tradition: a play about jewish identity in the 21st century

8/8/2019 Tradition: A Play About Jewish Identity in the 21st Century

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TRADITION

A play about Jewish Identity in the XXI Century

By

Moises Salinas

and

Benjamin Levy-Israel

© Moises Salinas and Benjamin Levy, 2010



CHARACTERS

SIMON LEVY Middle aged Jewish entrepreneur

SARAH LEVY Simon’s wife

ROSE REBECCA LEVY College age daughter of Simon andSarah. A Jewish princess

ERIC LEVY Teenage son of Simon and Sarah.Freshman in College

DAVID LEVY Youngest son of Simon and Sarah.High school student

TEVYE THE MILKMAN A pious Jewish milkman in TsaristRussia with a knack to play theviolin on rooftops.

JACOB SCHWARTZ Personal assistant to Simon Levy

GREENBERG A Jewish fundraiser

AGENT McCOY Bureaucrat who works for theattorney general

MARY LOUIS Secretary for Simon Levy

4 EXECUTIVES

MAID Elderly Latin looking woman

NEPHEW

COUSIN

NANCY Sarah’s best friend



I-1

ACT I

(Living room in a middle upper class

house. A sofa, a fireplace, a computer, afax machine, and a telephone can be seenin the back. Simon is sitting in the sofareading a book that looks like a Jewishreligious book. He looks confused.)

SIMON

The hell with tradition!

(Simon, exasperated, throws the book onthe sofa. He freezes as the lights dim.Enters Tevye)

TEVYE

This is the story of Simon Levy. A typical American Jewof the year 2000 and something. Have you noticed how wealways say, “Mexican American, “ African American, ”Asian American.” The ethnicity is the adjective. But not Jews.It’s American Jews. Isn’t that funny… Me, I’m Tevye, the milkman. I’m a typical Jew of… of the age of tradition.

(Tevye picks up the book from the sofa,looks at it. Shakes his head. Returns thebook to the sofa, and exits the scene.Lights back to normal)

SIMON

Why do I have to bother about all this stuff if I didn’tchoose to be Jewish?

(Sarah walks into the living room)

SARAH

Hello honey! How are the preparations going for theSeider?

SIMON

What do you want from me now? Isn’t enough that you are making me do all of this kosher stuff for your “Seider?”

Why can we just do what we always do and watch “ThePrince of Egypt” or something and order from Katz’s?



I-2

SARAH

But Honeeeeey, you know that we invited the Liebermans,and they are Orthodox, we have to do everything by the

book. They are very important people. And by the way, Idon’t have anything to wear.

SIMON

Sarah, Sarah, OK, here, use my Visa. Go to the mall andget yourself something that will make you happy.

SARAH

The Visa? This one has a very low limit.

(Flirty)

How about the Gold Card?

(Enters Rose, and interrupts their parents mid conversation)

ROSE

Hi Daddy!(Approaches Simon and gives him a sweet

kiss)

SIMON

Hi princess. How are you?

SARAH

(Upset)Honey, don’t you say hi anymore to your mother?

ROSE

Oh, yeah. What’s up, mom? Daddy! Guess what, I’m goingout with my Jeffrey tonight and…

SARAH

Jeffrey? Is that the one majoring in philosophy? You knowI don’t like that guy.



I-3

ROSE

Mom! Stop it. No, that was Jonathan. And you never even met him. And he was studying to become a Rabbi.

SARAH

My point exactly. How much does a Rabbi make? $60,000?$70,000? I’ve always said that that it’s not a goodprofession for a Jewish boy.

ROSE

Well, that’s besides the point. Jeffrey is in Medicalschool

SARAH

Oh, that’s much better. A Jewish profession!

SIMON

Sarah! Let the girl speak for god’s sake.

ROSE

Thank you Daddy! Anyway, I wanted to see if you could let me buy a new perfume because the one you brought me from

Paris is almost out…

SIMON

Sure honey. How much do you need?

(Sarah looks upset)

ROSE

Well, altogether it shouldn’t be more than….

(In the background, sound of tiressquealing, engine turned off, car stereo with loud music. Enters Eric wearing aSweatshirt with a trendy brand logo)

ERIC

Whas up old man? Hey Mom. How’s everything?



I-4

SARAH

(Hugging Eric)

Oyy Honey, we have a crisis! The Liebermans are coming

for Passover, your dad doesn’t want to make everythingkosher, and I don’t have anything to wear!

ROSE

(Surprised and upset)

What are you doing with that Sweatshirt! That is mineyou little creep!

ERIC

What do you mean what am I doing? Obviously, I’m wearingit, you dim whit. Can’t you see?

ROSE

I’ve been looking for it! Take it off immediately!

ERIC

Yeah right! And what do you want me to do? Stay in thenuddy?

SIMON

Enough! Rose, here take the Gold Card and buy yourself anew sweatshirt.

ROSE

And my perfume?

ERIC

Hey hey hey, one sec here. Daddy, I need a loan too.

