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Arts & Entertainment

"Philosopher King": Excitement builds for Nov. 4 Synagogue play

New play by Ben Engel kicks off 100 year celebration at The Emanuel

King Solomon and the Queen of Sheeba
Rabbi Steve Chatinover (Solomon), warms up to the Queen of Sheba, played by Pat Kazakoff.


As part of the "Arts at Emanuel" initiative, Ben Engel and The Emanuel Players offer their third staged and costumed reading, "Philosopher King", which explores the conflicting facets of King Solomon, a legend of history and the Bible. According to Engel, "we love bringing dramatic stories from Jewish history, and it is a special privilege to do so in anticipation of the synagogue's 100th year in 2019."

The goal with "Philosopher King," says Engel, "is to reveal through the power of storytelling the drama in the life of a man with many sides; one side slaughtered his political enemies, while another wrote some of history's most beautiful love poetry."

According to Engel, "King Solomon was a ruler who combined celebrated wisdom and faith, with fabulous wealth and power. Although he succeeded in building a strong kingdom in Israel, he later was left to question all he had accomplished." A thought-provoking theme that is sure to engage and entertain his audience. Join us!

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November 4, 2018
The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford CT 06117
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $18 online, or $25 at the door.
A variety of sponsorship levels are also available.

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