Oriental Entertainments

              Oriental Entertainments

MISS Ben-Oliel in Costume of Woman of Bethlehem


BROCKWAY BUREAU   MISS BEN-OLIEL, ANN ARBOR, MICH.



Miss Florence Ben-Oliel
AN English Christian Jewess, the daughter of the distinguished veteran missionary, Rev. A.  Ben-Oliel, born in Spain, where her father established the missions of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, she has had the advantage of residence and study in North Africa, England, Italy and Palestine, and of extended travel in three continents.  She has lectured in England, Scotland, Canada and many States.

That her work appeals to a wide public is shown by the variety of her engagements during the past four years.  Her entertainments have been popular at the leading Chautauquas, in Lyceum courses, before fashionable women's clubs, and as Christmas entertainments in our largest churches.  She has given courses of from three to six numbers for a number of colleges.  One winter she filled over eighty engagements in Chicago for many leading churches, the Klio and other clubs, without any advance agent, because at each entertainment she was booked for others.  At her first appearance in Evanston before Rock River Conference she was booked for over fifty-eight dates ere leaving the church.

The following is representative of what has been the case in many cites: Rev. J. I. Ladd, Pastor First M. E. Church, Elgin, Illinois: During the past three months, filling several separate engagements, Miss Florence Ben-Oliel has spoken on Oriental Life to Elgin audiences from forty to fifty times.  She has interested and instructed audiences of select literary clubs, others of hundreds of boys and girls, others of Sunday-school officers and teachers, still others of great Sabbath day church attendants.  Her entertainments throw a flood of light upon many passages of scripture.  They are at the same time enlivened with wit and picturesque.

Prof. Maynard Lee Daggy, Department of Rhetoric and Oratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Superintendent of Chautauquas: The lectures of Miss Florence Ben-Oliel are delightful.  By means of a very complete series of Oriental costumes, it is possible for Miss Ben-Oliel to add greatly to the charm of her entertainments, and thus amuse while she entertains and instructs.  Miss Ben-Oliel has a charming personality, a graceful platform presence, and a beautiful voice, all of which add to the strong impression which her platform work always makes.



SCENES OF LIFE IN THE HOLY LAND, Presented by Miss Ben-Oliel and 30 Persons in Palestine Costume

CHARACTERS PRESENTED:
Male Characters.—Bedouin chieftain, Shepherd, Scribe Rabbi, Townsmen, Turk Bethlehemite, Water Carrier, Boys.

Female Characters.—Bedouin Mother, Gypsy Bethlehemite Women and Maiden, Ramallah Women, Gaza Girl, Village Bride, Horned Lady, Turkish Lady, Moslem and Christian Women.




PROGRAMMES

I.
Village Life.—Greetings—Salute no man by the way—Women coming to market—Lost piece of silver—Chorus of rejoicing—Good measure * * * shall men give into your bosom.  Farmer—Hand to the plow—Sowing in tears—Keeper of the vineyard—Visit to a primitive village—Doctoring Arabs—Village home—Let them be as grass upon the housetop—A village wedding and Arab choruses.



II.
Desert Life.—A son of Ishmael—The seamless coat—Ancestral staff—Oriental salutations—Beduoin Chieftain greeting and entertaining guests—Washing of hands and feet—Bread covenant—Arab mother and babe in cradle—They shall carry thy daughters on their shoulders—Coat of many colors—Why Jael was a heroine—Desert women grinding at hand mill—Arab love song.



III.
City Life.—Men at a coffee house—A Turk—The forerunner—Travel in Palestine—The keeper—Calling upon the Name of the Lord—Ho, all ye thirsty—Pen of a ready writer—Arab school—Jewish wedding—Spanish song—Rabbi with philacteries and fringes—Procession—Moslem men chanting.

Shepherd Life.—The hero of Palestine—Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me—The bruised reed—Passing under the rod—My sheep know my voice.



SUNDAY REPERTOIRE
The blood covenant of the Orient—The Covenants of Friendship of the Orient—Prophesy Fulfilling in Palestine—Jerusalem and the Jews of To-day.

