Purim 2-23-13


P U R I M & "SCHMALTZ...THE MUSICAL" Saturday, February 23, 2013 14 Adar 5773 At Congregation Ohav Shalom The combined congregations of Northern Hills Synagogue and Ohav Shalom met in the Sanctuary at Ohav Shalom to celebrate the holiday of Purim on Saturday evening, February 23rd. Members of both congregations shared the reading of the Book of Esther, accompanied by a slide show translation and an assortment of different noisemakers, including cell phone grogger apps, to blot out the name of Haman! After the service, everyone entered the Social Hall to enjoy a delicious 1950's style dinner, in honor of the musical "Schmaltz" (a parody of the musical "Grease"). A slice of iceberg lettuce with a topping of Thousand Island Dressing was at every place setting, and a dinner buffet served, (what else?) meat loaf, mashed potatoes and canned green beans. After dessert, the Purim Dinner Theater cast performed the hilarious "Schmaltz...the Musical", written by Chaya Vidal and produced by her daughter, Chava Vidal. The pianist was Claire Lee, and Sycamore High School student Justin van Wagenen played drums. The music and butchered lyrics were adapted from the 1971 musical "Grease" by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Cast members included: Scott Aronoff, Terry Brodof, Robyn Duvall, Dan Franklin, Gale Goldner, Kathy Hart, Barry Joffe, Melanie Joffe, Hank Lerer, Ed Schulman, Jonathan Schulman, Barry Wolfson, and Hank Stern as the Narrator. Many thanks to the countless volunteers who made this evening unforgetable! Photography by Gayna Bassin and Henry Fenichel.
Megillah readers gathered on the bima for a blessing.	Many members of the congregation wore costumes.

Sonja Rethy began reading the Megillah, the Book of Esther.
The Pentelniks used cell phone groggers. After the Purim service, everyone went to the Social Hall.
The Social Hall was imaginatively decorated in 1950's style.	Pink Cadillac centerpieces.
Chips and pretzels.	A cash bar offered wine and beer.
	The cash bar. After the iceberg lettuce salad, everyone lined up at the several buffet stations for dinner.



Claire Lee and her son Ben.	Claire Lee's back: The Pink Dolls
Eddie Bassin and Barry Wolfson.	Maksim Shilkrot, NHS Director of Education and Programming.
Justin van Wagenen on drums, with Eddie Bassin.	Rabbi Gershom and Sarah Barnard.






	After dinner, the entertainment began.
The cast of "Schmaltz...the Musical"	The cast danced through the audience in a conga line.

Chava Vidal was Producer, Director and Writer of "Schmaltz... the Musical".	The Johnston family had a great time!
The cast and crew of "Schmaltz... the Musical!"