SIMON

What for? How much

ERIC

It’s for the car. Just about $3000



I-5

SIMON

What!

ERIC

Yeah Dad. It’s for safety. I want to put these newimproved Xenon blue headlights for my SUV.

SIMON

But you had new headlights a couple of months ago

ERIC

No Dad. Those were Underhood lights.

SIMON

And these?

ERIC

These are for the top. You know, for the mount bar…(Makes smooth sign to show location of

lights)

SIMON

Still, $3000 is too much money for lights

ERIC

Well… I also need the mount bar

(computer makes “You’ve got mail” sound)

ROSE

What was that?

SIMON

Well, Miss Modern. Don’t tell me you don’t know what E- mail is.



I-6

ROSE

Not the E-mail, Dad. The sound. That’s like, so 20th century, Oh my god! See, now we use Texting

(pulls out Cell phone and starts typing.Simon moves to check his E-mail)

SIMON

Excellent news! We got the Warberg contract!

SARAH

Great Honey! So what about my dress?

ROSE

And my perfume?

ERIC

And my lights?

(Enters COUSIN hurriedly. MeanwhileSarah, Rose and Eric keep pesteringSimon quietly)

COUSIN

Simon, my favorite cousin! Please, help me! I need aloan! I have an emergency…

(Cousin continues with indistinct chatter)(Enters MAID. Meanwhile Sarah, Rose, Ericand Cousin keep festering Simon quietly)

MAID

Mr. Levy, I need money to buy the groceries for theSeider…

(Maid continues with indistinct chatter)

SIMON

Stooop!!!!(chatter stops)

What is going on here. Nobody wants anything but money?



I-7

ALL ACTORS IN SCENE

Yes!!

SIMON

OK, cousin, here, have a check.

(Simon writes a check)

COUSIN

Thank you Cous. That’s why you were always grandma’sfavorite! I love you!

(Cousin approaches Simon and givessurprise kiss)

SIMON

Woooh, enough with the love.

(Cousin exits scene)

OK, Maria, here, have money for the groceries.

(Hands out Cash to Maid)

MAID

Thank you Mr. Levy. I still don’t know why you were yourgrandma’s favorite, but…

(Maid approaches Simon to give hug)

SIMON

Hold it! No kisses.

(Maid exits scene mildly disappointed)

OK, Eric. Here, one thousand dollars for your lights.But not a penny more.

ERIC

But dad!!



I-8

SIMON

No buts. Take it or leave it.

ERIC

Fine…

(Simon writes a new check. Eric leavesthe scene)

SIMON

What, no kiss?

ERIC

(from off stage)

You said no kisses!

SIMON

Ok, Rose Rebecca Levy. Take the gold card

SARAH

The gold card!

SIMON

The gold card. Go get your perfume.

SARAH

And your nice Jewish doctor.

ROSE

Medical student, Mom! Thank you Daddy. I will give youkisses!

(Rose kisses Simon and grabs gold card.Exits scene)

SIMON

Sarah, here you can have the platinum…



I-9

SARAH

Oh Honey, I love you soooo much.

(Sarah kisses Simon and grabs platinum

card. Exits scene)

(Simon, with a sad expression, looks athis empty wallet. Leaves his wallet on acoffee table. He turns his empty pocketsinside out, looks in his jacket’sPockets, and finds nothing. Then, had anidea. Looks under the sofa’s cushions andfinds a quarter. With an expression ofpride shows it to the public. Then, allof a sudden, a child enters scene in askateboard and grabs the quarter from Simon’s hand)

CHILD

Thank you uncle Simon!

(child rides out of scene. Simon lookssad. David enters the scene)

DAVID

Hi Dad!(David approaches Simon and gives him ahug)

SIMON

Wait, don’t tell me. I’m out of cash, but tell me whatit is and I’ll write you a check.

DAVID

I don’t want money.

SIMON

No?

DAVID

No.



I-10

SIMON

(Excited)

NO!!!

(Victory music and Simon does victorydance. Music suddenly stops. Simonsuspicious)

What do you want, then?

DAVID

Just wanted to talk to you. You know I’m a senior inhigh school and we should be done very soon.

SIMON

I know. And after the Summer you are going to Brandeis.I’m so proud. You know, Jewish Ivy League. And it’sonly a couple of hours away….

DAVID

Well, you know, that’s what I wanted to talk to youabout.

SIMON

Don’t tell me you changed your mind! We already said noto Dartmouth.

(Looks scared)

Oh no, don’t tell me you are thinking about CentralState! No, please son, not Central State. Anything butCentral State!

(almost crying)

DAVID

Oh god, no Dad. You know I wouldn’t go anywhere that isnot a top ranked place worldwide.



I-11

SIMON

Thank God! So, tell me, my boy. What’s on your mind.

DAVID

Well, how about Hebrew University.

SIMON

Is that in New York?

DAVID

Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Dad. You know.

SIMON

Hebrew University of Jerusalem?

