Behind the Laughter: How the Purim Shpiel Came to America

The origin of the modern Purim play can be traced back to the Eastern European yeshivas of the early nineteenth century. They were developed as satires meant to offer the school administration a window into how the students truly felt about the yeshiva. As it moved to the US (and HUC too) it assumed the same role while taking on certain American sensibilities.

Rabbi Zev Eleff Ph.D. is President and Professor of American Jewish History at Gratz College. He is the author most recently of Dyed in Crimson: Football Faith and Remaking Harvard’s America. This event is cosponsored by the American Jewish Archives.

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