By Anne-Marie Codur, March 31, 2018
Experience “La Mimouna”
No need to travel to Morocco. Let Morocco come to you!
Sunday April 8, 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Temple Beth Zion, 1566 Beacon Street, Brookline
Once upon a time, in Telouet, the village of my ancestors in the High Atlas Mountains, at the end of Pesach, started one of the greatest festivities of the year in which all the villagers participated, Jews and Muslims together. This is the story that my grandmother, Ima Tamo, told her grandkids in Beer-Sheva on the night of Mimouna, when her daughters, Rachel and Solica, perpetuated the custom in Israel. My mother, Hannah, her youngest daughter who emigrated to France, continued to mark the last day of Pesach by inviting our Parisian Muslim Moroccan neighbors, Zakhia and her daughters Hanane, Amal and Narjisse, to celebrate La Mimouna with us! All Moroccan Jews, wherever they live, Israel, France, Canada, or Morocco (where about 5000 still reside) keep this tradition alive to this day…
What is so special about la Mimouna? This tradition, celebrating the end of Passover, symbolizes the strong connection bonding Jews and Muslims throughout Moroccan history. Jewish families opened their doors to their Muslim neighbors and friends who brought the first chametz back into their homes, the cookies and the leavened dough with which Jewish and Muslim women, dressed in their most beautiful caftans, would together make delicious Moflettas (butter and honey soaked crepes) while singing and dancing!
This year, on April 8th, our Mimouna event at TBZ will start with a presentation about this multifaceted tradition. then, we’ll taste delicious delicacies from several Moroccan restaurants and pastry shops around Boston while drinking hot mint tea.
Finally, we’ll be entertained and transported by the dance of Soumaya MaRose and her musical ensemble led by Boujemaa Razgui, a renowned Marrakech musician. We’ll hear stories about famous Jewish Moroccan singers and songwriters whose music continues to make all Moroccans dance at celebrations. We’ll close the evening on the dance floor ourselves!
Temple Beth Zion strives to bring communities together in interfaith dialogue and we’re delighted to host La Mimouna this year. Our partners are: Amazigh Cultural Network in America (the Amazigh are the indigenous people of North Africa, also called Berbers) and Dialogues en humanité, a French born movement present in 30 countries promoting “vivre ensemble” and conviviality.
Sign up and purchase your ticket here
