East Coast Debut of The Blessing of a Broken Heart

Mother of Terror Victim’s Award Winning Book Comes to the Stage

June 22, 2008: Seven years ago, Koby Mandell, the 13 year old son of Sherri and Rabbi Seth Mandell, was stoned to death in a cave in Israel by terrorists.  The news made headlines around the world, not only for its brutality, but because it happened to an American family from Silver Spring, Maryland.  In the aftermath, Sherri, a native of East Rockaway, NY, and a graduate of Cornell University, wrote an award-winning book, 
The Blessing of a Broken Heart, in which she presents her unique perspective on the hidden power of tragedy based on her own harrowing experience. Sherri and Seth also co-founded the Koby Mandell Foundation, named in memory of their son, which aims to teach others the power of a positive, healing response to terror and trauma. 

June 22, 2008: Seven years ago, Koby Mandell, the 13 year old son of Sherri and Rabbi Seth Mandell, was stoned to death in a cave in Israel by terrorists.  The news made headlines around the world, not only for its brutality, but because it happened to an American family from Silver Spring, Maryland.  In the aftermath, Sherri, a native of East Rockaway, NY, and a graduate of Cornell University, wrote an award-winning book, 
The Blessing of a Broken Heart, in which she presents her unique perspective on the hidden power of tragedy based on her own harrowing experience. Sherri and Seth also co-founded the Koby Mandell Foundation, named in memory of their son, which aims to teach others the power of a positive, healing response to terror and trauma.

The Blessing of a Broken Heart has been adapted for the stage by Todd Salovey, playwright and Artistic Director of the San Diego Repertory Theatre.  Starring Lisa Robins as Sherri Mandell, it made its stage debut in San Diego in January to sold-out audiences.  It is now set to make its East Coast debut in June, with three performances in the NY/NJ area, and an exclusive performance in the DC Metropolitan area.

The Blessing of a Broken Heart will make its East Coast debut at New Rochelle High School at 265 Clove Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801, on Sunday, June 22, 2008, at 8:00pm.  On Monday, June 23, at 8:00 it will appear at the JCC on the Palisades at 411 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670.  On Tuesday, June 24, 2008, it will be performed at The Riverdale Y, 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471.  This limited run of the play will close in the Washington area at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852, on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at 7:30pm.  All shows will feature a special guest appearance by Seth Mandell.  For tickets to the New Rochelle, Tenafly and Rockville shows call The Koby Mandell Foundation at 1-888-622-5629 (888-622-KOBY).  For the Riverdale show, visit www.riverdaley.org.  Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling The Koby Mandell Foundation or emailing cheryl@kobymandell.org.  All proceeds from all shows go to support Camp Koby, a therapeutic healing program, operated by The Koby Mandell Foundation, for children who have lost an immediate family member to terror attacks in Israel.

BACKGROUND: The stage adaptation of The Blessing of a Broken Heart, is written and directed by Todd Salovey, Artistic Director of the San Diego Repertory Theatre, based on the book of the same name by Sherri Mandell, originally from East Rockaway, Long Island.  It stars Lisa Robins as Sherri Mandell.  It debuted in January, 2008, in San Diego, to sold-out audiences.  The Koby Mandell Foundation was established by Rabbi Seth and Sherri Mandell after their 13 year old son Koby was murdered by terrorists in Israel. The Foundation runs therapeutic healing programs for individuals who have lost an immediate family member to terror. Programs are designed to teach participants the lessons Seth and Sherri learned - to cope with their pain, heal from their grief, and use the power hidden within tragedy to grow beyond previous limitations. Programs combine formal, informal, and recreational therapeutic techniques to foster an environment of emotional support. Participants draw strength from each other and their shared experiences, creating long-lasting bonds of friendship and a community of survivors. For more information, please call us at 1-888-622-5629 (888-622-KOBY) or write to us at 7801 Norfolk Ave, Suite T4, Bethesda, MD 20814.