
This post offers the 12-page script of a creative play designed to supplement or replace the reading of the Book of Jonah on Yom Kippur afternoon. A novel way to bring out the deeper meaning of the biblical story, the play is set at a memorial service for the prophet, Jonah, taking place one week after his passing. Jonah is eulogized by four characters who put him in historical context and turn him into a relateable, human character. The main theme of the play is the balance between justice and mercy, as seen through Jonah’s personal transformation from a strict, harsh, Prophet of Doom, to a person of forgiveness, understanding and love. Created by Robert Saks (rabbibobs@aol.com), this script was shared on Ritualwell.org, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices.