This week is Halloween, so I thought I'd post about ghosts in the Jewish faith.
And the one I kept coming across is the Dybbuk. The Dybbuk is a malicious possessing spirit, believed to be the dislocated soul of a dead person, which leaves the host body after accomplishing its goal.
Writer S. Ansky wrote a play called The Dybbuk. The story follows a young woman named Leah'le, who wants to marry a man named Hannan. Leah'le's father objects to the marriage, as he wants her to marry a rich man (sound familiar, anyone?). Anyway, Hannan dies, and on her wedding day, Leah'le is possessed by his spirit, by the Dybbuk.
This story has been adapted into movies, operas, and even a ballet, composed by Leonard Bernstein and created by one Jerome Robbins, director of the original production of Fiddler.
It's pretty creepy stuff. I'm including a clip below. Many, many clips are available on YouTube, including the whole film, if you really want to creep yourself out.
But, to end on a lighter note, there is also another spirit called the ibbur. This is a positive possession, when a righteous soul temporarily possesses a body. This is done so that the soul can perform a mitzvah.
Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Friday, October 24, 2014
Fruma Sarah and her scary little creatures
Last weekend, Carol asked what the vocal ensemble was to do or to be during Fruma Sarah's section of "The Dream." I said to think about those creepy little creatures that Ursula has in "The Little Mermaid." So, here they are! Creepy little critters!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
If you got some free time...
On this lovely holiday weekend, if you have a little free time and are looking for something to watch, here are a few "Fiddler" related ideas. Because I hear "Gone Girl" is selling out like crazy at the Avalon Mall. Plus it's raining outside. So why not catch up on your Sholem Aleichem?
"Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness" - this is a portrait of the writer whose work provided a basis for "Fiddler on the Roof." Lots of great information about the culture of the shtetl, lots of great photos, and tons to learn about this writer. Great background information, if you're interested.
"Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy" - this documentary aired on PBS last year, I believe, and it replays from time to time. It discusses the Jewish influence on the Broadway musical, beginning with Yiddish Theatre in New York. Not directly related to our show, but really interesting background. It discusses melodies in Broadway songs inspired by Jewish prayers ("It Ain't Necessarily So" from "Porgy and Bess" is a direct quote from prayer). Might be able to find some clips on youtube, or check out if it's replaying!
"Great Performances: The Thomashefskys" - Boris and Bessie Thomashefsky were two of the biggest names in early Yiddish Theatre in New York. You can see the Yiddish Theatre recreated by a cast of Broadway Stars in this show from PBS. And the whole thing is available to watch from the PBS website, at this link. Again, not directly related, but cool stuff.
And, of course, there is the film version of "Fiddler on the Roof," also available on Netflix. Not to watch because we want to recreate it: we're interested in building our "Fiddler," for our time, in our community. But, it's a fantastic movie!
"Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness" - this is a portrait of the writer whose work provided a basis for "Fiddler on the Roof." Lots of great information about the culture of the shtetl, lots of great photos, and tons to learn about this writer. Great background information, if you're interested.
"Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy" - this documentary aired on PBS last year, I believe, and it replays from time to time. It discusses the Jewish influence on the Broadway musical, beginning with Yiddish Theatre in New York. Not directly related to our show, but really interesting background. It discusses melodies in Broadway songs inspired by Jewish prayers ("It Ain't Necessarily So" from "Porgy and Bess" is a direct quote from prayer). Might be able to find some clips on youtube, or check out if it's replaying!
"Great Performances: The Thomashefskys" - Boris and Bessie Thomashefsky were two of the biggest names in early Yiddish Theatre in New York. You can see the Yiddish Theatre recreated by a cast of Broadway Stars in this show from PBS. And the whole thing is available to watch from the PBS website, at this link. Again, not directly related, but cool stuff.
And, of course, there is the film version of "Fiddler on the Roof," also available on Netflix. Not to watch because we want to recreate it: we're interested in building our "Fiddler," for our time, in our community. But, it's a fantastic movie!
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Yente's Trip to Corner Brook
This weekend, our very own Yente is in Corner Brook at a wedding. At a wedding for which she made the match? Maybe so! But along the way, Yente kept me updated on her trip across the island via text message. Here are some of her messages from along the way.
8:22 AM: Yente's on her way to Corner Brook! I will send you Yente like sayings from the road.
10:28 AM: TIMOTHY. I have found the perfect match for you. Her name is Rhonda, she works at the gas station in Come by Chance. Wonderful girl.
10:36 AM: What do we leave? Nothing much. Only Grand Falls-Winsor.
Grand Falls-Winsor, Grand Falls-Winsor.
Underfed, overworked Grand Falls-Winsor.
Where else could Jiggs Dinner be so sweet?
11:42 AM: Hodel, oh Hodel, have I made a match for you!
He's handsome, he's young!
All right, he's from Baccalieu
But he's a nice man, a good catch, true?
True.
8:22 AM: Yente's on her way to Corner Brook! I will send you Yente like sayings from the road.
10:28 AM: TIMOTHY. I have found the perfect match for you. Her name is Rhonda, she works at the gas station in Come by Chance. Wonderful girl.
10:36 AM: What do we leave? Nothing much. Only Grand Falls-Winsor.
Grand Falls-Winsor, Grand Falls-Winsor.
Underfed, overworked Grand Falls-Winsor.
Where else could Jiggs Dinner be so sweet?
11:42 AM: Hodel, oh Hodel, have I made a match for you!
He's handsome, he's young!
All right, he's from Baccalieu
But he's a nice man, a good catch, true?
True.
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