Bnai Shalom to stage 'Wicked' Purim spiel

Congregation Bnai Shalom will present a unique perspective on the Purim story in a Purim spiel on March 5 that explores unexplored aspects of characters in the Book of Esther, featuring songs from the Broadway show “Wicked” repurposed with new lyrics.

The Purim spiel was written and is directed by An- nelise Davis, daughter of Bnai Shalom’s Rabbi Melody Davis. “I have been involved in many Purim spiels and have enjoyed these experiences,” Annelise said. “I also love to assume the position of devil’s advocate, encouraging the audience to reflect on and perhaps reframe preconceived notions. I wanted to delve more deeply into the psyches of the characters and provide them with an opportunity to become more than cardboard cutouts.

“It’s often the cumulative choices we make in life that create who we are. It’s fascinating to conjecture how the small decisions and paths we take influence who we become. That’s the essence of this show.”

Rabbi Davis commented that the Book of Esther provides endless possibilities for bibliodrama, the modern form of midrash that allows characters to provide their own back stories. In the Joseph story, for example, Mrs. Potiphar attempts to seduce Joseph. The Torah tells us that Joseph was extremely handsome, but was that really enough for her to pursue him? Perhaps she was lonely. We don’t know from the text, but what if she could speak? This Purim

Brie Finberg’s mitzvah project aids toy drive named in memory of her aunt

By Abby Trachtman Project Coordinator

Brie Finberg became a bat mitzvah at Temple Beth El in Allentown on January 7.

toy drive provides toys for children — infants to 12 years old — from needy homes within Luzerne for the holiday season. In the past, I had participated by volunteering to sort and wrap toys.

“I’m not the best at wrapping,” she laughed.

Robyn Finberg, Brie’s mom, grew up in Luzerne County. “I’m one of three girls,” Robyn said.

“My parents really picked themselves up after the loss of my sister. Losing someone so young is so difficult, and they made something good come of it. Toys

From Heidi is a part of all our lives now.”

The Eyer Middle School seventh grader wanted to do a mitzvah project that was related to her and her family. Continuing in a tradition of giving back to the community, she decided to highlight Toys From Heidi, an organization that collects toys for children in Luzerne County.

Heidi was Brie’s aunt, Heidi Mitchneck Seeherman, who died in June 2012 at age 40. Heidi’s parents, Joe and Bedonna Mitchneck, Brie’s grandparents, started the program to memorialize and honor their daughter, who worked with children for many years.

“My aunt worked as an advocate for special needs children in Luzerne County,” Brie said. “The annual

Brie knew her aunt Heidi only for a short time.

“I remember that she was a fun person and she liked to do activities with me so that I’d have a memorable time,” she said. “For my mitzvah project, I collected new, unwrapped toys for the 2022 holiday season. I know that my aunt would be so proud that our family continues to bring this happiness to children. I’ll keep on wrapping toys every year.”

Robyn and Brad Finberg are proud of their daughter. “It was amazing to watch her grow as she studied throughout the year,” they wrote. “Her determination and drive was impressive. We could not be prouder of all she accomplished.”

In addition to her mitzvah project, Brie has made her story provides such opportunities.

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Annelise designed and crafted the luxurious costumes for the principals. She has incorporated couture techniques in their construction. Mordechai’s handwoven ribbon jacket, for example, features Jewish stars and other geometric shapes that become visible or invisible depending on the lighting and their angle.

Doors open at 4 p.m. Homemade hamentashen (filled cookies) and other refreshments will be available for purchase before the show, which will begin promptly at 5. In traditional Purim style, there will be lots for purchase, as well as a Gonza Megillah basket raffle, and much more. first adult gift of tzedakah (righteousness or charity) to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. For help developing a mitzvah project, contact Abby Trachtman, project coordinator, at abbyt@jflv.org or at 610-821-5500.

All are welcome. There is no charge for the show.