“… It was a performance that easily could be a Tony Award winner!!”

“I absolutely loved it!” Not only is the story fantastic, funny, and heartfelt —it was engaging, hilarious, fascinating, and bursting with festive energy. A true explosion of joy, laughter, and beauty. Thank you! New York Times

“Magical!” This was a fantastic show! The entire experience from beginning to end was wonderful. Broadway.com

“You should have NOT missed this Spiel!” From the colorful costumes…to the catchy tunes, and funny characters – the audience was all smiles! Variety

The reviews are in and what were the critics raving about? The fantastic job the Religious School students did in the production of the Purim Spiel. Before a packed house in the main sanctuary that included families, a NY Yankee, a Cedar Rapids Kernel, a NY Ranger, a Hamen, two Ben’s in a row (a construction Ben and a Cowboy Ben), and the Rabbi dressed in period costume…so realistic, his feet were even bare. It was a performance that easily could be a Tony Award winner! The actors, actresses, and a narrator under the direction of a spectacular musical director (Rabbi Todd), did an amazing job of telling the story of Purim. All the characters knocked it out of the proverbial park! A home run! My favorite part was the line delivered by henchman Naomi on her communication device!  

To top it off, the Rabbi did a great job reading from the Megillah. Our congregation is blessed to have a real Megillah. The Religious School staff also needs to be commended for doing a great job with the students. A big thank you to the Ritual Committee for providing plenty of salad, pizza, and hamantaschen to top off a wonderful evening and fantastic performance.

All I can say is an enthusiastic Bravo! It was nice to see so many students on the Bima participating! They told the story of Purim and sang fun songs about the holiday! There were so many family members kvelling with nachas in the audience, too.

As I sat and looked around, I reminisced how wonderful our Temple Judah family was years ago when we had many more members and so many children in Religious School. I remember the feeling of Temple Judah being an extension of our family. It really is starting to feel like that again.

I know I say this every month, but I want to thank all those who contribute behind the scenes in making Temple Judah continue to exist and thrive! The Purim service was a great example of how we can come together. Even though we are a small community we continue to be strong with our ties to our Temple Judah family. Come join us in prayer and contribute to keeping the flame alive and burning bright. Don’t sit on the outside, looking in. Donate, participate!!

Shalom.
Brian D. Cohen
President