And what a day it was. Maya and I first came into contact back in 2006 over Jewish stuff (since we're both Jewish) and became fast friends ever since. No we are NOT a couple and before anyone here goes crazy trying to play matchmaker, Maya is MARRIED! There were a few at the show who wrongfully thought we were and it just ain't so! That shit pisses me off!!Maya is a Chicago based performance artist who tackles cultural and social issues facing Jews, Hispanics and women in the world today. For the second time this year Maya was in my neck of the woods working on The Cultural Heritage Artist Project of the Orchard Street Shul.
Maya's piece was about getting first hand accounts from many of the elder members of the local Jewish community with audio and imagery from them respectively. We were regaled with tales of their lives growing up, the sense of community, Jewish identity and their time in the Orchard Street Shul itself. Maya collaborated with her father, Gonzalo Escobar, with the mission of preserving these memories. They both feel that if they are not talked about, preserved and presented in a meaningful way, they cease to be memories as they are lost once there's no one left to tell them. Each person was not just a loved one, mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, aunt or uncle. They were also living history with so many wonderful facets to share with us. Maya and Gonzalo feel their piece spurs interaction with generations from yesterday and today. With preserving the memories they preserve history and legacy. Thus, the historic Orchard Street Shul and community lives on.
Personally, it reminded me very much of my interactions with many of the people at my own synagogue. I could easily see many of them being right at home with Maya and Gonzalo's work. Not only that, I did feel that the experience left me with closer ties to my own developing Jewish identity and I was glad I stopped by to check it all out. I even met fellow blogger Elliyahu Enriquez, another crazy Jew. There was so much Jewishness all over the place, I'm amazed Jackie Mason didn't show up to roast someone.
Maya promised to sing me a song if I swung by and here it is.
Coming up.....
I spoke up
Help my friend Rica "Live Strong"
The amazing shrinking electric bill
Misogyny
