There’s something irresistibly charming about Shakespeare’s works performed by miniature plastic figurines, an art form to which Dov Weinstein, Director of the Tiny Ninja Theater Company, is utterly dedicated. But when Weinstein was invited to perform at the London Limmud conference, his creativity ran even further amok. He somehow connected a phrase from the famed Balcony scene Romeo and Juliet, translated into Hebrew for the Acco Festival, with the opening phrase of the Babylonian Talmud, “M’Imatai.”
It was thus that the Weinstein’s inch-high plasticine puppetry madness came to explain Machseket Berakhoth 2a- Until what time can one recite Shema in the evening- and with it, the structure and nature of the mysterious text known as Talmud. In his amusing, engaging fashion, brings the story of R. Gamliel and his sons to life, along with the fascinating way in which Jewish tradition has literally been compiled.
Tiny Ninja Talmud Theater is a wonderful way to introduce the concept of Talmud study to any audience over the age of 5, and the forty-minute performance/lesson, informed by Weinstein’s observant background and his odd collection of ninjas, dime-store figurines and refrigerator magnets is perfect for a Shabbat afternoon, adult education, Hebrew or Day School. And if you already understand why it is that you can say bedtime Shema until dawn, you’ll appreciate this irresistable approach to teaching a “page” of Jewish heritage even more.
Coming Soon.
