Local News
“Narrow Bridge” offers wonderful lesson in understanding the struggles individuals go through in grappling with questions of identity – in an often quite humorous fashion
Review by BERNIE BELLAN
Is it possible to produce a play that tackles the tremendous pressure any individual deciding to undergo a gender transformation must feel in a way that is both fascinating, yet very amusing? Add to that pressure yet more pressure though when not only is that individual changing their gender, they’re also becoming increasingly drawn to an orthodox form of their religion.
Such is the storyline of Winnipeg Jewish Theatre’s newest production, “Narrow Bridge,” written by Winnipeg playwright Daniel Thau-Eleff – on now at the Berney Theatre in the Asper Campus until March 19.
Although I was somewhat familiar with the background to this particular play (having followed its long development process and the many twists and turns it took until it was finally mounted this year), watching “Narrow Bridge” in a preview performance on Thursday, March 9, left me thinking that the work that had gone into honing “Narrow Bridge” from simply an idea for a story that began 10 years ago into a play that is at once riveting, amusing, and highly educational has been well worth it.
The play opens with the protagonist, played by Elio Zarillo, who is identified as “Sholem” in the playbill, explaining to the audience that – at this point in their life, they are a woman whose name is “Samantha” (or “Shoshana” in Hebrew). (And, despite the antagonism exhibited by so many conservatives to the use of “they” as a pronoun in place of “he” or “she”, while watching this play it is totally apparent why a non-specific pronoun is perfectly appropriate for non-binary individuals. Still, don’t be mistaken into thinking “Narrow Bridge” is some sort of didactic lesson in gender politics. Far from it.)
Samantha is soon joined on stage by sister Naomi, played by Alissa Watson, and mother Elaine, played by Rhea Ekler. Naomi announces that is she going to be married in six weeks to her boyfriend, Kevin, who is about to convert to Judaism. The dialogue in the opening scene is fast paced and often quite humorous.
Soon enough the action moves to a local Orthodox synagogue, where we are introduced to “Mendel,” played by WJT veteran Harry Nelken. If ever there was a perfect fit for a local actor to play an Orthodox Jewish scholar, Harry Nelken is it. Not only does he look every bit the part of an older Orthodox Jew, when he offers dissertations on the Talmud, which he does from time to time through the First Act, he is absolutely convincing as a scholar.
Moreover, as much as one might expect that expositions on certain parts of the Talmud might be somewhat dry – to say the least, Thau-Eleff clearly has a deep understanding both of the Talmud and Jewish history. There is a recurrent reference to the “Sanhedrin” (which, as is explained in the play, was the Jewish high court in the time of the Temple) in “Narrow Bridge”, and although I myself grew up learning about the Sanhedrin, having attended Jewish day school, Mendel’s explanation of how the Sanhedrin worked is quite illuminating.
Samantha’s increasing fascination with the Talmud, strange as it may seem in our modern-day world, is given great credibility by the back and forth dialogue between Samantha and Mendel. Samantha puts her quest for wanting to know more about Judaism in the form of one succinct question to Mendel, that sums up much of what this play is about: “What does it mean to be Jewish?”
Does it help though to have a familiarity with the Talmud and Jewish rituals, such as which occur during Shaabat on Friday evenings in observant Jewish homes, in order to fully understand what is going on in “Narrow Bridge?” I’m honestly not sure. I would rather expect, however, that any audience member who is interested in learning about what would motivate someone who is not Orthodox to begin with to want to become Orthodox, regardless of that audience member’s own background, would find much of what “Narrow Bridge” has to offer quite moving.
As the play develops, a good part of the First Act is taken up with Naomi’s upcoming wedding – and Samantha’s clear reluctance to play a major role in that wedding, notwithstanding Naomi’s request that Samantha be her maid of honor.
Again, there are plenty of clever exchanges between characters – with many pithy observations brought forward. At one point prior to the wedding, when tempers are running high, Naomi says to Samantha – in reaction to something their mother has just said: “There is one thing you have to understand about Jewish families. Everything is a matter of life and death!”
The First Act ends with the actual wedding. Suffice to say it’s not a Hallmark movie wedding.
As we learn more about Samantha’s transformation into Sholem in the Second Act, we also learn more about much of the negativity within the Orthodox Jewish community toward gay, bi, and transgendered Jewish individuals who would still like to remain observant. Thau-Eleff’s treatment of what is a highly contentious subject within the Orthodox world is done though with the utmost sensitivity. There is no condescension in how he depicts Mendel’s refusal to accept Sholem’s gender transformation.
Ultimately, Sholem does find his place within the observant Jewish community – largely thanks to the constant encouragement and support of his mother.
“Narrow Bridge” takes on some very tough subjects – with its recurrent theme being a search for identity – or identities, as the case may be.
Each of the actors handles their role with great sensitivity. Sure, there are many laughs, but there is also a great deal of heartbreak. No doubt a play like “Narrow Bridge” will resonate most deeply with a liberal audience – Jewish or non-Jewish, but it would have a clear meaning for anyone who has either struggled with finding their identity – or watched someone near and dear go though that struggle.
