Speaker Series: Jewish Insights and the lessons from the music of Fiddler on the Roof

Sixty years ago, the musical, Fiddler on the Roof, opened on Broadway. The musical was based, in large part, on a series of stories by Sholem Aleichem written between 1894 and 1914 about Jewish life in a Russian village reflecting his own upbringing near modern-day Kyiv. Today Fiddler on the Roof is still wildly popular, spawning at least five Broadway revivals, a film adaptation, and countless school and community productions.

Although it may not be apparent on the surface, there is quite a bit of Jewish tradition, insight and depth in the music and story of “Fiddler On The Roof.” In this class, we will enjoy many of the scenes and songs from the movie and discuss such issues as our relationship with God, perspectives on the afterlife, Jewish superstitions, a reason for Jewish intelligence (and all those Nobel Prizes), Talmudic logic, the true meaning of “Mazel Tov,” Jewish understanding of miracles, and Jewish marriage customs. It’s even OK to sing along with the wonderful music!

Rabbi Mike Lotker preceded Rabbi Lisa Bock as our spiritual leader of JCO. He was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2003 following a successful career as a physicist specializing in alternative energy. He is presently Rabbi Emeritus at Temple Ner Ami in Camarillo, Scholar in Residence at Temple Adat Elohim in Thousand Oaks, and the Community Rabbi for the Jewish Federation of Ventura County.

We ask a nominal  fee of $5 for members (if bought in advance) or $7 (at the door)  and  of  $10 (if bought in advance) or $12  (at the door) for non-members.