Written by Eric Kimmel and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. The text of this play was first published in 1985 in Cricket magazine for children and the illustrated book in 1989. Hershel has delighted children and adults since and has become a yearly read for Hanukkah in millions of households.
Hershel of Ostropol (Ukraine), traveling by foot on the first night of Hanukkah, arrives in a darkened village. He had expected to enjoy the festive lights, food, and joy of Hanukkah but instead is told Hanukkah cannot be celebrated because the local goblins don’t like it and forbid its celebration. The village Rabbi tells him the only way to break the spell is for someone to spend eight nights in the old, deserted synagogue up on the hill lighting the candles each night. On the last night the king of the goblins must light the candles himself. Hershel says, “I am not afraid” and sets off with just some hard-boiled eggs, a jar of pickles and a box of Hanukkah candles to match wits with the goblins.
Please join us December 3rd and 4th at 7 pm (Eastern) and December 5th at 2 pm (Eastern) for this delightful adventure as Hershel meets the goblins and tries to bring Hanukkah back to the village. This play is appropriate for both children and adults and will have you laughing as Hershel plays dreidel with one of the goblins, frightens a flying goblin away (actually flying on our stage) and meets the King of Goblins. You won’t want to miss this award-winning story and make it part of your family Hanukkah celebration.
Limited socially distanced in person seating at MCTP Theater, 698 Beech Street Manchester, NH for those with proof of Covid vaccination and masked, or see it on live stream with your family at www.mctp.info. All tickets or questions through www.mctp.info. Jointly sponsored by Temple Adath Yeshurun and the Jewish Federation of NH
Sponsor: Temple Adath Yeshurun and Jewish Federation of New Hampshire