THE LAST KLEZMER: LEOPOLD KOZLOWSKI: HIS LIFE AND

MUSIC (1994)

Documentary that looks at the life of Leopold Kozlowski, a 69-year-old Klezmer musician who trained in Poland before World War II. The film follows Kozlowski as he returns, for the first time in 50 years, to Peremyshlyany, the Polish village where he was raised. Interspersed throughout the documentary are excerpts of Klezmer music as Kozlowski meets and performs with a variety of singers and musicians. Kozlowski also is reunited with a fellow survivor he hasn’t seen for 50 years.

1 hr. 44 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

940.54

A LEGACY OF GOODNESS: FRENCH RESCUERS DURING WORLD WAR II (The Ruth K. Hartz Story)

Leg

(1997)

Companion piece to the biography Your Name is Renée, by Stacy Cretzmeyer. This is the true story of Ruth K. Hartz, a young French Jew who was separated from her parents when she was four years old and hidden from the Nazis in a convent. While there, she was told to deny her faith and take on the name “Renée.” This video shows highlights of Ruth and her husband’s return visit to France in 1996, where they met the families who rescued them—in unrehearsed interviews both with the rescuers and their children and grandchildren. Those interviewed express how little is taught in France to children today about France’s collaboration and heavy involvement with the Nazis. Extensive Teaching Guide available. Note: As the video is comprised primarily of interviews (and Ruth Hartz talks in a stilted manner), the film may not hold the interest of young people unless they have previously read the book. This is a good supplemental source for Holocaust units, but would not be a first choice for classrooms with limited time. Weapons of the Spirit or The Courage to Care are stronger films about Righteous Gentiles.

Interviews are in French with subtitles. 28 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

796.357

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HANK GREENBERG (1999)

Hank Greenberg was baseball’s first Jewish star. This appealing documentary looks at this extraordinary athlete who was able to transcend religious prejudice during the Depression and World War II to become an American hero. Greenberg rose to fame as Hitler invaded Europe, raising the hopes of Jews everywhere. Includes excerpts of interviews with Hank Greenberg, his family members and friends, and others who talk about how he inspired them. The film alternates between clips of the interviews, clips of the time period and scenes from Greenberg’s life. Walter Matthau and Alan Dershowitz are among those interviewed, as are Greenberg’s baseball contemporaries and Greenberg’s brother and son. Rated PG for mild language.

1 hr. 35 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

921

THE LIFE OF EMILE ZOLA  (1937)

Zol

Actor Paul Muni stars in a film that chronicles the life of French novelist Emile Zola. Zola began as a young, poverty-stricken writer who achieved success as a champion for the oppressed in France. At a period in life of wealth and fame, Zola risked his career to come to the defense of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, the Jewish officer of the French artillery who was wrongly accused of treason. Zola wrote the famous “I Accuse” and stood virtually alone in his defense of Dreyfus, claiming that Dreyfus’ only offense was that he was a Jew. Winner of three 1937 Academy Awards including Best Picture.

B&W. 1 hr. 57 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

492.4

MASTER DREAMER  (1986)

Mas

A dramatized musical of Eliezer Ben-Yehudah's life and his dream of bringing Hebrew to Eretz Yisrael. The film shows how he changed Biblical Hebrew into the modern Hebrew language. Study guide available.

In Hebrew with subtitles. 1 hr.  AGE: 13 to Adult

940.54

MURDERERS AMONG US: THE SIMON WIESENTHAL STORY  (1989)

Mur

Powerful dramatization starring Ben Kingsley as Nazi-hunter Simon Wiesenthal, focusing on his efforts to gather evidence against Nazis—particularly Adolf Eichmann and Franz Murer (the “Butcher of Vilna”). The film opens with Wiesenthal being liberated from a concentration camp in 1945 and handing the Americans hidden drawings he had made of specific Nazis tormenting Jews. The American War Crimes Unit used Wiesenthal to help identify Nazis and to interview other survivors to document evidence for war crime trials. Flashbacks show Wiesenthal’s experiences in the camps. Wiesenthal later moved to Vienna where he continued his work tracking down Nazi war criminals—for Wiesenthal felt that before a witness leaves this world he “has an obligation to say something”. Note: Includes nudity and some extremely graphic and violent scenes.

2 hrs. 37 min.  AGE: 16 to Adult

Alex Baldwin plays U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson in this TNT made-for-TV mini-series about the Nuremberg trials. Unlike the classic Judgment at Nuremberg, this film uses real names – and aims to dramatize what actually happened at the Nuremberg trials. Jackson’s aim was to represent the Allies and to prosecute high-ranking Nazis for their crimes against humanity. The film also examines the psychology of the Nazis on trial, examining what type of individuals could commit such heinous crimes. Based on the book Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial by Joseph Persico. Also stars Jill Hennessey, Brian Cox, Max Von Sydow and Christopher Plummer. Brian Cox won an Emmy Award for his incredible performance at Nazi Herman Goering. Goering was a shrewd and manipulative man who could quickly shift from charismatic and charming to a brutal psycho. Note: As a drama, this film should hold the viewer’s attention and give them some feeling for what these trials were about. It does not have the powerful impact of the film, Judgment at Nuremberg, even though Nuremberg attempts to follow the details of the actual Nuremberg trials, where Judgment at Nuremberg is more fictionalized. Note: One brief section during the trials contains some actual graphic black and white footage of liberation of the concentration camps.

