Michael Oren and a Reverend Dance the Horah to Idan Raichel
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Dinner before a pro-Israel event, $31. Subway uptown to mingle with Jews, $2.25. Watching Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren and a reverend dance the horah in a cathedral to the sounds of The Idan Raichel Project…priceless.
Approximately 1,500 New Yorkers, Israelis and representatives from countries as obscure as Moldova showed up last night at New York’s Saint John the Divine Cathedral to celebrate Israel’s 62nd birthday and to catch a performance by the Israeli fusion band The Idan Raichel Project, at an event hosted by the Israeli Consulate.
What began as a somewhat serious event, ultimately devolved into a first-rate party. About an hour after the band took the stage, guests almost en masse ditched their seats for the dance floor. But just when things couldn’t get any more odd, Michael Oren — in a suit and tie with an Israeli and American flag pin on his lapel — and James Kowalski, Dean of the Cathedral — in his reverend’s black shirt and white collar — started an impromptu and lively horah in front of the stage.
Lasting only a couple of moments, it will provide this partygoer with mental snapshots to last a lifetime, or at least the summer months – now that’s priceless.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
