Mock trial: Jews vs. Rebecca and Jacob

Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah presents a family-friendly day on Sunday, June 7, when questions about the lawfulness of some of the actions of some biblical personalities will be considered, and the audience will help decide the verdict.

Jury selection is at 4:45 p.m., the call to order at 5, and a verdict will be read at 6:30.

The charge is conspiracy. Did Jacob and Rebecca conspire to deceive Isaac? Did Isaac really bless the wrong son? Is Esau really so innocent in all of this?

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Attorneys for the prosecution and the defense will make their cases and call their witnesses. A judge and jury will rule, based on the evidence.

The mock trial is based on a recent one where attorneys Eliot Spitzer and Alan Dershowitz disputed the guilt of Abraham in the binding and near sacrifice of his son Isaac.

In Mahwah, Rabbi Joel Mosbacher will be Isaac; Rabbi Daniel Kirzane will be Esau; educator Rebecca McVeigh will be Rebecca; and senior youth group vice president Ari Mosbacher will be Jacob. Three lawyers will play the court officials — Amy Littman as presiding judge, Barry Cassell as prosecuting attorney, and Jack Schulman as defense attorney. The jury is the shul’s congregation — everyone 10 and older.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Mahwah’s Center for Food Action. The shul is at 280 Ramapo Valley Road. Call (201) 512-1983 or go to www.BethHaverim.org.