ANTI-SEMITES!

by Jesse Bernstein

In a near distant-future, anti-Semitism has disappeared... and so have the congregants at Temple Beth Shalom Israel-B'nai Abram-Tiffereth Yerushalayim. When a broken window gets mistaken for an act of anti-Semitism, however, the community rallies in support and Rabbi Beth finds herself leading a thriving shul once again. But can her passion for Judaism keep the seats filled? Not according to someone claiming to...

In a near distant-future, anti-Semitism has disappeared... and so have the congregants at Temple Beth Shalom Israel-B'nai Abram-Tiffereth Yerushalayim. When a broken window gets mistaken for an act of anti-Semitism, however, the community rallies in support and Rabbi Beth finds herself leading a thriving shul once again. But can her passion for Judaism keep the seats filled? Not according to someone claiming to be a representative from the Elders of Zion, who pushes Rabbi Beth to keep upping the anti-Semitic ante in order to save Judaism. How far will she go to ensure Jewish continuity -- and at what cost? A black satire about identity.

In development. Please contact playwright for perusal drafts.

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ANTI-SEMITES!

Recommended by

  • Jewish Plays Project: ANTI-SEMITES! by Jesse Bernstein
    “

    Jewish Plays Project congratulates ANTI-SEMITES! for receiving our COMMENDED status for the 15th National Jewish Playwriting Contest in 2025. Commended plays received strong advocacy for consideration through our signature Jewish Artistic Democracy community reading process out of the 315+ plays we received. Our readers appreciated the provocation this play creates and comedy that is biting and uncomfortable in an enjoyable way, as it asks bold and satirically outlandish dramatic questions.

    Jewish Plays Project congratulates ANTI-SEMITES! for receiving our COMMENDED status for the 15th National Jewish Playwriting Contest in 2025. Commended plays received strong advocacy for consideration through our signature Jewish Artistic Democracy community reading process out of the 315+ plays we received. Our readers appreciated the provocation this play creates and comedy that is biting and uncomfortable in an enjoyable way, as it asks bold and satirically outlandish dramatic questions.

    ”

Character Information

Written for seven actors with doubling, but can be done with more if you have the budget and the actors!
  • Rabbi Beth Greenberg
    Passionate and earnest.
    30s
    Ashkenazi American Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary,
      Woman
  • An Elder of Zion
    Open age/gender. Charming yet sinister. An operator.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Judy Waxman
    President of the Board of the congregation. Cares deeply about the shul.
    80s
    Ashkenazi American Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Shari Rothstein
    Well-meaning "culturally Jewish" woman of some means. Also plays a Hassid.
    60s
    Ashkenazi American Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Barry Rothstein
    Retired man of means. Well-meaning, "culturally Jewish". Also plays a Hassid and Aunt.
    60s
    Ashkenazi American Jewish
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Javy Jimenz
    Security guard at the synagogue. Friendly and eager. Also plays a Hassid.
    30s
    Latino or bi-racial
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Christine Buckley
    Conventionally attractive, otherwise unremarkable; seeking answers, eager to know her place. Also plays Golem.
    20s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman