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Apr 11, 2022, 10:10 PM

Fanny Brice-An Unsung Jewish Heroine

The theater world is burning with excitement over the news that Funny Girl, the musical that made Barbra Streisand a household name fifty-eight years ago, is having its first revival ever, with Beanie Feldstein playing the role of Fanny...

Feb 17, 2022, 10:30 PM

Can Theater And Jewish Observance Co-Exist?

When I graduated from NYU's Dramatic Writing Program in 1988, I applied for jobs at all of the Jewish theaters in the country. I did so because I figured that a Jewish theater would honor both my commitment to...

Jan 5, 2022, 2:24 AM

Theater As A Tool For Jewish Communication

While there is much of which we can be proud as American Jews, it is no secret that we also have a lot of problems. We have changing demographics, a deep core of co-religionists who are either apathetic about...

Nov 30, 2021, 9:40 PM

My Love/Hate Relationship With Fiddler On The Roof

One of the most successful musicals of all time is Fiddler On The Roof (Book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick). Loosely based on the writings of Yiddish humorist Shalom Aleichem, the play won nine...

Nov 16, 2021, 7:35 PM

On Jewish Actresses and Jewish Female Characters

In 2002, Brad Garrett won his first Emmy award. As he held the statue in his hand, he said, “I just hope this award breaks down the walls for Jewish kids trying to break into show business!” The line...

Oct 5, 2021, 5:34 PM

What Is Jewish Theater?

Long before I decided to become a rabbi, I decided to become a playwright and actor. I've been lucky. I have been able to chase all of my dreams with some success, and even combine them by spending much...

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About Me

Rabbi Dan Wolpe is the rabbi of the Flushing Fresh Meadows Jewish Center, a noted educator, and a produced and published playwright. In addition to having served as a rabbi for 25 years, Wolpe has had plays of his produced in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando, Philadelphia, Jerusalem, Latham and Westhampton Beach,. Wolpe is a proud member of both the Rabbinical Assembly and the Dramatist's Guild.