Howard Ashman and Alan Menken:  Be Our Guest

Howard Ashman and Alan Menken: Be Our Guest

Though Sukkot continues for another few days, Moses and Miriam have burst onto the scene for day 5, providing a musical climax to our journey of songs which evoke the presence of sacred Jewish ancestors. These two siblings lead the Israelites in celebrating their...
Doron Medalie and Stav Berger:  Toy

Doron Medalie and Stav Berger: Toy

On the third day of Sukkot, Jews welcome the spirits of Jacob and his first wife Leah, the “baby momma” for most of his children and older sister of his true love Rachel (who visits us tomorrow). Rabbinic and scholarly commentaries across the centuries are...
Alicia Keys:  Fallin’

Alicia Keys: Fallin’

Isaac and Rebekah, the ushpizin (sacred ancestral spirits) Jews welcome on the second day of Sukkot, are notorious for the all-too human dimensions of their relationship. The Torah describes Rebekah atop a camel, beautifully dressed, on her way to meet Isaac for the...
Jacob Rappaport:  Eilu D’varim

Jacob Rappaport: Eilu D’varim

This week, Jewish communities all over the world are exhaling, having made it to the end of the High Holiday season. Today begins Sukkot, an eight-day festival filling a number of purposes: the Biblical account of surviving 40 years in the wilderness; the bounty of...