Sing-Along ``Fiddler on the Roof'' and Kosher Chinese Dinner Start a New December 25th Tradition Sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of Durham-Chapel Hill

Business Wire, Nov 24, 2004

DURHAM, N.C. -- What do Jews do on Christmas? Go to the movies and eat Chinese food!

It's tough to find something to do on Christmas for Jewish Americans. Some of the most popular activities are going to the movies and eating out Chinese. This December 25th, these activities will be combined in an unusual evening of cinema, food and fun, thanks to the Jewish Community Center of Durham-Chapel Hill.

On Saturday, December 25, 2004, the 1st Annual "Fiddler on the Roof" Sing-Along and Kosher Chinese Dinner will be held, starting at 6pm with a Havdalah ceremony, which signifies the end of the Jewish Sabbath. The idea follows in the tradition of the popular "Sound of Music" sing-alongs and the audience-participation phenomenon of "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Complete with costumes, props and lyrics, the audience will have a chance to show off their melodic talents by singing along with an open-captioned version of selected scenes from the 1971 Oscar-winning musical film adaptation based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem about a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the-century czarist Russia.

To add to the fun, the audience is encouraged to attend dressed as a favorite Fiddler character - Tevye the milkman, Yenta the matchmaker, Russian dancers, Motel the tailor, the daughters, etc. Props will be provided, as will activities for younger children. The evening will be topped off by a Tevye look-alike contest and live Klezmer music, followed by a Kosher, vegetarian Chinese feast.

The event is open to everyone in the community, and will take place at NC Hillel, 210 W. Cameron Ave. in Chapel Hill, adjacent to the University of North Carolina campus. Tickets are $25/adult and $15/students and children, ages 3 and up. Sign up online at www.shalomdch.org or call the Jewish Community Center at (919) 489-5335, ext. 16.

The mission of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Durham-Chapel Hill is to enrich the Jewish community by playing an integral, meaningful role in the lives of individuals, families, groups and institutions through cultural, recreational, social and educational programs and activities in a comfortable, welcoming environment. The JCC sponsors a wide range of programs and events serving a diverse population from toddlers through senior adults.