On December 10th, Professor Stephen Whitfield, the Max Richter Chair in American Civilization at Brandeis University, traveled Jackson and spoke to the community at the Jackson Madison COunty Library. Author of numerous important books, Whitfield is one of the foremost experts on the history of American Jewish culture. The topic of Dr. Whitfield’s lecture was the cultural response to the popular musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Based on the Yiddish short stories of Shalom Aleichem, “Fiddler on the Roof” became the longest running musical in American history and continues to entertain audiences around the world. Dr. Whitfield explained how this play about Eastern European Jews transcended religious and cultural boundaries to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. A gifted teacher and lecturer, Dr. Whitfield was insightful and entertaining.

The Southern States Literary Series is an ISJL program that brings leading writers and scholars to communities across the South.It was a wonderful evening for all. Thank you to the Institute and the Lambuth-B'nai Israel Center for Jewish Studies for bringing this event to Jackon.