Rev. T. J. Monsell, Wall St. Methodist Church, Brockton, Ontario—Miss Ben Oliel's entertainments deserve the very highest commendation.  Many of the sayings and teachings of Christ took on a clearer and wider import.  The explanation of the meaning, with its far-reaching significance of the Water, Bread and Blood covenants was worth many times the price of a ticket for the entire course.

Presiding Elder Edwin A. Schell, Crawfordsville, Ind.—Miss ben-Oliel's addresses are all expository, illustrative and exceedingly helpful, the one on The Covenants is a masterpiece and makes a profound and religious impression.





Notes from the Religious and Secular Press
Mr. David D. Thompson, Editor Northwestern Christian Advocate—Miss Ben-Oliel, of Jerusalem, gives a delightful Oriental entertainment, consisting of Glimpses of Life in the East.  We heard Miss Ben-Oliel at the recent session of the Rock River Conference and we take pleasure in commending her and her entertainment to our churches and Sunday-schools.  She is a gifted speaker, and holds the attention of her audience, old and young, from the beginning to the close.


Commonwealth, Philadelphia
—Miss Ben-Oliel conducted a most admirable Oriental entertainment last Wednesday (in the church of the Rev. Dr. John Gordon) assisted by a number of young people.  She illustrated Bible customs greatly to the edification of a large audience.  Miss Ben-Oliel is giving her Oriental entertainment to the pleasure and profit of her audiences.  Her lecture is highly endorsed by many of the leading papers.


Canadian Churchman
—Much interest has been aroused among the churches of the city (Montreal) during the past few days by the addresses of Miss Ben-Oliel.  She is a very bright and interesting speaker.  At the conclusion the Bishop moved a vote of thanks, which was enthusiastically carried by the audience.


The Evening Record, Traverse City, Mich.
—The entertainments by Miss Ben-Oliel on Life in the Holy Land are among the most interesting features of the Conference.  By her vivid portrayals of life in the birthplace of Christ, she has made plain many passages of Scripture which have always seemed more like figures of speech than having a literal meaning.


The Racine, Wis., Daily Times
—Miss Ben-Oliel fulfilled every promise made by the management of the Chautauqua when they commended her as one of the finest attractions of the course.


Ottawa Journal, Ont.
—The entertainment at the Russell Theatre last evening by this accomplished Jewess, was as superb in presentation and unique in character as any which Ottawa audiences have been favored with during the season.  The large and attentive audience manifested their appreciation by the frequency with which they accorded applause to the wonderfully interesting work of this skillful lady.  Her Excellency the Countess of Minto and suite will be present at the performance Saturday evening.


Democrat Chronicle, Rochester, N. Y.
—Miss Ben-Oliel has a charming manner, an exceptionally pleasing voice, and a happy faculty of knowing what would most interest her audience of all the many interesting things about Palestine.


Evening Express, Buffalo, N. Y.
—Her eloquent words easily held the attention of her audience.


Standard, Syracuse, N. Y.
—A very inspiring talk on Palestine.  Her lecture was very bright, and she told many laughable anecdotes, which were enthusiastically received by the assembled students.


Record, Boston
—The lecture was made doubly interesting by a collection of costumes and implements of the country, which were displayed on the platform.


Morning Star, Rockford, Ill.
—A life-like portrayal of Oriental life.  Nothing short of a trip to Palestine could compare with it for giving a clear, vivid, lasting knowledge of the people in the far East.


University of Michigan Daily
—The unique entertainment given by Miss Ben-Oliel in Harris Hall, representing a series of scenes from life in Palestine, was thoroughly enjoyable and successful in every way.  The scenes were beautiful and interesting as well as instructive.


Portland, Me., Daily Press
—A very bright speaker, fully acquainted with her subject.

Prof. Amos R. Wells, Managing Editor Christian Endeavor World—To listen to Miss Florence Ben-Oliel in her representation of Oriental life is to be transported across the seas to Palestine and across the centuries to the times of our Lord.  It is all done with a beautiful grace and dignity, and with a deep insight into the meaning of Eastern customs.  Her addresses are full of enjoyment of every kind, now moving the audience with eloquence, now melting with pathos, now enlivening with wit.  No church or other Christian organization will make a mistake in obtaining her services.


