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What Can You Do for People in Crisis? Put on a Seder Show What Can You Do for People in Crisis? Put on a Seder Show
(32 minutes later)
Like pretty much everybody in America blessed with good health these days, the actor Jason Alexander and his wife, the artist Daena Title, have been stuck at home, worried about their relatives, their friends and a nation whose future is uncertain.Like pretty much everybody in America blessed with good health these days, the actor Jason Alexander and his wife, the artist Daena Title, have been stuck at home, worried about their relatives, their friends and a nation whose future is uncertain.
“We all want to try to do something, anything,” Alexander said. But what?“We all want to try to do something, anything,” Alexander said. But what?
About a week ago, he found an answer, in an email from Benj Pasek, the lyricist who helped create the songs for the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” as well as the movies “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land,” which earned him a share in an Academy Award.About a week ago, he found an answer, in an email from Benj Pasek, the lyricist who helped create the songs for the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” as well as the movies “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land,” which earned him a share in an Academy Award.
The songwriter’s pitch to Alexander was this: “Would you be interested in being a part of an all-star online Seder fund-raiser that will raise money for the C.D.C. Foundation?”The songwriter’s pitch to Alexander was this: “Would you be interested in being a part of an all-star online Seder fund-raiser that will raise money for the C.D.C. Foundation?”
This was something Alexander could do.This was something Alexander could do.
On Tuesday, his wife arranged lighting in their dining room and held an iPhone as he rehearsed an original musical number, which they then recorded. He sang:On Tuesday, his wife arranged lighting in their dining room and held an iPhone as he rehearsed an original musical number, which they then recorded. He sang:
“So you’re stressed by all the stories that you’ve seen on cable news? Well, it’s time to trade the cable for a tableful of Jews. While this night is always different from every other night, there is a smidgen of religion though we’re keeping that part light. Tonight is stranger than a normal Pesach meal, ’cause we’re locked in our apartment and the plagues are [expletive] real.”“So you’re stressed by all the stories that you’ve seen on cable news? Well, it’s time to trade the cable for a tableful of Jews. While this night is always different from every other night, there is a smidgen of religion though we’re keeping that part light. Tonight is stranger than a normal Pesach meal, ’cause we’re locked in our apartment and the plagues are [expletive] real.”
“Nailed it!” said Erich Bergen, a star of “Madam Secretary” who, of late, has become a go-to technical producer for logistically complicated endeavors, like the recent fund-raising, one-night return of “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” (He was in Alexander’s dining room too, thanks to Zoom. But actually, he was sitting at a desk in front of his unmade bed in his apartment in Harlem.)“Nailed it!” said Erich Bergen, a star of “Madam Secretary” who, of late, has become a go-to technical producer for logistically complicated endeavors, like the recent fund-raising, one-night return of “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” (He was in Alexander’s dining room too, thanks to Zoom. But actually, he was sitting at a desk in front of his unmade bed in his apartment in Harlem.)
“Let’s do one more take,” Title said. She later explained, with a little panic, that she hadn’t actually hit the record button. Such are the dramas inherent in producing a show that relies on iPhones and dozens of performers — including Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Judith Light, Tan France, Harvey Fierstein, Idina Menzel and Sarah Silverman — who are all in different places.“Let’s do one more take,” Title said. She later explained, with a little panic, that she hadn’t actually hit the record button. Such are the dramas inherent in producing a show that relies on iPhones and dozens of performers — including Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Judith Light, Tan France, Harvey Fierstein, Idina Menzel and Sarah Silverman — who are all in different places.
The result — God willing, because as of this writing it’s nowhere near done — will be “Saturday Night Seder.” It’s an original telling of the Passover story meant to entertain and bring together a mainstream audience for a few laughs, a bit of joy and some unavoidable reflections on the human capacity for transcendence amid danger and chaos. It will be streamed on the “Saturday Night Seder” website and on YouTube at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, April 11. (With some words beeped out, it’s PG-13 family viewing.)The result — God willing, because as of this writing it’s nowhere near done — will be “Saturday Night Seder.” It’s an original telling of the Passover story meant to entertain and bring together a mainstream audience for a few laughs, a bit of joy and some unavoidable reflections on the human capacity for transcendence amid danger and chaos. It will be streamed on the “Saturday Night Seder” website and on YouTube at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, April 11. (With some words beeped out, it’s PG-13 family viewing.)
