Multi-generational fun March 5

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-03-15T00:00:00

Six local rabbis of various persuasions will turn March 5 into a night of comedy for people of all ages to celebrate the off-kilter holiday of Purim at the first-ever Rabbis Gone Wild.

“This has the potential to bring generations together for a really fun event,” said Sarah Liebman, who directs Machar and Portland’s Melton program, two of the event sponsors. Moishe House and Urban Jews are also sponsors of the event. “I think it’s great the two young adult groups and Melton are working together on this.”

With many in the young adult community being recent arrivals in Oregon, Liebman said creating multi-generational events is difficult.

“There’s no grandparent or parent in town to drive the young adults to events,” she said. “So we need to create events that really attract different ages. Balancing those needs is difficult, but incredibly rewarding.”

She said organizers also plan to target the large number of unaffiliated Jews living in the metro area.

The evening’s rabbis are Michael Cahana of Congregation Beth Israel, Tzvi Fischer of the Portland Kollel, Daniel Isaak of Congregation Neveh Shalom, Ariel Stone of Congregation Shir Tikvah, Chanan Spivak of the Portland Kollel and Arthur Zuckerman of Shaarie Torah.

In addition to telling their favorite joke, each rabbi will deliver a “sermon on the spot,” for which they will learn the topic just moments before stepping on stage.

“The rabbis are being terrific sports,” said Liebman.

As a bonus, Cantors Gone Wild, will bring Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, Cantor Judith Schiff, Cantor Barbara Slader and Cantor Aaron Vitells for a more musical mix of humor.

Rabbis Gone Wild non-clergy MCs are a stitch, too: David Fuks, performed for five years with the improvisational comedy group “Waggie and Friends.” Today, Fuks is CEO of Cedar Sinai Park. Joining him are Emily Simon, a Portland attorney, and Jonathan Emanuel, Neveh Shalom youth director.

Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. $36 patron tickets offer a reserved seat. $10 tickets are available to young adults through Moishe House, Urban Jews, Hillel or with student ID card.

The March 5 event will be at Congregation Shaarie Torah, 920 NW 25th. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the laughter begins at 7:15. Dessert will be served and a cash bar will be available.

The event is co-sponsored by Portland Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, Machar, Urban Jews and Moishe House. Email melton@jewishportland.org for more details.