DAVID

Hebrew University of Jerusalem?

SIMON

(concerned tone)

Hebrew University??

DAVID

Of Jerusalem.

SIMON

Have you considered Central perhaps? You know, justaround the corner. Safe!

DAVID

Dad, you don’t know what your are talking about



I-12

SIMON

Oh yes, I do. Jerusalem, you know

(Starts making military sounds and had

gestures. Bombs, planes, machine guns)

DAVID

You know how many people were murdered last year in ourown state dad? Over one hundred. Yes, Dad, one hundredkilled.

(starts making gun and machine gun soundsand gestures)

And how many terrorism deaths in Israel?

SIMON

I’m sure at least double

DAVID

Thirteen! Seven civilians and six military dad. C’mon,I’m serious. I want to move to Israel.

(Simon suddenly smiles, pulls out thecheck book)

SIMON

Wait a minute… I get it, OK, so, how much you wanted?Great story, son, I have to hand it to you. You got megoing for a second there, but next time if you need moneyjust ask me.

DAVID

No Dad, I’m serious. I really want to make Aliyah, to

move to Israel.

SIMON

But I don’t get it? Why? You have everything you couldpossibly want here. You are going to a great college,have a nice Car, you have a nice girlfriend. What elsedo you need?



I-13

DAVID

It’s not that, Dad. I don’t need anything material. It’sjust that…

SIMON

What?

DAVID

I am a Jew. Yes, an American Jew. But just like a bluecar is first a car and then blue, I am a Jew. This is not my people, this is not my country. I celebrate Passover,Rosh Hashanah, I commemorate Yom Kippur. Not Easter… NotChristmas! Why do I have to have Christmas shoved down my throat! I want to live with my people.

SIMON

But we live in America, and you should understand…

DAVID

Precisely, we live in America and even American’s don’tunderstand me. They don’t get it Dad. They don’t get ourholidays, they don’t get our customs, and they don’t get what is this whole deal with Israel if we are Americans.

SIMON

But I see myself as American, and so should you. And welove Israel, sure. And that is what counts. What we thinkand not what all the Gentiles think about it.

DAVID

See, you are just the same. You said it, them, theGentiles. And we, the Jews. Just wanted to tell you that

I’m going home. To our home, the Jewish homeland.Goodbye, Dad.

(David turns and exits the scene)



I-14

SIMON

But…(Simon looks at the sofa where the bookstands, picks it up)

Oh, the hell with Judaism!

(scene freezes, lights dim. Enters Tevyeon spotlight)

TEVYE

Oy vey, poor Simon. Son of our Nation. Even if he doesn’tsay it aloud, he likes being a Jew, and he doesn’t wantto stop being one. Maybe that would be easier, you know,to assimilate. First Chrismukka, Then Passeaster. Or isit Peaster? But he can’t. Maybe he doesn’t know how to bea Jew. He doesn’t want to be religious. That’s so out offashion, so”19th century.” And it requires a lot ofsacrifice too. Move to Israel? No way. In America lifeis pretty good.

(Tevye picks up wallet from coffee table).

Maybe charity? Donate Money to Israel? But if giving money to Israel is what being Jewish is, then there isnobody more Jewish than the American government. Let us

think, then. How can Simon solve his problem, andcontinue being Jewish.

(Tevye exits scene whistling “if I were arich man”)



II-1

ACT II

(An office with a desk, a phone, a smallconference table. A liquor cabinet in the

back. Also a door where the lobby and thedesk of a secretary can be visible. )

(The scene starts with a Hassidic dancenumber. At the end of the number, four ofthe dancers remove their hats, beards andpeyot, and put clip on ties to become thefour executives. They sit at theconference table and Simon enters thescene humming “if I were a rich man)

SIMON

(to himself)

If I were a rich man? What am I saying? I am rich!

EXECUTIVE 1

Mr. Levy! Welcome, please come in.

EXECUTIVE 2

Please Sir, sit down.

(E2 Pulls chair)

EXECUTIVE 3

Here Mr. Levy, please, have a cup of coffee. Just likeyou like it, extra cream and four Sweat & Lows

EXECUTIVE 4

Please sir, here, have a Cigar. From my personalcollection. You know, Not-Cuban

(E4 Winks and extends the Cigar. AllExecutives laugh)

SIMON

(Ignoring the Cigar and the Coffee, nods

to the executives)



II-2

Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, Mr. Williams, Mr. Brown…. Where isJake?

(Executives react with fake concern, startlooking around in ridiculous places, like

under table, behind paintings, etc.)

(Jacob enter scene unkempt and in a hurry)

ALL EXECUTIVES

Mr. Schwartz!

EXECUTIVE 1

What happened to you, are you all right?

JACOB

I’m OK, it’s nothing. Thank you. I’m sorry I’m late.

(All executives sigh in unison in feignedrelief)

SIMON

Jake, Jake. Late as always. Anyway, did you bring theaccounting reports?

JACOB

I’m sorry Sim… Mr. Levy.

