Idan Reichel (What would their mothers say?)

Tonight, after a long day of class, I went with classmates and friends to the Idan Reichel Concert through MASA. For those of you who do not know MASA, it is a Jewish Agency/Israeli government sponsored non-profit venture aimed at getting individuals from abroad to come to Israel for an extended period of time. This usually follows a birthright trip, although not in my case. Machon Schechter is a MASA program meaning that I get some financial assistance from them (although as will all things government in this country, I know not to expect to see any money until I return to the states at the end of the program). They also sponsor learning programs, seminars, and cultural events aimed to get the participant to become enamored with Israel and to be an advocate or even make aliyah. Tonight was one of the cultural events- a concert by Idan Reichel. I think that I have seen Idan Reichel perform more than 5 times but this was one of the best. He puts on a great show and has such presence and energy.

Tonight's program, complete with 2,975 screaming undergrads and about 25 exhausted rabbinical students from NYC, began with am Israel fair. There were Jaffa oranges being given away, a kibbutnik accordionist, different characters from what might be Israeli TV although they seemed rather random, and huge beach balls that were moshing through the crowds.

Then were the speeches. One of them was Natan Sharansky, minister of something not so important. I remember the first time that I met Natan "Anatole" Sharansky. It was a warm night in Jerusalem, Yom Haatzmaut in 2003 to be exact and I was with over 200 people who were Israeli dancing together in Kikar Safra. I saw a short man and knew who he was. I even got a photo taken with him. (Thanks Safam for the song Leaving Mother Russia that summarizes his life.)

There were a few other speakers and introductory singing and dancing routines and then there was Idan Reichel complete with full band and all singers. It was a great set and I was able to get most of the JTS students up and dancing as well as the head of the program, Reb Shlomo Tucker. I figured if I could be 16 again and climb Masada, then I could be 18 and dance in the aisle at a concert.

I have to admit, it was so much fun...except for one thing...

Ridiculously drunk kids!

Toward the beginning of the concert, there were three kids who sat in the row in front of us and proceeded to fall asleep after some interesting head nods. I was initially disgusted because they stank of cigarette smoke but once that dissipated, I started to get whiffs of alcohol. They were out for most of the concert. Good thing that they were not from the US because chances would have been much higher that one of us (rabbinical students) would know one of their parents or teachers. Then what would their mothers say? (I have to admit that they were so out that I did check a few times for chest-rise to make sure that they were still breathing. I can't get rid of the EMT in me.)