Debra Messing Instagram – HOW THE JEWS BUILT THE AMERICAN THEATRE. In September, The @nytimes gathered 50 Jewish Broadway actors, playwrights, songwriters and directors together at the majestic Lyceum Theatre. I had the privilege of being included that day. The photo and BTS videos were to accompany a piece about the birth of Broadway, and how Jews helped shape the Broadway we know today. I didn’t anticipate that it would be such an emotional day. To be in community, with my favorite artists, all Jews, made me feel proud, and giddy, and most of all, safe. We laughed, and sang, and hugged, and joked, frustrating the photographer, because we couldn’t stay still. We were all so excited. It was like a family reunion. At the end, we all just looked at each other, with tenderness, knowing each others lived experiences as Jews, and vowed “Same time next year!” Like at the Passover table every year when we end the seder with “next year in Jerusalem.” I ended up crying on the ride home overwhelmed with the power of the experience; being seen. We Jews have spent our lives trying to disappear. To not make too much noise, to not offend, to hide our ethnicity, because our DNA told us we weren’t safe. It was dangerous. And we were hated. That day we celebrated our heritage. The joyousness , musicality, humor , exuberance, and warmth of our people. And we celebrated the magical gift that is Broadway, that is our legacy. No one knew what was to happen to our people on Oct 7. And the terrible aftermath. We just had a few hours of connection, and I will never forget it. Read the full story and watch the full video and article at the link in my bio. Credits: Photographer: @jasonschmidtstudio Writer: @nytimes chief theater critic Jesse Green #broadway #jews #community #celebration