(401)j’s second annual SermonSlam a ‘slamming’ success

Adam Cable, Maayan Harel, Sara Toso, Hillary Schulman, Seth Finkle, and Aaron Guttin enjoy SermonSlam performances /PHOTOS | JOSH TOSOOn Feb. 26, (401)j hosted its second largest community event – SermonSlam Providence. Community members from around the state gathered at the Salon on Eddy Street to share their thoughts and ideas about Purim. SermonSlam is a national phenomenon where community members gather to deliver and hear sermons and other Jewish-themed performance art. This event first came to Providence last April and was a huge success – securing a spot for this year’s Purim-themed “slam.”

The Salon was packed with people, all gathered to listen to five performances from Ceceley Chambers, Corey Finkle, Rachel S., Rabbi Naftali Karp and Elana Kieffer. Many of the performances stemmed from personal stories and anecdotes; others were inspirational like a typical Shabbat sermon.

The performers came from different backgrounds, but all had one thing in common – a connection to Judaism. Community member Aaron Guttin said, “It’s always nice to have people from many streams of Judaism sharing ideas in the same room.”

There was also a special musical performance by Pastrami on RI – Rhode Island’s post-collegiate, co-ed, Jewish a cappella group – who performed a parody on Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.” Singer Seth Finkle said, “It was such a thrill to perform at the same event where we debuted as a group a year ago. This program is a blast, and I hope we can continue the tradition for years to come. Everyone is so inviting and encouraging.”

(401)j’s continued success proves to solidify Rhode Island’s young Jewish community. With programs such as SermonSlam Providence, (401)j strives to bring young Jewish adults together to celebrate their love of Judaism and the uniqueness that is Rhode Island.

The next community-wide (401)j event is a Shabbaton at Camp JORI June 12-14. If you are interested in becoming more involved in (401)j, or for more information about the upcoming Shabbaton, please contact Erin Moseley at emoseley@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 108.

HILLARY SCHULMAN is an active member of (401)j and sings with Pastrami on RI. She also is a development associate in philanthropy at the Jewish Alliance.