SIMON

That’s OK. Jake. OK, let’s start the meeting. Gentleman,let’s start with your reports.

EXECUTIVE 1

(E1 Stands up to deliver his report)

Yes, Mr. Levy. In the production department we haveproduced 3210 units of product A, while we have increasedproduction to 4509 units of product B. There was adecreased of 567 of Product C….

(E1 Continues talking about products inlow voice)



II-3

EXECUTIVE 2


In the advertising area, we have placed 987 adds in print

media, while we have increased the number of adds inradio to 9867. We have decreased t6he adds in cable by20%...

(E2 Continues talking about advertising inlow voice)

EXECUTIVE 3


The human resources department has a payroll of 10567employees, while we have hired 568 employees in thequarter, but at the same time have liquidated 854employees…

(E3 Continues talking about personnel inlow voice)

EXECUTIVE 4


Sales in the quarter have been brisk without being hot.There was a chill in the sales of product A, but a warm up in the sales of product B. We are gearing up for ahot launch of product C in the Fall…

(all executive keep murmuring and standing with the reports on their hands until thescene resembles a Jewish Amidah prayer).

SIMON

Amen.

ALL EXECUITIVES

Amen



II-4

SIMON

You may all be seated.

(all executives seat)

Thank you, gentleman. That was very inspiring. Now, ifyou can please excuse me and Jacob.

EXECUTIVE 1

Certainly, Mr. Levy.

(executives stand up, leave office butstay in the lobby. Lights dim in theoffice and spot light focuses on lobby)

EXECUTIVE 2

Schwartz is such an idiot. I don’t understand why Levy made him CEO.

EXECUTIVE 3

Don’t you know. He is Jewish. You know how it is.Their kind always “stick together.”

EXECUTIVE 4

Well, we better be very careful, you know how this Jews might stab us on the back any day now.

EXECUTIVE 1

The company is doing great for now, so I wouldn’t worry.Finances are good. You know, Levy and Schwartz are alwaysso “thrifty”

EXECUTIVE 2

You mean Stingy

(all executives laugh)

EXECUTIVE 3

All I say is that we better be careful

(lights return to normal. Executives exitscene. Door knocking)



II-5

SIMON

Enter!

MARY LOUISE

(Mary Louise enters office)

Mr. Levy, there is a Mr. Greenberg here to see you from the United Jewish Appeal.

SIMON

Dear god! More money, more money. Why does everybody want money?

(starts crying)

JACOB

There, there Simon. Here..

(Hands Simon a handkerchief. Simon blowshis nose loudly, and tries to return thehandkerchief to Jacob, but he showsdisgust and refuses.)

No, no, take it. It’s my donation to the United Jewish

Appeal.

(Simon nods and puts Handkerchief in hispocket)

SIMON

(To Mary Louise)

OK, let him in.

(Mary Louise nods and exits office)

GREENBERG

(Greenberg walks in)

Simon! Long time no see you!

(Opens arms in hug gesture)



II-6

SIMON

Harry! Yes, long time indeed.

(Walks towards Greenberg to give him a

hug. They hug and start patting eachother)

GREENBERG

Yes, indeed, I think we have not seen you since… yes,since your last pledge!

(Greenberg starts feeling Simon’s pockets)

SIMON

Harry, what are you doing?

GREENBERG

I’m just going for your checkbook, Simon.

SIMON

(Abruptly breaks embrace)

Ahem, what can I do for you, Harry?

GREENBERG

Do I need to ask, Simon? Please, you know I hate askingpeople for money… Well, maybe not.

(smiles)

SIMON

But I already gave you a pledge over the phone during

Passover.

GREENBERG

Simon, you know that a phone pledge isn't worth the paperit's written on. How about a check?



II-7

SIMON

Fine, fine. You guys are going to suck me dry.

(Takes out checkbook and starts writing

check)

GREENBERG

Being Jewish is not cheap. And we all have to supportIsrael any way we can. You know, or young people are outthere fighting.

SIMON

Don’t remind me. Here, here’s your check.

GREENBERG

What. Simon, your are one of the leading entrepreneursof our community, a true leader. No, a Leader’s leader.Is this the best you can do? Let’s do this. I’ll write anumber on this piece of paper here, and you can tell mehow much more than that you can give, OK?

SIMON

I’m sorry, Harry, but had too many expenses this year. I

can’t up my pledge.

GREENBERG

(points at Jacob)

C’Mon Simon. Mr. Schwartz here already upped his pledge.Up yours!

SIMON

Harry, that’s all for today. I’m sorry. Call me again forthe Yom Kippur drive.

GREENBERG

Fine, fine. Maybe then you’ll feel you need to atone forsome of your sins. Thank you Simon. Jacob. See youaround.

(Greenberg exits scene).



II-8

MARY LOUISE

(Mary Louise enters office)

Mr. Levy, there is gentleman here to see you, He says

it’s very important.

SIMON

What is it about, Mary Louise?

