Krav Maga in the Temple Basement Starting This Sunday (Bagels to Follow)

by Rebecca Salzhauer

In the wake of an antisemitic attack, members of Temple Beth Shalom form a krav maga training group. The weeks pass. The drills get more intense. The table in the back always has bagels. But when self-defense bleeds into danger, the group has to grapple with what it means to be safe – and how far they’ll go to ensure that they feel protected.

In the wake of an antisemitic attack, members of Temple Beth Shalom form a krav maga training group. The weeks pass. The drills get more intense. The table in the back always has bagels. But when self-defense bleeds into danger, the group has to grapple with what it means to be safe – and how far they’ll go to ensure that they feel protected.

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Krav Maga in the Temple Basement Starting This Sunday (Bagels to Follow)

Recommended by

  • Premiere Stages at Kean University: Krav Maga in the Temple Basement Starting This Sunday (Bagels to Follow) by Rebecca Salzhauer
    “

    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize KRAV MAGA IN THE TEMPLE BASEMENT...by Rebecca Salzhauer as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. This play is an urgent and compelling exploration of safety, defense, healing, and violence, with distinct, engaging characters. Our congratulations and thanks to Rebecca.

    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize KRAV MAGA IN THE TEMPLE BASEMENT...by Rebecca Salzhauer as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. This play is an urgent and compelling exploration of safety, defense, healing, and violence, with distinct, engaging characters. Our congratulations and thanks to Rebecca.

    ”
  • Audrey Lang: Krav Maga in the Temple Basement Starting This Sunday (Bagels to Follow) by Rebecca Salzhauer
    “

    This play asks many more questions than it answers, yet I wasn't left feeling there were things unsaid at the end. It's a play that makes you think -- and the point is the questioning and the thought, not knowing the answers. The playwright authentically writes many distinct perspectives on Jewish identity and specifically antisemitism. I also love how this play doesn't make martial arts just about physical fighting, but shines a light on the mental tenets of the practice. #JPP15thContest

    This play asks many more questions than it answers, yet I wasn't left feeling there were things unsaid at the end. It's a play that makes you think -- and the point is the questioning and the thought, not knowing the answers. The playwright authentically writes many distinct perspectives on Jewish identity and specifically antisemitism. I also love how this play doesn't make martial arts just about physical fighting, but shines a light on the mental tenets of the practice. #JPP15thContest

    ”

Character Information

  • Deena
    board member, six am soulcycle, lawyer who can’t turn it off
    50s
    Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Jon
    board president, girl dad, emergency room doctor, eitan’s uncle
    late 40s-early 50s
    Jewish
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Eitan
    krav maga instructor, just moved back from jerusalem, jon’s nephew
    early-mid 20s
    Jewish
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Saul
    longtime congregant, class clown who’s seen some shit
    late 70s-early 80s
    Jewish
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Gabby
    part-time temple admin assistant, trying to figure it out
    early 20s
    Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Rabbi Danny
    gay rabbi, like if louis from angels in america played guitar on the bimah
    late 30s-early 40s
    Jewish
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Awards