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The other night I attended a performance of Fiddler o the Roof at my granddaughter’s high school. I had a delightful time. For one thing, it’s a wonderful show, with timeless songs. Second, the people of Anatekva (the fictional village in the Ukraine which is the setting for the show) could easily have been my great-grandparents, for my family comes from a place like Anatekva. Third, all the Jewish characters and cultural identifiers resonated deep in my soul. Finally, the story of Fiddler is the story of tradition facing cultural change –the theme of this blog.
The show begins with the song Tradition. As Tevye says, “because of our traditions, each of us knows who he is and what God expects of him.” Traditions provide stability and safety in a world of danger and change.
There are two great threats to Anatekva –the gentiles and modernization, For the most part the pogroms of 19th century Russia, form the background, while modernization drive the main plot line. Tevye has three daughters for whom he has to find suitable husbands. Traditionally, marriages are arranged by the parents with the help of the matchmaker. This is, as his daughters learn not without dangers.
Hodel, oh Hodel,
Have I made a match for you!
He’s handsome, he’s young!
Alright, he’s 62.
But he’s a nice man, a good catch, true?
True.
Tevye’s oldest daughter, Tzeitzel wants to marry a poor tailor, not the rich butcher that Tevye and his wife have chosen. Marrying for love? Unheard of. His second daughter, Hodel, chooses a revolutionary and goes off to Siberia to support him in his exile, She tells Tevye that she is not asking for his permission, only for his blessing.
But his third daughter, Chava, wants to marry a gentile, and that is a line Tevye will not cross.
Throughout the musical Tevye’s wisdom in the midst of his simplicity shines through. He is forever quoting the Good Book, but incorrectly. His relationship with God is like a relationship with an old friend. When Tevye’s cart horse pulls up lame just before sabbath, he talks with God, “O dear Lord you made many, many poor people. I realize that it’s no shame to be poor, but it’s no honor either. So what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?
He then sings “If I were a rich man:”
If I were rich, I’d have the time that I lack
To sit in the synagogue and pray.
And maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall.
And I’d discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.
The prayer that Tevye and his wife offer over their daughters is model for all of us. It is perhaps too traditional for these times of shifting gender roles, but it is beautiful and heartfelt.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick trip through Fiddler on the Roof. Tradition is a protection against life’s vicissitudes. But it must also permit change or become hopelessly unconnected to the world. The important thing is to understand which traditions must be kept and which must be held lightly –to understand what is core and what is peripheral.