MARY LOUISE

He did not want to say, sir. But he says its importantand needs to talk to you

SIMON

Very well, please tell him that Mr. Schwartz will bethere to help him in a minute.

MARY LOUISE

Yes sir.

(MARY LOUISE closes door and exits scene)

SIMON

Jake, this numbers are great. You are a financialgenius, you know you are the only one I can trust withthis. OK, thank you. Go check what is the deal withthis gentleman.

JACOB

Certainly, Simon. Thank you.

(Jacob exits scene. Simon makes phone

call).



II-9

SIMON

Mr. Governor? How are you? I got the news on theWarberg contract. I guess I owe you that one, hmmm… No,no John, you know you can count on me too… Hey what are

friends for. … How are those re-election plans going?

(Jacob enters office hurriedly andagitated)

JACOB

Simon, Simon, it’s urgent…

SIMON

(Simon covers handset. Speaks softly)

I’m in the phone with the governor!

JACOB

Trust me, this is URGENT!

SIMON

Fine.

(On the phone)

John, I’m sorry. I have to go. I’ll see you for GolfSaturday? Will do. Take care.

(To Jacob, who is fidgeting and actingvery nervous)

OK, what is it.

JACOB

Aaaaaaaaa…..

SIMON

What?

JACOB

Aaaaaaaaa…..

SIMON



II-10

What!?

JACOB

Aaaaaaaaa…..

(Agent McCoy enters office)

AGENT McCOY

Aaaaaaaaagent McCoy, Mr. Levy.

(AGENT McCOY flashes Badge)

Office of the State Attorney General.

(Simon freezes up with mouth open)

AGENT McCOY

Mr. Levy? Mr. Levy???

SIMON

I’m sorry, Agent Mc Coy. What can I do for you?

AGENT McCOY

I’m investigating the matter of some illegal gifts andcampaign contributions for the campaign of GovernorCollins.

SIMON

I’m sorry, but I don’t think I know anything about that.

AGENT McCOY

Oh, Mr. Levy, but I think you do. I think you and some of

your Jewish friends have been involved in some illegalactivities to influence high level politicians.

SIMON

(Upset)

Excuse me!



II-11

AGENT McCOY

You heard me. I know how you and your Jewish friends havebeen scheming for years.

SIMON

I’m sorry Agent McCoy, but I find that comment veryoffensive. I’m a Taxpaying American Citizen and I deserveyour respect!

American Citizen… C’Mon, Mr. Levy. You and your dualloyalties, and your Israel Lobby. I know about your ties with the spies from the AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Haven’t two cronies of AIPAC alreadybeing convicted for Spying for Israel. If you had tochoose, Mr. Levy, who would you choose, America orIsrael?

SIMON

I don’t know what you are talking about

AGENT McCOY

Don’t play coy with me, Simon. I actually think it’s veryingenious how your people have been controlling American

foreign policy for years. Not to mention Americanbusiness. The Abramoff scandal? How many politiciansdid your fellow Jew buy? Did you people bargain withthem, mhhh?

SIMON

I think you have cross the line, Agent. I want you toleave now.

AGENT McCOY

But I’m on to you, Sir. And Let me tell you, you wont beable to influence this investigation. You won’t buy THISagent. You won’t be able to Jew ME down!

SIMON

(Very upset).

You sir, are an anti-Semite and a racist, and I don’thave anything else to say to you. If you have any actual

questions, please refer them to my lawyer. Good day sir.



II-12

AGENT McCOY

Oh, you will be hearing from me. Mr. Levy. Restassured.

(AGENT McCOY Leaves scene)

SIMON

Jake, Jake. This is not good.

JACOB

Don’t worry, Simon. Our lawyers will deal with him.

SIMON

It’s not that, Jake. It’s the anti-Semitism, the hatred.Did you see it? What did I do to him? He hates mebecause I’m a Jew.

JACOB

Not all of them are like that, Simon.

SIMON

No, but too many are, my friend.

(Simon pats Jacob’s back. Presses abutton on the phone)

Mary Louise? Cancel the rest of my meetings for theevening.

MARY LOUISE

Certainly, Mr. Levy

SIMON

Thank you

(releases intercom)

Anyway, I need to calm down. I need a strong drink. Howabout a double Latte Jake?



II-13

JACOB

I’m sorry Simon. I have to make it home early forShabbat dinner. Why don’t you do the same and spend anevening with your family?

(lights dimmed, spot light of members ofSimon’s family who cross the stage withcredit cards/checks in hand)

SIMON

It[‘s OK. Jake. I understand. Go, home with yourfamily.

JACOB

Thanks, Simon. Shabbat Shalom.

SIMON

(Hesitant)

Shabbat…. Shalom, Jake.

(Jacob leaves scene. Simon walks towardsliquor cabinet meditatively. Opens liquorcabinet and reveals big Espresso machine.

Sound of preparing Latte. Then turnsaround with big cup of coffee in his hand)

SIMON

Shabbat shalom…. Shabbat shalom indeed, my dear JacobSchwartz.

