What an odd St. Patrick’s Day to be in this on-going state of pandemic. Though we still can’t celebrate in person, at a bar, marching in the parade or even a large family gathering, there are ways to enjoy the day. Since it was also city proclaimed to be Malachy McCourt Day, this season should be filled with culture pf sort. There are still several online events.
One really intriguing event is being sponsored by The Glucksman House titled, “The Tenor of Irish-Jewish Relations in 19th-20th Century New York.” Moderated by NYU’s Dr. Miriam Nyhan Grey at the American Jewish Historical Society, it takes place Wednesday, March 17, 7pm.
This discussion with Dr. Hasia Diner and Dr. Jeffrey Gurock, as the text says, “questions the long-accepted visions of Hibernians and Hebrews at constant loggerheads and looks to complicate the historical narrative with examples of common ground and cooperation.”
Dr. Diner will speak to the histories of American Jews and Irish American’s entwined with each other starting in 19th century. In these encounters, Irish Americans, who had been in the United States longer and had established crucial power bases in the nation, served as mentors, models, and mediators for the Jews.
Dr. Gurock will take us into the 20th century describing the welcome Jews received at an Irish-Catholic University during the inter-war period, with a special emphasis on Jewish athletes becoming institutional standard bearers for St. John’s University. Culminating in a tale of the unusual “get along” attitude obtained between the Irish and Jews in a post-war Bronx neighborhood.
For more info and to register go to: http://irelandhouse.fas.nyu.edu/page/home
In addition, Tourism Ireland this year is bringing the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to homes across the globe. A 90-minute virtual event features live musical performances, dance, and a few special appearances. It will be broadcast live on March 17, 2021 from 5:30 – 7pm. For music, dance and endless craic (Gaelic for fun) Tourism Ireland brings St Patrick’s Day to you. Tune in on March 17th. For more info and to register go to: ireland.com/StPatricksDayAtHome
Instead of marching in the parade, as they have done for several years, the Irish Business Organizations is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by holding a virtual Open House starting at 6:30pm. As they noted in their announcement, “The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter though we can’t celebrate in person yet. But we won’t let that stop us from our annual gathering, so stop by.”
The IBO Virtual Open House features award-winning author, comedian, and broadcaster Colm O’Regan, dancer, entertainer and spoons virtuoso Niall O’Leary and singer Sheena Mullan — who will accompanied by Will Woodson (on flute, uilleann pipes) and Caitlin Finley (on fiddle). All will be on ZOOM. Go to the site to register: https://ibonewyork.org/event-4210227