Fiddler on the Roof shows simplicity in prayer

At the end of October, one of the Stratford Festival’s popular and loveable musicals will close for the season. Fiddler on the Roof had a magical run since April, enchanting its audience with its warm lustre and honest portrayals. It captured us at the first note of the fiddle, the first appearance of believable characters, and the first song-and-dance number, “Tradition!”

During the summer, I was a Den Parent through the education department of the Stratford Festival. I sat beside some of the most talented and determined adolescents I’d ever worked with. Hearing their squeals of joy when they saw Perchik’s proposal to Hodel, feeling their gasp as Motel and Tzeitel’s wedding was bombarded by soldiers, watching their tears as Chava was disowned because of her elopement with Fyedka . . . all breathtaking in itself.

Take it from me, experiencing theatre with young people is a personal and professional milestone.

This was my first experience with Fiddler. Never before had I seen the costumes, heard the music, or walked alongside the characters. I had a fresh eye and an open heart. The story of a Jewish community in 1905 Russia wasn't relatable until it was narrowed into the personal story of Tevye and his five daughters, fighting to keep the orthodox Jewish faith and tradition alive in changing times, trying to find a balance between tradition and modernity. I could relate to that.

I wasn’t alone.The themes the musical explores are numerous, ranging from religion to choosing to love someone despite opposition. But one theme that often goes unmentioned is prayer.

Tevye — a humble and hard-working milkman, husband and father — has a series of intimate moments with God that amazed me by their simplicity. One moment in particular that stood out was when he was unable to continue his deliveries because his donkey conked out. And on the Sabbath, no less! So what does he do? He stops and has a somewhat stern talk with God. Tevye expresses his frustration, unloads his worries and offers his feelings to God without holding back. Whenever Tevye prays, he talks to God like He’s an old friend. He’s honest, to the point, and ultimately admits he’s not in control, so he asks for help. That’s quality prayer.

Does God really want to hear about what bothers us? Absolutely. He delights in the details we share with Him. Does He feel our sufferings and longings alongside us? Definitely. He felt them Himself. Informal prayer contributes to intimacy with God.

Tevye demonstrates that prayer is dynamic and relational. It can happen anywhere and at any time. We should all take note.

For those who require some structure to get started, the Pope offered a simple but effective 5-finger prayer regimen to pray for loved ones, teachers, leaders, the sick, and ourselves. An article in Relevant Magazine titled "Why is prayer so hard" posed the question: “Are we making conversation with God harder than it needs to be?” as it offers tips on how to pray.

Tevye demonstrates prayer as a way of ongoing conversation with his Creator and close companion. In his happiest times, and in his most painful, he shares his experiences with God.The audience has the privilege of witnessing that interaction.

We don’t have to be witty or wordy to pray, we just need to be ready to share.