“The Passover holiday is literally a story of going from confinement to freedom and from winter to spring,” said Pasek, who a few years ago teamed with the Broadway performer Adam Kantor to reimagine the biblical story of exodus for more than 100 people in New York.“The Passover holiday is literally a story of going from confinement to freedom and from winter to spring,” said Pasek, who a few years ago teamed with the Broadway performer Adam Kantor to reimagine the biblical story of exodus for more than 100 people in New York.
This year, amid the health crisis of Covid-19, rising unemployment and near-nationwide quarantine, Pasek and Kantor knew they needed to dip into their creative circles of colleagues, friends and friends of friends (of friends) to help share the story, with all its modern resonances, with a much larger audience. And to raise money while doing so.This year, amid the health crisis of Covid-19, rising unemployment and near-nationwide quarantine, Pasek and Kantor knew they needed to dip into their creative circles of colleagues, friends and friends of friends (of friends) to help share the story, with all its modern resonances, with a much larger audience. And to raise money while doing so.
“At the Seder table, we ask ourselves, ‘What can you do for people who are suffering because you once suffered?’” Pasek said. “We want to amplify that message because it is one of hope and also one that asks people to give of themselves however they can.”“At the Seder table, we ask ourselves, ‘What can you do for people who are suffering because you once suffered?’” Pasek said. “We want to amplify that message because it is one of hope and also one that asks people to give of themselves however they can.”
Kantor, whose sister-in-law is a new mother and a nurse practitioner caring for Covid-19 patients at Bellevue Hospital in New York, helped write songs and wrangle actors, and he is overseeing the fund-raising drive to benefit the C.D.C. Foundation. “We want to support the front lines,” he said.Kantor, whose sister-in-law is a new mother and a nurse practitioner caring for Covid-19 patients at Bellevue Hospital in New York, helped write songs and wrangle actors, and he is overseeing the fund-raising drive to benefit the C.D.C. Foundation. “We want to support the front lines,” he said.
The “Saturday Night Seder” team, including the writers Alex Edelman and Hannah Friedman; musical arrangers like Charlie Rosen and Ben Wexler; and the composer Shaina Taub, among many others, had about two weeks to put it together, using Slack, Dropbox, Zoom and a color-coded Google Sheet full of Talmudic detail that producers like Talia Halperin used to manage the rehearsal and taping availability of rabbis, writers and Fran Dreschers.The “Saturday Night Seder” team, including the writers Alex Edelman and Hannah Friedman; musical arrangers like Charlie Rosen and Ben Wexler; and the composer Shaina Taub, among many others, had about two weeks to put it together, using Slack, Dropbox, Zoom and a color-coded Google Sheet full of Talmudic detail that producers like Talia Halperin used to manage the rehearsal and taping availability of rabbis, writers and Fran Dreschers.
Everyone is doing every job. “At one point,” Bergen said, “I found myself writing a letter to Oprah to see if she could participate, and then a minute later I was editing a video of a drag queen saying, ‘Yas, Passover!’ so it runs the gamut. If we pull it off — and that’s an if — it will be a miracle.”Everyone is doing every job. “At one point,” Bergen said, “I found myself writing a letter to Oprah to see if she could participate, and then a minute later I was editing a video of a drag queen saying, ‘Yas, Passover!’ so it runs the gamut. If we pull it off — and that’s an if — it will be a miracle.”
The first week of April, the creators met in a Zoom writers room for about 18 hours a day, piecing together a program that would have elements of awards shows, television variety specials and Broadway revues. This week, they worked directly with the talent, watching them rehearse and film the various elements while providing tech support to some people whose many gifts don’t include knowing how to upload files to the cloud.The first week of April, the creators met in a Zoom writers room for about 18 hours a day, piecing together a program that would have elements of awards shows, television variety specials and Broadway revues. This week, they worked directly with the talent, watching them rehearse and film the various elements while providing tech support to some people whose many gifts don’t include knowing how to upload files to the cloud.
