As we end the Hebrew month of Tishrei, a month full of major holidays, I would like to take the time to reflect on the most famous musical about Jewish life. “Fiddler on the Roof” appeared on Broadway in 1964 and tells the story of Tevye, the dairy man, and his family in Russia at the turn of the century. It was, for a time, the longest running show.
Fiddler on the Roof is about Jewish traditions in the shtetls of Eastern Europe. The opening song, “Traditsye” in Yiddish, explains this. Many of the major traditions of the shtetl are shown, such as the importance of the Rabbi and the Matchmaker. The Rabbi’s blessing for the tsar “may God bless and keep the tsar far away from us” illustrates the thin string by which they were holding on to their way of life.
Each of Tevye’s daughters are more rebellious in their choice of husband as they defy Matchmaker Yente’s selection. Tevye’s internal struggles and arguments with coming to terms of said choices are explored due to their breach in tradition. Ultimately, he allows his eldest two to pursue their dreams, even though Hodel is going “Far From the Home I Love” to be with her love.
In the modern day, many Jews find themselves connecting with the third daughter Chava, who falls in love with someone who is not Jewish and is exiled from her family when she elopes with him. Present-day Jews are caught struggling with how much they should embrace modern life versus sticking to the traditions of their forefathers. In a time where antisemitism is rising, particularly on college campuses throughout the country, Jews are faced with the decision on whether to show their Jewishness or not.
Fiddler tells a story of how one Jew comes to terms with the changing times and how tradition had to adapt, which for some, gives hope for our future and how we can adapt our own practices for the changing times. Whether one is more a fan of the original Tevye, Zero Mostel, or prefers Chaim Topol who became synonymous with the role, it is a wonderful musical.
Kathryn McElfresh
Staff Reporter
