This past week the Saint Joe Theater Department traveled to Sinai Synagogue just a few blocks away from Saint Joe. The department is putting on Fiddler on the Roof this year which is centered around a Jewish family. When at the Synagogue Rabbi Michael Friedland allowed the students to ask any questions they might have about the Jewish Faith.
The theater department has been working in close contact with the local Jewish community to make sure the production is as accurate as it can be. Rabbis from the local conservative movement have been sitting in on rehearsals for the past couple of weeks to provide background to the scenes and helpful blocking tips.
The day of the field trip started at Saint Joe where the students left at 9:00am to walk five blocks to the Synagogue. When the students arrived Rabbi Friedland directed them to sit in the sanctuary and allowed them to ask any questions they may have about the show. Rabbi Frieldland gave incredible insight into the symbolism and tradition present in the show.
For example, Rabbi Frieldland spoke about how the breaking of the glass during the wedding symbolizes the sadness and hardship that will be present in life but the bride and groom will go through it together. Rabbi Friedland also gave incredibly insightful information about the context of the musical. He stated that the musical reveals the universal in particular.
All in all the field trip was an incredible experience and success. It allowed Saint Joe to put in the best version of Fiddler they can. The show is on from Thursday, February 29th through Saturday, March 2nd and it should be an unforgettable experience for all. Make sure to come out and see it!
