YudelLine

by Reb Yudel

Speaking of Siyum Hashas and Madison Square Garden

One of my faovite Saturday Night Live skits, Weekend Update with Jane Curtin

Jane Curtin: And now, a special live report from correspondent Laraine Newman at Times Square.

Laraine Newman: Jane, I'm standing in the center of Times Square, New York's traditional celebration and meeting place. The turnout this year seems to be amller than expected - the crowds are lighter, the noisemakers quieter. A lot of feeling of excitement and expectation prevails, as the new year approaches. Of course at midnight, the big ball on top of the Allied Chemical Tower will drop, and the numeral 5737 will herald the new year. And, according to tradition, the Book of Life will then open, and God will decide the fate of the world for the next ten years. After ten days, however..

Jane Curtin: Uh, Laraine? Laraine?

Laraine Newman: Yes, Jane?

Jane Curtin: Are you talking about the Jewish New Year?

Laraine Newman: That's right, Jane - Rosh Hashana!

Jane Curtin: Well, Laraine, that's usually celebrated privately in homes and in synogogues, not in Times Square.

Laraine Newman: I thought it seemed a little quiet. Well, this is Laraine Newman saying, "Happy Birthday, Steve", "Good Yanta", and sending it back to you, Jane.