Last month, Jewlicious shared the story of NYC Orthodox Jewish comedian, Leah Forster.
Her show was cancelled at a kosher restaurant after the restaurant owner had his kashrut certification threatened (allegedly) by some rabbis from the Vaad Harabanim of Flatbush, Brooklyn.
If he allowed the performance, the certification (and the livelihoods of his family and staff) would be revoked.
But the show happened. Forster performed before a packed audience of over 120 in Brooklyn at the Garden of Eat-In.
For part of the show, Forster wore attire in the style of an ultra-Orthodox women. She modestly covered most of her arms and legs.
Did the publicity shame the rabbis into allowing the performance?
Perhaps.
Although the kashrut certification group denies having been involved in the threats, matza-mail, or refusal.
However, in order to perform, Forster, who identifies as Jewish and lesbian, was required to drop her complaint of discrimination with New York City’s Human Rights Commission.
She was also required to agree that her jokes would not mock or denigrate Jewish laws, and to “dress in accordance with Orthodox Jewish standards.”
The New Year’s Eve bash was hosted by Adina Miles, also known as “Flatbush Girl.”
Speaking of kosher certifications and restaurants, the West Side Rag, a Manhattan tabloid reports of four kosher food establishments that closed in the past few weeks on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. One owner complained that with rising and high rents, and the cost of kosher certifications ($5,000 a month for one owner), it was just too costly to continue.