What a Y. W. C. A. Lady Says
Miss Elizabeth Wilson, National Secretary of the Y. W. C. A.—Miss Ben-Oliel gave her illustrated lecture on Desert Life before the students and friends of the Secretaries' Institute of the American Committee, June 25th.  Her extensive and minute knowledge of Scripture Lands and people, their customs and ways of thought made the lecture very illuminating to her audience, all of whom were interested in the Bible study.  The lecture was extremely interesting and all present will wish to hear her again.



What a Y. M. C. A. Man Says
Mr. Chas. B. Hall, General Secretary Y. M. C. A., Sioux City, Iowa—Your portrayals of Oriental life are superb.  I have never received so much help from a Bible teacher as from you.  The books of prophecy have been made richer in meaning to me.  Every Association man should hear you.



What Sunday-School Men Say
Mr. David C. Cook, Editor New Century S. S. Teacher and S. S. Publications—It is with great pleasure that I give my unqualified endorsement to Miss Florence Ben-Oliel and her illustrated lectures on Life in the Orient.  I consider her work to be of the highest order and of inestimable value to the cause of Bible interpretation.  Besides, her lectures are intensely interesting to people of all ages and tastes.  I have seldom listened to any speaker who so completely charmed her audiences with her subject.  She shows a love for God and an enthusiasm which has an ennobling effect upon her hearers.

Mr. B. F. Mitchell, General Sec'y of Iowa State S. S. Association—The entertainments Miss Ben-Oliel gave for our State Convention were highly entertaining and instructive.  From all over the state have come words of appreciation, and we feel that her lectures were of great value to pastors, Sunday-school superintendents and teachers; they give all a much better understanding of the word, making the life of the Holy Land more real and making clear many passages of Scripture.



What a Club Woman Says
Mrs. Sadie Gray Cox, Former Sec'y of Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs—It was my good fortune to hear a series of lectures by Miss Ben-Oliel on Life in the Holy Land, at the Bloomington, Ill., Chautauqua.  It was the best account of Bible lands that I have ever heard.  The scenes from life are most realistic and entertaining.  Miss Ben-Oliel has a delightful personality and is a fluent and eloquent speaker.  The people of Bloomington were so charmed that two churches made arrangements for her return for other series of lectures.





PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS

What Pastors Say
Rev. Robert MacArthur, D. D., Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, New York—It was my good fortune last summer to hear at the Galesburg, Illinois, Chautauqua, Miss Florence Ben-Oliel in one of her delightful Oriental entertainments.  Miss Ben-Oliel is an English Christian Jewess of wide and varied culture, of charming speech and manners, and of earnest Christian purpose.  Her wide travels, linguistic attainments, careful studies, and varied personal experiences fit her admirably to discuss all Oriental matters in their relation to Biblical interpretations.  Her entertainments are marked by witty descriptions and by the flashing of light on many obscure passages of Scripture.  I heartily commend her to all churches and Chautauquas.

Rev. Edward S. Ninde, D. D., Pastor First M. E. Church, Ann Arbor—Miss Ben-Oliel is one of the most interesting lecturers on Palestine to whom I have listened.  She leaves the beaten paths and with her perfect knowledge of the people and the country, both as they now are and in their historic relation, she conducts her hearers into new fields, so that at the close of one of her lectures, even those most familiar with the Holy Land feel that they have received much fresh and helpful information, as a commentary on the Bible, nothing can surpass these illuminating talks.

Rev. Wm. Patterson, D. D., PastorBethany Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia—Miss Ben-Oliel has given four entertainments in the Bethany Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, and she is booked for two services next Sunday and another week night entertainment.  I look upon her as one of the ablest exponents of Eastern life and customs, which we have in this country.  To say that her entertainments are interesting and helpful would be putting the matter very mildly.  I can recommend her in the very highest terms.

Bishop Charles McCabe—At the recent session of the Central Illinois Conference held in Monmouth, Ill., I had the pleasure of hearing Miss Florence Ben-Oliel twice.  I was entertained and profited.  She evinces a wonderful knowledge of the Bible and her thorough acquaintance with Oriental costumes enables her to throw upon many passages of Scripture a new and beautiful light.  Her Bible lesson on The Blood Covenant is thrilling.  After hearing it, the Lord's Supper scenes take on a more wonderful meaning than ever to the believer.

