Jungle-Themed Parody Rocks Kids and Adults

Every winter the writers, musicians, comedians, and artists that seem to make up a substantial proportion of the membership at Congregation Beth Hatikvah produce a sharply funny parody retelling the Biblical story of Esther in the vernacular of a popular culture icon. This year’s entry, written by Steve Kaflowitz of Summit and Myra Cole of Chatham, takes on jungle-themed pop music. The Jungle Book, Lion King, and many others get the treatment.

Delighting both children and adults, CBH’s parodies follow in a centuries-old tradition of hilarity in celebration of the Jewish holiday, Purim. The holiday commemorates the story of Queen Esther and Mordechai defending Persia’s Jews against the villainous vizier, Haman. Purim Spiels, as the entertainments are often known, mix slapstick, nonsensical settings, and irreverent wit to skewer the pretentious and powerful (although the meek and virtuous do not always fair much better).

Cole and Kaflowitz’s Purim Spiels have been a staple of Congregation Beth Hatikvah’s Purim celebration for years. Produced by professional director Karen Cooper of Madison and the synagogue’s musical director, Andy Kaplan of Summit, the high quality productions invariably bring down the house.

Jews of the Jungle: The Wildest Purim Spiel Ever will be presented one night only, Saturday, March 11, at 7:00 pm at Congregation Beth Hatikvah, 36 Chatham Road, Summit. Admission is free; all are welcome.