman, Will Walker, Irene Landsman, Stan Drake, Joan Bellsey, Dana Dirker, Sara Wilensky, Dave Bigge.
Directed and Hosted by: Reverend Samantha Gonzalez-Block and Jodi Kanter
Musician: Reverend Jay Moses
Day-of Volunteers: Veronica and Ryan Sholin, Felise and Mark Shellenberger, Heidi Anderson, John and Maria Gonzalez-Block, Matthew Hoffman and other IFFP members.
Event Coordination: Jodi Kanter and Reverend Samantha Gonzalez-Block
Program: Rev. Samantha Gonzalez-Block
Advertising: Miranda Hovemeyer
Video and Audio Recording Supervisor: John Block
Cameraman and Substitute Curator: John Mills
Video Editor: Rev. Samantha Gonzalez-Block
Additional thanks to: The IFFP Board of Directors and Staff, Busboys and Poets Staff, and Heather Brown.
Thanks again to our storytellers and to you all! If you would like to serve as a curator, storyteller or volunteer in the future, please let us know. Remember: tell your story!
