Temple Sinai welcomes Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) to present a reading of “The Rest of the Story,” a one act comedy for its upcoming Selichot service. The holiday, which begins the official “High Holy Days” period, will be observed on Saturday evening, September 9, 2023, at 7:00 pm. Chazzan Cliff Abramson will lead one of the year’s most beautifully spiritual and musically uplifting services. Accompanying him will be Principal Harpist from the Sarasota Orchestra, Guiseppina Ciarla, Principal Flutist from the Sarasota Orchestra, Betsy Hudson Traba and Temple Sinai’s longtime keyboardist, Christine Allen-Bruno. Following the service, SJT will present “The Rest of the Story,” a funny and introspective play about the Garden of Eden featuring a very old Eve being interviewed about her life. The interview takes place in the Garden of Eden Park, just across the river from the assisted living facility where Eve currently resides. As the journalist asks questions, it becomes clear that Eve has been holding a lifetime of resentments. "Why did HE get all the credit when I did all the work? Who do you think named the animals?" The revelations come fast and furious when Eve is interrupted by Lilith, an unwelcome guest, who brings up a past including the infamous snake. Directed by SJT Artistic Director Carole Kleinberg, the performance will be followed by a special discussion facilitated by Rabbi Emeritus Geoffrey Huntting, an SJT board member. Temple Sinai’s Chazzan Abramson says, “theatre is the most overlooked avenue for insight into all the elements of Jewish identity. It has been said that when man was faced with the necessity of explaining the meaning of human existence, that is when he invented theatre. What better time to share this concept with our congregation than Selichot, when we are just beginning to prepare ourselves spiritually for the High Holy Days.” The play is being prepared for a fully staged performance in SJT’s 2023-24 season. Carole Kleinberg says, “it’s a modern riff on Adam and Eve and the changing role of women from biblical times to now. It’s a light and humorous look at a traditional story.” This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit templesinai-sarasota-org or call 941-924-1802. Temple Sinai is located at 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Road (enter only from Proctor Road).