Hello, comrades.

I hope this message finds you keeping your heads above water. Times are dark, and the water is murky. But art persists, and so do we.

I am writing to urge you to read or listen to one of the best pieces of fiction I’ve ever encountered: Henry Bean’s “The Event.” It was published by Jewish Currents and is, as of today, available to read for free, as well as available in audio format on the Jewish Currents podcast On the Nose.

Although I had nothing to do with the composition or editing of “The Event,” I will confess that I played a part in the meta-story. When I interviewed Henry for my 2023 article on his magnificent 2001 film The Believer, he told me that he had a short story he’d finished in 2020, one he wanted to see published. I read it. It stunned me. I took it to the wonderful Arielle Angel, now-former editor-in-chief of Jewish Currents, and she, too, was stunned. We both agreed that the world needed this story. Flash-forward, and here we are, just when the world needs to hear Henry’s words.

I will give no spoilers. “The Event” is about strange fire and what is left when there is nothing left. You will be changed.

Text version is here.

Audio version is here.

Thank you for your time, and I hope you find “The Event” as moving and provocative as I did.

Best,

J