Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, a vibrant center for Jewish cultural arts, will present “The History of the American Yiddish Theater: A Musical Overview” with Zalmen Mlotek with the Gold Coast Arts Center on Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The community is welcome to embark on this one-of-a-kind journey of the Yiddish theater—from its European roots to Ellis Island, Second Avenue and beyond—led by Zalmen Mlotek, the award-winning artistic director of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene and musical director of “Fidler Afn Dakh” (Fiddler on the Roof), directed by Joel Grey.
With musical influences from operetta, Tin Pan Alley and Broadway—and translating as he sings—he will escort attendees from despair to hope to entertainment.
Temple Beth-El, the peninsula’s oldest synagogue, and Gold Coast Arts Center, the presenter of high-quality programs for two decades, formed a partnership that will inspire and enrich Great Neck’s Jewish community through cultural arts, sparking creativity and deepening the appreciation of Jewish and Israeli heritage.
“In 2024, TBE and GCAC will present events, concerts, an art tour of TBE’s collection, programs about Israeli food, films and more,” said Regina Keller Gil, founder and executive director of the Gold Coast Arts Center.
The partnership was made possible through the support of the Stumer family in memory of Susan Stumer, a longtime Temple Beth-El member and choir singer who was passionate about music and art. The Susan Stumer Cultural Arts Fund was established to ensure that her love for the arts would continue for many years at Temple Beth-El.
“These events will lead to social connections among the membership and an opportunity for GCAC to share our resources,” Gil said. “The community will always be welcome, because we want this series to lead to greater interaction among all the residents throughout our community.”
Tickets cost $18 for not-yet members, $15 for Gold Coast Arts Center members and $12 for Temple Beth-El members at bit.ly/41vnweS. An online-only option is available for $12, $9 for Gold Coast Arts Center and $6 for Temple Beth-El members.
Temple Beth-El, a leader in shaping the future of pluralistic Judaism on the western North Shore, is located at 5 Old Mill Road. Schedule a new member tour or learn more at www.tbegreatneck.org, 516-487-0900 or info@tbegreatneck.org.
