2008 Woodie Awards
Purim Celebrated in MSAC; Shpiel Plays on Cardinal Theme
Josh Vogel
Issue date: 3/29/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
On Purim evening, March 24, 300 Yeshiva students gathered in the Max Stern Athletic Center for singing, food and fun, in honor of the holiday.
The Neginah Orchestra played a score of Jewish songs for over three hours before taking a break for the Purim Shpiel, the annual skit that playfully mocks University happenings from the year past. Dancing took place in several circles on the gym floor; many of the groups consisted of a rebbe or Rosh Yeshiva surrounded by his respective shiur. One of the evening's highlights came with the arrival of Rabbi Hershel Schachter to the event. The entire room rushed the Rabbi Schachter and formed a hot, sweaty and very excited mass in a large showing of honor. Throughout the evening, many other beloved Rebbeim and school administrators (including President Richard Joel) graced the gathering with their presence.
Food was provided throughout the evening, including, but not limited to, large pieces of breaded chicken, wings, and soda. Getting a glass of water was a bit tricky though, as boisterous dancing and limited supplies combined for a shortage of cups.
At about 11:30 P.M., the band began to quiet down, and people took their seats for the Purim Shpiel. Like last year, the premise of the Shpiel was once again based on the visits of the Cardinals to YU. This time, however, it was presented within the context of YU hosting the Siyum HaShas. Agudah, devastated by internal disputes, was unable to host the event as it had done the past several times. A search for a new location took place and President Joel's house was chosen, since no on campus location was large enough to accommodate the crowds. The Agudah leadership, who wanted to find out how YU had gained so much clout, decided to send a delegation of Rabbis to YU in order to find out. The rest of the Shpiel was pretty straightforward from there, as parodies were done on the several speeches given in the Main Beis Medrash about the Cardinal's visit.
Response to the Shpiel was mixed; some people said that it wasn't as good as last year, possibly due to the redundancy of the theme. In addition, many of the jokes were lost on the audience, since much of the plot had to do with things pertaining to the happenings of the Main Beis. "If they want to make a truly funny Shpiel, they should try and make fun of things that happen on the campus at large, not just in the Main Beis, or even in SOY/MYP," said one attendee who asked not to be mentioned. "It is important to note that not only MYP talmidim attend the Chagigah, perhaps next year they should have a joint writing committee," he suggested.
The Shpiel over, dancing resumed again well into the night. One last large circle was made at about 1 AM for the singing of "Acheinu," and after that, students made their ways back home to rest up for the exciting day to come.
The Neginah Orchestra played a score of Jewish songs for over three hours before taking a break for the Purim Shpiel, the annual skit that playfully mocks University happenings from the year past. Dancing took place in several circles on the gym floor; many of the groups consisted of a rebbe or Rosh Yeshiva surrounded by his respective shiur. One of the evening's highlights came with the arrival of Rabbi Hershel Schachter to the event. The entire room rushed the Rabbi Schachter and formed a hot, sweaty and very excited mass in a large showing of honor. Throughout the evening, many other beloved Rebbeim and school administrators (including President Richard Joel) graced the gathering with their presence.
Food was provided throughout the evening, including, but not limited to, large pieces of breaded chicken, wings, and soda. Getting a glass of water was a bit tricky though, as boisterous dancing and limited supplies combined for a shortage of cups.
At about 11:30 P.M., the band began to quiet down, and people took their seats for the Purim Shpiel. Like last year, the premise of the Shpiel was once again based on the visits of the Cardinals to YU. This time, however, it was presented within the context of YU hosting the Siyum HaShas. Agudah, devastated by internal disputes, was unable to host the event as it had done the past several times. A search for a new location took place and President Joel's house was chosen, since no on campus location was large enough to accommodate the crowds. The Agudah leadership, who wanted to find out how YU had gained so much clout, decided to send a delegation of Rabbis to YU in order to find out. The rest of the Shpiel was pretty straightforward from there, as parodies were done on the several speeches given in the Main Beis Medrash about the Cardinal's visit.
Response to the Shpiel was mixed; some people said that it wasn't as good as last year, possibly due to the redundancy of the theme. In addition, many of the jokes were lost on the audience, since much of the plot had to do with things pertaining to the happenings of the Main Beis. "If they want to make a truly funny Shpiel, they should try and make fun of things that happen on the campus at large, not just in the Main Beis, or even in SOY/MYP," said one attendee who asked not to be mentioned. "It is important to note that not only MYP talmidim attend the Chagigah, perhaps next year they should have a joint writing committee," he suggested.
The Shpiel over, dancing resumed again well into the night. One last large circle was made at about 1 AM for the singing of "Acheinu," and after that, students made their ways back home to rest up for the exciting day to come.