A Vision for Storytelling

Posted On May 4, 2025 / 5785

Launch of the JTS MFA in Writing

Acclaimed author Jonathan Safran Foer interviewed program director Etgar Keret to announce the launch of  JTS’s MFA in Creative Writing. Together, they’ll discuss the art of contemporary storytelling and their vision for JTS’s groundbreaking new MFA. 

About the MFA 

In our MFA, our students experiment with different methods of storytelling while working towards the development, production, and completion of a substantial narrative piece. Our four-semester, two-year program combines in-person residencies at JTS with personalized study and mentorship with world-renowned storytellers. 

Learn more about the program

About the Presenters 

 Etgar Keret, MFA Director
Etgar Keret is one of the leading writers of contemporary Israeli literature. His books, novels, and short stories have been published in 50 languages worldwide and have won numerous awards. Throughout his career, Etgar has explored various storytelling techniques such as playwriting, screenplay and songwriting, film directing, comic book writing and animation, and film and dance performance. Etgar will guide the program’s vision and mentor emerging storytellers.

Jonathan Safran Foer is the author of three novels (Everything is IlluminatedExtremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and Here I Am), as well as two works of non-fiction (Eating Animals and We Are the Weather) and several collaborative books with visual artists. His work has won numerous awards and been translated into more than 40 languages. He teaches creative writing at NYU.

This program is generously funded through the support of Abby Joseph Cohen.