(Simon shakes his head, looks at theaudience)

Le’Chaim!

(Takes big sip out of coffee cup. Scenefreezes, light dimmed. Enters Tevye.)



II-14

TEVYE

It looks like being Jewish today is not what it used tobe in my time, back in Russia, in the small town of Anatevka. Down there all of us felt Jewish. We spoke the

same language, and all celebrated the same holidays, whether in Anatevka, or Kiev, Odessa or Lublin,Casablanca or Damascus. We didn’t even call it a town. Ithad its own Jewish word. We called it a Shtetl. That is why Judaism survived for so many centuries, there was asense of community, of being a total Jew. But now it’snot like that, a Jew is only Half a Jew. Now a Jew isalso and American, an American Jew, a French Jew, aCanadian Jew… it doesn’t matter, it’s the same. Theproblem is that everyday we are less Jewish, and more American. That’s it.

(Looks towards heaven)

God, `why didn’t you send us the Mashiach back then?

(Tevye walks shaking his head out ofscene).



III-1

ACT III

(Same living room as Act I. Enter Sarahand Nancy with shopping bags. Nancy pulls

out TV remote from her purse and laughs.)

SARAH

What I don’t get, Nancy, is why did you bring your TVremote to the mall with you?

NANCY

Well, it’s very simple, my husband refused to let me usehis credit card today, so I figured this was the mostevil thing I could do to him.

(Both laugh)

SARAH

I’m so sad I couldn’t get that nice little dress from Neiman Marcus. It’s just that I looked so fat! You wouldthink a Jewish store like that would be more sensitive to

our body type.

NANCY

Oy Sarah darling, nonsense. You look positively marvelous.

SARAH

You are such a liar. After Passover I went on thisspecial diet for two weeks. You know, it’s the new rage.

It’s called the Atkinson Beach Watchers.

NANCY

Sounds fascinating.

SARAH

It’s really hard. You have to swear off sweets, bread,carbs and calories for two weeks!



III-2

NANCY

And what did you loose, hon.

SARAH

Two weeks of my life!

NANCY

You are so funny

SARAH

Yeah, well, my dear, we sure had fun in the mall today.

NANCY

We sure did.

(Both laugh loudly. Rose enters scene. Sheis in a somber mood, wearing a blackribbon in her shirt and a button thatsays Never Forget, Never Forgive”)

SARAH

Rose darling, what is wrong. What’s this! Who died?

ROSE

It’s nothing, Mom. Don’t you know? Today is HolocaustMemorial day. I just came back from the ceremony at theJCC. It kind of got to me.

NANCY

Oh, honey. Those things are so depressing. I didn’t evenremember today was Holocaust memorial day. Robert is theone who usually checks the newsletter from the JCC.

SARAH

(hugging Rose)

I’m sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t remember either.



III-3

ROSE

Is that just thinking that six million Jews were murderedduring the Holocaust. I don’t know. Everything sounds soincredible, and so cruel, I can’t understand how they

could do that to us. I don’t understand hoe the Jewsdidn’t stand up and fight.

(David enters scene, also wearing aribbon)

DAVID

Hi sis, Hi Mom. Hello. Mrs. Goldberg. So, Rose, I sawyou at the ceremony, such a shame there were so fewpeople. It looks like every year there are less and lesspeople who attend the commemoration of the Holocaust.

ROSE

Yeah, you know. It really got to me.

(Points at her button)

Never forget, Never forgive. I guess that is the point.People seem to be forgetting. We can’t let that happen!We need to keep alive the memory of those who perished. And never forgive. Because who can forgive those Nazi

criminals!

DAVID

Don’t be so melodramatic, sis.

SARAH

David. That was very insensitive!

DAVID

I’m sorry Mom. But all of it is so senseless. Neverforget, Never forgive. Every year is the same thing. A nice ceremony that less and less people even attend, abig sign in the door, a girl that recites a poem, a woman who sings. A community leader delivers a speech. All withthe same message: Never forget, Never forgive. But whoremembers the history?



III-4

ROSE

David! Calm down already.

DAVID

Sure, I should calm down and repeat like everybody else:Never forget, never forgive. Never forget, never forgive.Never forget, never forgive. But that is not the point!The point is that we should not forget so it would neverhappen again. Never AGAIN!

(Silence for a second).

That’s what’s important, and what we are forgetting. Andbecause we have forgotten, its happening again. Thistime we don’t have trains crammed full or concentrationcamps in order to terminate the Jewish people. No, today we are bringing an end to Jewish life on our own. Wedrive towards the end of our people in luxury cars, and we don’t need to exterminate the Jewish body because theJewish soul is committing suicide on its own.

ROSE

You are crazy, somebody brain-washed you in one of theseJewish youth groups you belong too. No wonder you wantto move to Israel. Sorry, Mom, I’m out of here.

(Rose leaves the scene, while Sarah andNancy stare at David in disbelief.)

