B’nai Torah to host new Jewish community theater group

A new community theater with a Jewish twist is slated to open at B’nai Torah Synagogue, a small Reform synagogue with about 30 families located in St. Peters. The Aliyah Theater at B’nai Torah, 1701 St. Peters Howell Road, will debut with the production of “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon on Sept. 23 and run for three consecutive “Jewish” weekends (Thursday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon performances), through Oct. 3.

The purpose of the theater is twofold, explained Gil Nussbaum, a member of B’nai Torah and founder and artistic director of the theater. “We want it help raise funds for B’nai Torah and increase (the synagogue’s) visibility within St. Charles County,” he said, adding, “I named it Aliyah because in Hebrew that means ascent. The idea is that we are striving to reach a higher level of intellectual stimulation and emotional involvement with theater that is enriching and nourishing.”

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Nussbaum explained that the sanctuary at B’nai Torah, which will double as the theater, seats about 75 people. The bimah will serve as the stage. Two productions will be held each year, both of which will have a Jewish theme. Tickets are priced to be quite affordable.

For information about specific performances and tickets, go to www.aliyahtheater.com.

Friday night lights

When the Parkway Central Colts host the Seckman Jaguars (from Jefferson County) in a regional high school football matchup Friday night, spirits are likely to be high. Not only are both teams pumped to win, but the game itself is a fundraiser to benefit the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer.

“The Colts are going to try to give back to the community,” Colts football coach Mark Goldenberg said. “We are going to try to raise funds and awareness for the Men’s Group Against Cancer… I’m really proud of the boys. They’ve jumped in here on this and are excited about it.”

Attendees at Friday night’s game can purchase raffle tickets at $2 each and 3-for-$5, earning the chance to win one of three prizes, including a free week at football camp next summer. Parkway students will have the opportunity to do the same during the school week. Beyond the fundraiser, the weeklong event will provide an opportunity for students to become more aware of and engaged in the fight against cancer. During Friday’s game, players on both teams will wear blue socks as a reminder of the event and the cause.

Debunking ‘Mayogate’

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You know we’re well into the dog days of August when what the President of the United States orders for lunch becomes headline news. But that was the case last week when JTA carried an earlier report that President Barack Obama did not, in fact, order mayonnaise with his corned beef sandwich. Apparently, a blogger had mistakenly reported such was the case.

The supposed faux pas – ordering “goyish” mayo with smoked meat (think “Annie Hall”) – was originally reported last week by the Miami New Times in coverage of Obama’s visit to Miami to campaign for U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) in his bid for the U.S. Senate. It was picked up by “Save the Deli,” a blog written by David Sax who has published a book of the same name decrying the corporatization of delis.

Someone in the White House – Sax isn’t saying, but he’s buds with David Axelrod, Obama’s Jewish political adviser – emailed him to correct the misimpression. The sandwich the president ordered at Jerry’s Famous Deli was corned beef with mustard; he ordered the one with mayo for Meek.

Still, Sax said allowing Meek to order his sandwich with mayo was nonetheless a “minor sin” of leadership, but added: “My presumption blew mayogate way out of proportion.”

Sax and the New Times nonetheless chided Obama for saying his business at the deli would help small businesses. They note that in his book, Sax singles out Jerry’s Famous Deli for buying out smaller delis in the Miami area and corporatizing the product.