Tonight there was a “Shabbat 1000” dinner at Tulane. Apparently, this is something that is held around the country which attempts to bring together massive amounts of Jews to share a Shabbat meal. Because of the large number of people (not sure it was 1000 though,) it was held in the gym of the athletic center here. As you might imagine, the gym has terrible acoustics, so when the Rabbi (Orthodox Chabad) began speaking through a makeshift loudspeaker system, it was very difficult to hear and understand him.

Anyway, after the women lit the candles, the Rabbi was apparently forbidden to use electronic devices. I missed this transition because I was up wandering around. So I was quite surprised when I glanced to the dais to see the Orthodox Rabbi slamming the table in fury because he was being totally drowned out and was unable to get the attention of the rather talkative audience. It was just this brief moment, but he was pissed as hell and it made me laugh a bit. I must be evil. Anyway, he did regain some semblance of control (but really, what were they thinking?) and after a short inaudible service we were allowed to eat! Aah, redemption!