Most every recording session brought one technical glitch or another. The actor and singer Josh Groban was relying on his iPad both to communicate with the producers on Zoom and to listen to the instrumental version of the track he was singing to. He needed to quit the Zoom app to make his recording.Most every recording session brought one technical glitch or another. The actor and singer Josh Groban was relying on his iPad both to communicate with the producers on Zoom and to listen to the instrumental version of the track he was singing to. He needed to quit the Zoom app to make his recording.
Before Groban left the Zoom room to sing and record himself, the producers gave him direction, including a request that when citing the Passover song “Chad Gadya,” as his bit calls on him to do, that he pronounces “chad” with a throat-clearing cccchhh.Before Groban left the Zoom room to sing and record himself, the producers gave him direction, including a request that when citing the Passover song “Chad Gadya,” as his bit calls on him to do, that he pronounces “chad” with a throat-clearing cccchhh.
Groban went offline to do his thing, then returned to Zoom and shared his recording with the group. He sounded like a cantor, cccchhh and all. (Groban was not raised Jewish, but like many of the other men involved in “Saturday Night Seder,” he played Tevye in a school production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”)Groban went offline to do his thing, then returned to Zoom and shared his recording with the group. He sounded like a cantor, cccchhh and all. (Groban was not raised Jewish, but like many of the other men involved in “Saturday Night Seder,” he played Tevye in a school production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”)
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Rachel Brosnahan is also not a Jew, but she plays one on TV. Just as Mrs. Maisel might do, Brosnahan found the bright side of having to film her contribution from home.Rachel Brosnahan is also not a Jew, but she plays one on TV. Just as Mrs. Maisel might do, Brosnahan found the bright side of having to film her contribution from home.
In the song she will sing for the show, she tells people not to worry if this year they lack the foods typically placed on a Seder plate.In the song she will sing for the show, she tells people not to worry if this year they lack the foods typically placed on a Seder plate.
As Brosnahan practiced the lyrics — “If you’re out of greens and table salt, well, don’t you fret my dears. Just use a stick of celery to wipe away your tears” — she burst with an idea of her own.As Brosnahan practiced the lyrics — “If you’re out of greens and table salt, well, don’t you fret my dears. Just use a stick of celery to wipe away your tears” — she burst with an idea of her own.
“I have a stick of celery!” she told the producers and bound into her kitchen to fetch it. On the next take, she brushed the stalk across her face as if to dry a tear, and punctuated the end of her line with a crunchy bite.“I have a stick of celery!” she told the producers and bound into her kitchen to fetch it. On the next take, she brushed the stalk across her face as if to dry a tear, and punctuated the end of her line with a crunchy bite.
Some of the actors were already Zoom proficient. Henry Winkler, who narrates the Moses story, has been zooming with his children and grandchildren the past three Sundays.Some of the actors were already Zoom proficient. Henry Winkler, who narrates the Moses story, has been zooming with his children and grandchildren the past three Sundays.
When he was approached to take part in the production by Kantor, whom Winkler didn’t know but with whom he had posed for a photo after seeing Kantor perform in “The Band’s Visit” on Broadway, he agreed immediately and asked to be given a part that let him reflect on the meaning of Passover in this particular time in history.When he was approached to take part in the production by Kantor, whom Winkler didn’t know but with whom he had posed for a photo after seeing Kantor perform in “The Band’s Visit” on Broadway, he agreed immediately and asked to be given a part that let him reflect on the meaning of Passover in this particular time in history.
“As a citizen, even more than as a Jew,” Winkler said, “I thought it was our responsibility to tell the story as it has been told for over 5,000 years, because it’s a story about survival and renewal.”“As a citizen, even more than as a Jew,” Winkler said, “I thought it was our responsibility to tell the story as it has been told for over 5,000 years, because it’s a story about survival and renewal.”