BibleDudes Blog

Edward Paul Cohn, the rabbi at Temple Sinai here in New Orleans, wrote an interesting opinion piece for the local paper explaining why we should not celebrate Mardi Gras this year. He says that such displays of “empty-minded frivolity” will appear “pathetic” and “out of touch” and hurt New Orleans’ chances of receiving government aid in rebuilding. Cohn further states “I am mindful of the message of our Jewish prophets, whose impassioned words would have unhesitatingly denounced the gross wastefulness and hubris of Mardi Gras.” But I’d like to remind him about Isaiah 20:3, where the great prophet went around naked not just on Mardi Gras, but for three whole years. I personally will be celebrating Mardi Gras with my family and friends, especially this year. I do in fact mourn those who are dead, and I include myself in the lot of sufferers. And as we fight in New Orleans to maintain our unique heritage in the face of assimilation following disastor (with obvious parallels to the experiences of ancient Israel), my family and I will do just about all we can to watch parades, laugh, eat and drink excessively, and above all: score some beads. We’ll take Qoheleth’s advice: “There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25).