DAVID

What???!!!!

(Turns around and exits scene visiblyupset)

NANCY

(Like nothing has happened, just sits downin the sofa and continues theconversation)

So, your son wants to move to Israel?



III-5

SARAH

Oy darling, don’t remind me. I’m so worried? Were does anice Jewish boy get crazy ideas like moving to Israel. I mean, don’t take me wrong, I love Israel, and I was there

twice in 1977 and 1982. But the place is so… crude. Anddangerous. I don’t know, hon.

NANCY

My dear Sarah. You know, I think you need a drink.

(Stands up to go for a drink)

SARAH

Oh thank you darling, but it’s OK. A Jewish mother shouldnever drink alcohol.

NANCY

Why is that?

SARAH

Well, you know, alcohol interferes with the suffering.Don’t mind me, though. I’m kvetching. Go ahead and getsomething for yourself if you want. We have Baley’s and

Amareto.

NANCY

Don’t mind if I do.

(Pours herself a drink)

But, say, Sarah. What really got into your son. He isusually such a mensch?

SARAH

Yes, he is usually so well behaved. I don’t know, maybeits the hormones, you know. He is 17 so he must be aboutto start puberty my little one.

NANCY

Sometimes I’m glad I’m past that stage and all my kidsare out of the house. But other times I get so sad. I mean, my little Joseph is only 30 and I cried soooo much

when he decided to leave.



III-6

SARAH

I know what you mean. By the way, how is your little Adam doing. Didn’t he move to the Midwest after his wedding.

NANCY

Yes, they are living in Wyoming now. He is working as acomputer engineer.

SARAH

Yes, that kid always had a good head on his shoulders. It was so hard to believe when he married that Shiksa…

(Silence)

NANCY

Well, at least my little Adam was smart enough not to move all the way to the Middle East with the Camels andthe terrorists.

SARAH

Well, I rather have that than see him marry in aPresbyterian church, full of goyim, with that terriblecross dangling from your heads.

NANCY

(Agitated, increased volume)

Adam at least would have never screamed and insulted methe way your son did, and much less in front of myfriends. He is such a Mamzerook.

SARAH

(Suddenly stops. Asks calmly)

A what?

NANCY

(Sits down and explains calmly)

A Mamzerook, you know. It’s Yiddish for a naughty littleboy.



III-7

SARAH

Oh, I see. It’s that with an “S”

NANCY

No, no, more like a “Z,” Mamzzzerook.

SARAH

OK.

(agitated again)

My son is nothing of the sorts. And you mean in front of my former friends.

NANCY

(Speechless, acts offended. Puts drinkdown and turns around to leave. Sarah doesthe same. They both give a few steps,then turn around. Run to each other. Givekisses in the air “Smuak, Smuak” and turnaround to leave again)

OK, so talk to you tomorrow

SARAH

Call me, I’ll be at the hairdresser in the morning.

NANCY

OK, bye.

SARAH

Bye

(Nancy moves to exit scene. Simon entersas she is leaving)

SIMON

Oh, hi Nancy.

(Nancy walks by him without saying a word)

Oh, bye Nancy.



III-8

SIMON

What was that?

SARAH

Oy, Simon. David! He is usually such a nice boy. Buttoday, he made a scene with Rose right here, and in frontof my friend Nancy, talking about the Holocaust andJewish stuff. He is such a Mamzerook!

SIMON

A what?

SARAH

Don’t you know Yiddish anymore? A Mamzerook, you know, anaughty little boy.

SIMON


SARAH

No, no, more like a “Z,” Mamzzzerook.

SIMON

OK.

SARAH

Simon, you need to talk to him. He is out of control. Ithink is puberty.

SIMON

Fine, fine, I’ll talk to him. Tell him to come down.

SARAH

(Walks off scene. Shouting)

Daviiiiiiid, your father wants to talk to you.



III-9

(David enters scene)

DAVID

Oh hi dad, what’s up?

SIMON

David, I don’t know what’s up with you. First, this whole nonsense about moving to Israel. And now your mother tells me you made a scene in front of her friendabout the Holocaust. Where did you get all of that stufffrom? Your Mother says you are a Mamzerook!

DAVID

A what?

SIMON

A Mamzerook, you know, a naughty little boy.

DAVID


SIMON

No, no, more like a “Z,” Mamzzzerook. Don’t you knowYiddish anymore?

DAVID

No, I don’t. And neither do you.

SIMON

Oh yeah, that’s right.

DAVID

Anyway, are you going to start with this too, dad? Do you want to know where did I get all of this stuff from?Well, from you! Wasn’t you who use to tell me when I waslittle all of these stories about how the Jewish people was so special, that we should be proud of our past?Didn’t you tell me about how we had survived for twothousand years, yearning year after year just to be backnext year in Jerusalem?