Local News
A local vocal extravaganza
By Dr. RAY SINGER I just experienced a revelatory weekend of superb vocal music, about which I wanted to share.
First, on attending Shaarey Zedek for Shabbat morning services I was pleasantly amazed at what was transpiring: Marlaina Sommer was beautifully singing her way through her own Bat Mitzvah service. Having married into a famous local musical family, I was not surprised also to hear her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Sommer and Justin Odwak, sing – with their ethereal voices flowing over the congregants. Spouse and father Hillel provided percussion.
That was just for starters. My wife and I then attended the first concert in the Asper Jazz Series to hear the New York Voices in their Grand Finale concert tour, Winnipeg being the only Canadian stop on their tour.
Singing as a quartet for 38 years, their jazz singing was superb – with intricate harmonies, scat solos and amazing jazz vocals in the style of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. They displayed exquisite control, and also interacted well with the audience.
Our final vocal musical experience was most revelatory and meaningful. This event was held on Sunday in the Laudamus theatre on the C.M. U. campus
It was organized by the Women’s Music Club of Winnipeg. Little did I know that club has been bringing in musicians of world stature for 130 years. If not for the kindness of our neighbours, Professors Harry and Mary Lynn Duckworth, we would not have known of this concert, entitled: “In a Dark Blue Night.” The title was written in both English and Yiddish in the program notes.
The music was performed by two wondrous musicians: Isabelle David, pianist and Sara Schabas, solo soprano. They performed a song cycle by the Pulitzer Prize-nominated, N.Y.C.-based Jewish composer Alex Weiser.
The first half of the concert consisted of Leiders by Viennese composers of the early to mid-20th century, all of whom were Jewish or in relationships with other Jewish composers. The composers included: Arnold Schoenberg, Alma Mahler, Erich Korngold, and others. Sara’s rendering of their songs and poems set to music was transcendent and emotive.
The narrator of theevent, Nolan Kehler, himself a musician and music radio host, was excellent in detailing the Zeitgeist around those Viennese composers and how they had to flee Vienna in the late ’30s. At least two were murdered in the Holocaust.
The second half of the concert was even more amazing. Alex Weiser composed music to accompany selected poems written by Jewish immigrants to New York early in the 20th century. Sara, having sung most of the songs in the first half in German, and one in English, then sang those poems beautifully – this time in Yiddish. Then, as a finale she sang a Gershwin medley. To add icing to this note-worthy cake, the pianist played the most challenging dramatic part of “Rhapsody in Blue,” knocking it out of the park
Thus, in one weekend I heard a Sarah and a Sara, and am grateful for our musical riches, especially brought to Winnipeg by both the Mennonite and Jewish communities. I am no music reviewer, but can appreciate the talent and artistry displayed by both Isabelle’s David and by Sara Schabas And, great news: Sara, who is from Montreal has landed a job teaching in the Desautels Faculty of Music. Hopefully many more of us will get a chance to hear her.
Local News
Jewish Foundation Endowment Book Of Life program Sunday, November 1st
By BERNIE BELLAN The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba first launched its Endowment Book of Life legacy programme in 1998.
This charitable initiative allows donors to promise a future bequest to the foundation in exchange for having their personal history, family experiences, and philanthropic values permanently inscribed in a physical and digital archive.
On Sunday morning, November 1, the Jewish Foundation held its most recent Endowment Book of Life event followed by a brunch at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. There were five new entries into the Book of Life, from: Brownie Fleishman – in memory of her parents, Beryl and Esther Pierce; Marilyn Goldberg – in memory of her husband, Dr. Norman Goldberg; Melissa Rice – in memory of her husband, Richard Rice; Sharon Wolchock, in memory of her husband, Sid Wolchock; and Anna and Lyle Silverman.
The signers were introduced by Jewish Foundation CEO John Diamond, who, in addressing the signers, said: “Your stories, your generosity, and your commitment to the future of our community will continue to inspire others for generations to come. Thank you for making this meaningful commitment.”
Diamond read excerpts from what the signers had written in the Book of Life or described what had led some of them to be motivated to want to be part of the Book of Life.
From Brownie Fleishman’s inscription about her parents, Beryl and Esther Pierce, Diamond read: “The story of the Pierce family began in Winnipeg in the early 20th century, when Beryl and Esther Pierce came to Canada to establish a new life for themselves and their children.
“Beryl Benjamin Pierce was born in 1883 in Poltova, then part of the Russian Empire, and now Ukraine. He immigrated to Canada in 1912 and settled in Winnipeg, where he became a pioneer in the fur industry. A skilled designer and cutter, he established Pierce Fur Company in the Exchange District. The building that housed that business was later designated a municipal historic building.”
From Marilyn Goldberg’s inscription about her late husband, Norman: “Norman had a deep connection to Judaism and to the Jewish community. He attended synagogue regularly and served on the boards of both the Rosh Pina and the Shaarey Zedek synagogues. He was a leader in the efforts to change the Shaarey Zedek cemetery rules to allow interfaith couples to be buried together. His commitment to Tikun Olam extended to reaching out to the larger world. He helped lead the community’s efforts to settle refugees from Darfur.
