Laughter and music steeped in centuries-old tradition filled the sanctuary at Congregation Tifereth Israel on Monday as the synagogue celebrated Purim with a spirited Megillah reading followed by an original musical comedy known as a Purim spiel.
The evening began with a reading of the Book of Esther, the biblical story of how the Jewish people in ancient Persia were saved from destruction by the bravery of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai. During the reading, congregants followed one of Purim’s best-known traditions, making loud noise with groggers, or noisemakers, to drown out the name of the villain Haman whenever it was spoken.
Rabbi Irwin Huberman reflected on the story’s historical roots, noting its connection to the ancient Persian Empire and the way its themes continue to resonate today.
“It is absolutely phenomenal that with events going on in Iran and in Israel, that this is the story of Jews being under the thumb of the Persians,” Huberman said. “If you ask somebody today if they are from Iran, they will say that they are Persian. Iran is actually interchangeable with Persia.”
Huberman explained that the events of Purim date back roughly 2,300 years, when the Persians defeated the Babylonians and ruled a vast empire that included Jewish communities.
“It was repressive against the Jews,” he said of the regime described in the story. “It was repressive against women.”
Despite its serious origins, Purim is one of the most joyful and festive holidays on the Jewish calendar, marked by costumes, comedy and celebration.
Jay Barron, a Glen Cove resident who attended the event, said the holiday stands out among Jewish traditions for its emphasis on joy and reversal of fortune.
“It’s an unusual holiday in Jewish history,” Barron said. “Often the Jews are oppressed and there are all sorts of problems, and this story has the exact same beginning. The Jews were going to all be murdered, and the whole story changed around.”
Barron added that revelry is part of the holiday’s tradition. “It’s very celebratory,” he said. “It’s an unusual holiday in which I believe you’re commanded to get drunk — to get so inebriated that you don’t know good from evil.”
Following the reading of the Megillah, the scroll containing the biblical Book of Esther, which is traditionally read aloud during the Jewish holiday of Purim. Congregants stayed for the evening’s main attraction: an original musical comedy titled “The Spiel That Goes Wrong.”
Written by CTI members Jon Goldstein and Diane Stillerman, the musical retold the Purim story through parody songs, comedic sketches and contemporary musical references.
Goldstein, the primary writer, said the challenge of creating a new Purim spiel lies in telling the same story each year in a fresh and entertaining way.
“It was definitely tricky to find different ways of telling jokes and different ways to convey the story,” Goldstein said.
Last year’s show featured songs inspired by music from the 1950s and early 1960s, so, Goldstein said, this year’s production aimed to connect with younger members of the congregation.
“All of the music were pop-rock songs of the last 25 years or so,” he said. “It’s almost like a Gen X Purim spiel.”
Much of the writing came together quickly during the winter holidays, Goldstein said, though the show continued to evolve during rehearsals as performers contributed ideas. “A lot of what’s funny in the show happens in the process of producing it collaboratively as a group,” he said.
The production also reflected the spirit of Purim itself, which often uses humor and satire to diminish the power of villains.
“There’s a real power in being able to laugh at a villain,” Goldstein said. “By making Haman into this ridiculous clown of a character, it’s a way to show that the mighty, abusive, powerful people cannot take us out forever.”
Stillerman, a Sea Cliff resident and Goldstein’s co-writer, said their creative partnership began several years ago when they collaborated on a parody song for the synagogue. “We were laughing and having a good time,” Stillerman recalled. “There was this give-and-take, and we both love words and rhymes.”
Stillerman, a retired teacher and a pianist who taught piano for 25 years, said the experience of writing and producing the show has helped strengthen the congregation’s sense of community.
The production also involved several other members of the synagogue. Carly Barron served as associate and vocal director, Carl Schreiber was the music director, and Roberta Fox, Stephanie Lebowitz and Elise Splinter choreographed the dances.
For Goldstein, the project has also become a meaningful personal connection to Jewish life. Stillerman said that through writing and performing in the annual productions, Goldstein has deepened his relationship with the congregation and its traditions.
“I feel like it’s increased his attachment to feeling Jewish,” she said. “These songs are almost like his declaration about believing in Judaism.”
