Welcome to the September 2013 Edition –Fiddler on the Roof!
This month the Road to Reminiscence travels to the village of Anatevka to share insights with students and reminiscences with Grandma about family, love and tradition!
In this film, as in many of the others spend time discussing the culture in which this family finds itself. It is a culture steeped in tradition.
"Because of our traditions, we've kept our balance for many, many years. Here in Anatevka we have traditions for everything... how to eat, how to sleep, even, how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered and always wear a little prayer shawl... This shows our constant devotion to God. You may ask, how did this tradition start? I'll tell you - I don't know. But it's a tradition... Because of our traditions, everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do."
Tevye -- The Patriarch. He knows who he is, what is expected of him and he knows by virtue of his place in the family that he makes the important decisions “Who, day and night, must scramble for a living, feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers? And who has the right, as master of the house, to have the final word at home?”
Golda -– The Matriarch. “Who must know the way to make a proper home, a quiet home, a kosher home? Who must raise the family and run the home, so Papa's free to read the holy books?”
Tzietel, Hodel, Chava -- The Daughters –“Who does Mama teach to mend and tend and fix, preparing me to marry whoever Papa picks?”
This film is a classic example of traditional culture and family structure that forms a community (and drives this story forward)!
Spend time with your students discussing the societal differences in the film vs. today’s society. Are there any similarities? How is family structure different today? Does the elder generation garner the same respect in today’s society? Why/Why not?
Speaking of the elder generation, spend some time with Grandma reminiscing. “Who started the tradition of putting a penny in a new purse when it was given as a gift?” or “singing three verses of happy birthday for every ones birthday?”Singing, what a great opportunity to keep communication going! Who doesn’t know the words to If I Were A Rich Man or Matchmaker?
Singing is not reserved for the older generation. Sing with your students. Many, if not all, should be familiar with these tunes. (Think drama department ~ annual musical)!
Whatever the clientele: students, older generation in LTC or Grandma sitting on the back porch, set your DVD players for a month of great songs and lively discussions from Sunrise to Sunset!
In October, The Road to Reminiscence takes a detour to Massachusetts for The Massachusetts Council of Activity Professionals Convention (MASSCAP) October 17-18th ! See you there!
---Lori
PS: Watch for “Views from the Booth” on Our FB Page https://www.facebook.com/ - !/pages/Movies-and-Music/196819043698265
