Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
The Boulder JCC was transported to Morocco for a few hours Sunday night, and a crowd of more than 100 guests thoroughly enjoyed it.
The evening began with the film “Return to Oulad Moumen,” and Professor Carlos Zarur led a discussion afterwards.
The Menorah board then served the Moroccan feast, which was prepared by a team of chefs led by Professor Zarur. The meal was served family style at each table, beginning with Moroccan Israeli salad. The entree was Salmon or Eggplant Bastellas, served with couscous with vegatables. Dessert was dried fruit with orange blossom water, served communally in large bowls at each table.
The evening then proceeded with a rousing concert of Morrocan and North African music by Rachid Halihal, playing the violin and the oud, accompanied on drums by Kathleen McLellen and on piano by Sheldon Sands.
Rachid encouraged (and taught) the audience to clap along, sing along, and even dance along to the music. The atmosphere closely resembled a Moroccan night club as everyone got into the music and participated.
Samuel Avital wrapped up the evening with recollections of growing up Jewish in Morocco in the 1940’s. It was a long but very satisfying evening!
More pictures can be found here.
Just wanted to congratulate Kathryn and the Menorah board on another fabulous event tonight (Jewish of Morocco). The food, film, talk, and music performance, in my opinion, could not have been improved upon. I learned interesting new things, ate delicious food, and thoroughly enjoyed the music and the enthusiastic reaction of the crowd – and it was a crowd! All in all, a great evening. Thanks!!!
Stephanie