III-10

SIMON

Well, yes, but…

DAVID

But nothing, dad. You know, today was Yom HaShoa,

Holocaust remembrance day. Did you know that 90% of thepeople in the community didn’t even know what day wastoday? I guess what happened to Six million of ourpeople, your own family, dad, your uncles and aunts, isnot enough of a reminder of why we should stay united.

SIMON

David, you are right. I feel very Jewish. I takeJerusalem with me here

(thumps his chest)

But Jews are just like any other people. We want to havea good life, health, a good education for our children.

DAVID

I know, dad. But we also have a culture, a set ofbeliefs, customs, values. Judaism is more than areligion. Its not something that you can only feel. Is

something that you have to do. we cannot be Jewish unlessyou are a community, a nation.Kol Israel Arevim Ze laze. All of Israel are responsiblefor each other. In order to be Jewish you have to think alittle bit less about the me, and a little but more aboutthe we. And unless we do that, we are doomed todisappear.

SIMON

David, we have suffered for so long. We were persecuted

in every place we lived, expelled from every land weinhabited. Aren’t we entitled to finally have a goodlife? Aren’t we entitled to belong? You don’t have to goinsane with all this Jewish stuff.



III-11

DAVID

Perhaps we deserve a good life, dad. And perhaps I am going insane with all of the Jewish stuff, as you say.But in my insanity I see the ancient Jerusalem talking to

the ancient Rome, and Rome wants to conquer, andJerusalem cries. And when I get close I see thatJerusalem does not have the courage to speak, and thatthe Ancient Rome is in reality modern New York, orLondon, or Zurich, and the money and the material wealthspeak for Rome, but Jerusalem doesn’t have the bravery torespond.Jerusalem, Yerushalaim , our values, our history, aresilent in front of the force of materialism.

SIMON

But my son, why can’t we just learn to live likeeverybody else, here in America. Compared to othergroups, we have it very good. Why do you have to move toIsrael?

DAVID

Look, dad. I’m still young. And here inside

(touches his temples)

still hammers that thing about opportunity. Theopportunity to be a Normal people. The opportunity to bea free people. The opportunity to be! You can continueto have your Jerusalem here

(thumps his chest)

(David turns around and faces public)

But it will never have the courage to raise its voice,and little by little, generation after generation, that

Jerusalem will turn slowly into Rome, and the Jewishpeople will be lost forever. Just remember that for 2000years we kept repeating the lament of the exile: If Iforget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget hercunning!But today we have a new lament: Oh Jerusalem,Yerushalaim, are we selling you, like Joseph was sold byhis brothers, for 20 pieces of silver?

(David exits scene distressed, running.Simon, affected, collapses on the sofa).

(Lights dim, Tevye enters the scene)



III-12

TEVYE

Well, he is in a very big mess indeed. It looks like his world is crumbling little by little.

(Picks up Jewish book that is still oncoffee table. Looks at it, attempts togive it to Simon, but then changes his mind).

First this

(points at the book)

Then the anti-Semitism, employees that will never tellhim to his face, but certainly recent him. Then theinvestigation. Poor Simon, only wanted to have a littlebit more influence, a little bit of a better life.

TEVYE (Continues)

Yeah, he is in a very big mess indeed. You know, in Anatevka everything was so much simpler. In Anatevka we were all poor, we lived all together, and when we saidevery Passover “Next Year in Jerusalem,” we really meantit. OH, and we would have done it too if we had had thechance.

(Talking to Simon)

But, you are not poor, you don’t live connected toanybody. “Next Year in Jerusalem” is just an aphorism.This place is definitely very far away from Anatevka, orfrom that matter, Jerusalem.

(Tevye touches Simon, he unfreezes)

SIMON

Tevye! What can I do? I don’t have any answers. It is so

hard. To be Jewish, to be American. I want my children toremain Jewish, but today, in this age of diversity, it’sso hard. It’s so hard to maintain the balance. It is kindof…

TEVYE

A fiddler on the roof... Sounds crazy, no?But here, in America, just like our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on aroof. Trying to play out a nice, simple tune without

breaking his neck.



III-13

SIMON

But Tevye. It is so hard. It would be so much easier togive up, to assimilate. To forget about the conflict andjust be Americans? Why do we stay up here, in this roof,

if it's so dangerous?

TEVYE

Well, we stay, my dear Simon, because Jerusalem is ourhome. American is our home. We have to maintain ourequilibrium. And how do we keep our balance?

(Sound of “tradition” starts inbackground)

TEVYE (Continues)

That I could tell you in one word!

(Word “Tradition!” from song heard inbackground. Then stops)

Tradition. No. Not anymore. That used to work in Anatevka. When all we had was the Jerusalem of the heart.No, today is much more complicated. But we have to startsomewhere

(Tevye picks up book, gives it to Simon.Points to book.).

I hope this it’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

(Music of Jerusalem of Gold in Background.In screen, following words appear:

As long as within our hearts A Jewish soul still resonates,

Our hope is not yet lost,To be a free people in our landThe land of Zion and Jerusalem.

tradition: a play about jewish identity in the 21st century

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