Rev. Wm. M. Lawrence, Pastor Second Baptist Church, Chicago—I have never listened to a lecture which was more interesting and instructive than the one given by Miss Ben-Oliel in our church recently.  The good taste and reverence and the light it threw upon the Scriptures was especially pleasing.  I can most cordially commend her lectures to all who are seeking a delightful and acceptable method of church entertainment.

Rev. Wallace Ratcliffe, Pastor New York Ave. Presbyterian Church, Washington, D. C.—Miss Ben-Oliel gave Village Life for our Christmas entertainment, 1904.  It was unique, instructive, beautiful and exceedingly fine in every way, and altogether the best Christmas entertainment I ever saw.  I heartily commend her.

Rev. Cleland B. McAfee, Pastor Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn—A large audience followed Miss Ben-Oliel in her lecture, Desert Life, in our church, 41st Street Presbyterian Church, Chicago.  Much new light was thrown on the Scriptures and a new vividness was given to the human life of our Lord.  Expressions of appreciation were very pronounced after the lecture.

Bishop Oldham, India—Miss Ben-Oliel combines such clearness of description with close accuracy of knowledge as make her illustrations of Oriental life the most valuable I have seen on the public platform.  She is, besides, a young lady of much charm of manners.

Rev. Thomas Marshall, D. D., in Interior, Chicago—A lineal descendant of King David, Miss Ben-Oliel is just such a speaker as a child of that sweet singer might be.



What Chautauqua Men Say
Prof. M. G. Clark, Chairman Chautauqua Program Committee Princeton, Illinois—Miss Florence Ben-Oliel, gave a Sunday evening lecture before our Chautauqua Association last June to an audience of probably 2,000 people.  It is only fair to say that no lecturer of the season held the rapt attention of their audience better, and we had among our lecturers the best talent of the year.  Through a misunderstanding, our next Sunday evening was open and we wired Miss Ben-Oliel asking her to return and fill it.  Our auditorium overflowed; people hung upon the railings; the same intense interest was given her and the papers pronounced her one of the best hits of the season.  She will please any audience.

J. H. Ford, Manager Grimsby Park, Canadian Chautauqua—It was with great pleasure and interest that I listened to Miss Ben-Oliel's illustrated lecture on Life in the Holy Land.  She completely charmed the large audience at our summer Chautauqua.

Geo. H. Turner, Superintendent Old Salem Chautauqua, Petersburg, Ill.—I was more than pleased with your work with us during our recent assembly.  Your lectures were both illuminating and interesting.  Many cordial expressions of approval and appreciation of your work were overheard by me.

Rev. Henry Brandt, President of the Ohio B. Y. P. U., Mount Vernon, Ohio Assembly—We had Miss Ben-Oliel give three entertainments at our Hiawatha Assembly this year and the people were wonderfully pleased with her work.  Expressions of delight with what she brought us were heard on every hand and the attendance increased with each successive entertainment.

Mr. Robert Parker, Supt. of Fountain Park Assembly—Miss Ben-Oliel has given us two of her matchless entertainments.  We were charmed with her magnificent work and want to secure her for next year if possible.  Her wonderful interpretation of Scripture captured all of our people.

Elvin Swarthout, Sec'y Epworth Assembly, Ludington, Michigan—From first to last her work was of a high order.  She has succeeded in combining instruction with entertainment, so that neither is subordinated to the other.

A. C. Folsom, Supt. Pontiac and Rockford Chautauquas—Miss Ben-Oliel greatly pleased our people.  This series is fascinating, instructive and entertaining.  Miss Ben-Oliel is witty, entertaining and popular.

Mr. J. W. Mangey, Lancaster Assembly, O.—Any Chautauqua that wishes an original artist in the delineation of Oriental manners and customs as interpreted in their relation to the Bible will find such a one in Miss Ben-Oliel.  She held the rapt attention of her large audiences.



BROWN & WHITAKER, PRINTERS, HAMILTON, OHIO.