“Our children characterized his faith this way: ‘His was a Judaism that was not orthodox in practice, but deeply rooted in Jewish values, tradition, and faith. This led him to good deeds, good words, a good life.’ “
From Melissa Rice’s inscription about her late husband, Richard: “Richard was immensely proud of his Jewish faith and heritage. He celebrated his bar mitzvah, participated in Kadima and AZA, and formed friendships that would last a lifetime.
“His close friend circle included and many who shared countless adventures, misadventures, and laughs over the years. Their friendships endured because Richard understood something important. Relationships require time, loyalty, and commitment.”
John Diamond spoke about Anna and Lyle Silverman’s long commitment to the Jewish community: “Both Anna and Lyle have always been strong philanthropic supporters of the local Jewish community, of Israel, and of Holocaust education.
“A commitment that was reinforced a few years ago after they had participated in an emotionally draining and unforgettable March of the Living trip that took them to the gates of Auschwitz. Their ongoing support of the Jewish community is also inspired by Anna’s memory of the tremendous help that her family received from the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society when they landed in Montreal as refugees. Their story goes on to say they have been lucky in love and in business, and now as they continue to enjoy a long, comfortable, and well deserved retirement, they are eager to share their good fortune with others. ‘We have a wonderful life and couldn’t ask for anything more,’ Lyle says, ‘so now it is time to give back.’
“Through hard work, a commitment to education, and a strong connection to their Jewish community, they built a family whose succeeding generations continue to benefit from the opportunities they created.”
Diamond said this about Sharon Wolchock’s inscription about her late husband, Sid: “Sid was Sharon’s biggest supporter. Her volunteer work with the National Council of Jewish Women and the Jewish Federation mattered as much to him as his own legal career, and he backed it fully. He wanted Sharon and their daughters rooted in the Jewish community in whatever way suited each of them. In 1983, on Sid and Sharon’s first trip to Israel, Sid’s lifelong connection with the Jewish state was born.
“Sid’s love of aviation and history and his pride in being a Jew emerged during that trip. He became a passionate supporter of Israel’s soldiers and donated club rooms on two Air Force bases named for his brothers Harvey and Bernie so that the hardworking and often underappreciated technical crews had somewhere pleasant to relax.”
Following the ceremonial signing ceremony, guests in attendance were treated to entertainment by a quartet of talented singers: Julia Kroft, Josh Bellan, Alyssa Crockett, and Vinnie Alberto.
Closing out the day’s programme, current Jewish Foundation Board Chair Dafna Shore paid tribute to this year’s signers – and to the more than 800 signers of the Book of Life who had preceded them:
Shore said: “What makes this program so extraordinary and why it continues to resonate with so many people is the opportunity it gives us to share the stories that shape who we are, stories that might not otherwise have been told.
“Through the Endowment Book of Life, these stories are given a permanent home. Together, they form a living history of Jewish life in Manitoba, one filled with resilience, compassion, humor, and hope. These stories are more than a record of the past. They offer lessons for the future, showing generations to come, what it means to belong, to give, and to take responsibility for the strength of our community. Thank you for adding your voice and your vision.
“To this collection and for making a legacy commitment to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, your generation helps ensure that the programs, schools, and organizations that sustain Jewish life here will continue to thrive for generations to come.
“One of the great privileges of serving as chair is helping advance the Foundation’s mission, securing our community’s future while supporting its growth today. The Endowment Book of Life embodies that mission beautifully. It reminds us that each of us in our own way has the power to make a lasting difference.
“As we reflect on the importance of leaving a lasting legacy, I’d also like to take a moment to remember two valued members of the Jewish Foundation and Manitoba family who we lost this past year, Sheldon Berney and Lillian Neaman.
“Both served as governors of the Foundation, demonstrating their commitment to our community through their leadership and service. We are grateful for their contributions and the role they played in helping strengthen the foundation. Their memories remind us that a lasting legacy is built through the generosity, dedication, and commitment of those that came before us. May their memories be a blessing.
“As long as members of our community continue to invest in tomorrow, through their generosity, their readership, and their willingness to share their stories, Jewish life in Manitoba will continue to flourish. Thank you all for being part of that story.”
Local News
Application filed by two former members of Etz Chayim Congregation against the congregation to have their memberships restored dismissed by judge
The following is taken from the Canadian Jewish News website: “Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench has dismissed Hadass Eviatar and David Hoult’s application challenging the termination of their membership at Congregation Etz Chayim. In his decision, Justice Vic Toews noted that, although Hoult’s letter describing a hypothetical attack on the synagogue may have lacked sensitivity given the political climate, he did not intend to threaten violence against congregants. However, the judge ruled that the court did not have jurisdiction to intervene in the membership dispute under Manitoba’s Corporations Act, finding that the couple had no financial, proprietary or economic interest that would entitle them to the remedies they sought. The judge concluded that religious organizations are generally free to determine their own membership rules and ordered each side to bear its own legal costs.”
If you would like to read the original article that broke the story about the battle between Hadaass Eviatar and David Hoult with Etz Chayim Congregation you can go to Epic Court Battle.”