2 hr. 59 min.  AGE:  14 to Adult

940.53

ONE SURVIVOR REMEMBERS  (1995)

One

A remarkable Holocaust testimony. Survivor Gerda Weissman Klein tells of her experiences during the Holocaust in this Academy Award-winning short documentary. She tells of her separation from family; the hunger and hard work in the slave labor camp on the German/Polish border; and the death march, during which she lost all three of her close friends. A haunting portrayal which will linger in the mind long after viewing. An excellent resource for classes where survivors are not available for live testimonies. Note: The opening segment includes some very graphic film footage and may not be suitable for all audiences. Facilitator may wish to “fast forward” about one minute and begin with Klein’s story.

40 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

940.54

THE OTHER SIDE OF FAITH  (1990)

Oth

Personal narrative about a 16-year-old Catholic teenager, Stefania Burzminski, who risked her own life and that of her younger sister to save the lives of 13 Jews in Przemysl, Poland, during the Holocaust. The narrative alternates between Stefania telling her story, and her husband—one of the Jews she saved—telling of his war experiences. Together, they brought 13 Jews into the attic of an apartment, and Stefania sheltered and fed them all for two years, until the war ended. Stefania is a religious Catholic—one of the Righteous Gentiles who showed rare courage and faith. Study guide available.

27 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

Christine Lahti stars in the true story of Dr. Gisella Perl, a Jewish gynecologist who was a prisoner in Auschwitz during the Holocaust and performed abortions on Jewish women to save their lives. When the film opens, Perl is meeting before an Immigration and Naturalization panel investigating her application for U.S. citizenship. The committee is questioning whether or not she was a collaborator with the Nazis. Dr. Perl, a practicing physician in 1947 New York, is appalled by this inquiry and the bulk of the film is done in flashback, showing her experiences during the Holocaust. Viewers see Perl growing up in Hungary, becoming a doctor and raising a family. In 1944, she was deported on cattle cars to Auschwitz and forced to work in the infirmary with Dr. Josef Mengele. When Perl sees that both pregnant women and infant babies born in Auschwitz are murdered, she decides to perform abortions in the camp to save women’s lives. Gisella Perl survives the Holocaust, loses her family, deals with the guilt of survival, and attempts to start a new life in America. Years later, she finds herself being interrogated as a possible traitor. Christine Lahti delivers a powerful performance and the film opens many critical issues for discussion. Based on the autobiography, “I Was a Doctor in Auschwitz” by Gisella Perl. Note: Contains nudity and violence. Some scenes are quite disturbing and raise ethical issues for group discussion.

2 hrs.  AGE:  15 to Adult

362.6

POP  (1998)

Pop

Photographer Joel Meyerowitz created this heartwarming portrait of his “Pop”—his 87-year-old father, Hy Meyerowitz, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Meyerowitz takes his dad and his own grown son on a two-week road trip from Florida to New York City, where Hy was born. Photos and film clips of Hy’s past are intermingled with his reminiscences of special times in his life. Despite his Alzheimer’s, viewers see a vibrant and street-wise man who has lost his memory but has kept his vitality and zest for life. This bittersweet picture of a true survivor—a man who overcame obstacles with his optimism, drive and force of personality—was created by a son who loved him and wanted to show others who his father really was. Note: Some language is unsuitable for young viewers.

1 hr.  AGE: Adult

944

PRISONER OF HONOR  (1991)

Pri

Drama based on the true story of Alfred Dreyfus. A French colonel is brought up on charges after his discovery that Dreyfus was wrongly convicted of treason, largely due to French anti-Semitism. Starring Richard Dreyfuss.

1 hr. 30 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

921

RABBI KOOK: A MEETING OF WORLDS  (1990)

Koo

Documentary of the life of the first Chief Rabbi of Israel, from his childhood in Poland through his immigration to Palestine and his involvement with the secular and religious community in Israel. Rabbi Kook acted as a bridge between the religious and the secular Jews, and he became a symbol for the Religious Zionist Movement known as the Mafdal. Note: Dry for students.

45 min. AGE: 14 to Adult

940.54

RAOUL WALLENBERG: BETWEEN THE LINES  (1985)

Rao

Documentary about Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat whose fight against the Nazi campaign to exterminate the entire Jewish population of Budapest saved the lives of 100,000 Jews. His heroic efforts and wrongful imprisonment by the Russians after the war is told through interviews with colleagues, Holocaust survivors, newsreels and rare footage.

Color/B&W. 1 hr. 25 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

921

RASHI: A LIGHT AFTER THE DARK AGES  (1999)

Ras

Animated drama about the life of Rashi, one of the strongest forces and role models in Jewish history. Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki), a medieval French scholar, is best known for the clarity and timelessness of his commentaries on the Bible and the Talmud. He was and still is the most widely studied commentator on the Bible. Originally a wine maker by trade, Rashi taught his daughters to read and write, debated theology and politics with his Christian neighbors, and defended the right of Jews to spiritual choice when the Crusades began. This video illuminates Rashi’s life and work for young people and adults alike. Produced by Rabbi Berel Wein. Study guide available.

56 min.  AGE: 11 to Adult

940.53

SCHINDLER  (n.d.)

Sch

Documentary of Oskar Schindler, a spy for the Nazis and profiteer, who saved the lives of over 1,000 Jews. Includes interviews with Schindler’s widow; his driver; both Amon Goeth’s maid and mistress; and survivors and witnesses. Includes archive film and photos. Note: Includes scenes of atrocities.

Color/B&W. 1 hr. 22 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

940.53

SCHINDLER'S LIST  (1993)

Sch

Winner of seven Academy Awards, this film presents the true story of Oskar Schindler—member of the Nazi party, womanizer, and war profiteer—who saved the lives of more than 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. Schindler opened a crockery factory in Kracow after the German invasion of Poland. He was a shrewd manipulator who cooperated and socialized with the Nazis to gain their good graces, but employed a Jewish accountant to run the business. The accountant then hired a workforce of Jews. At the end of the war, Schindler used his fortune to buy back the lives of his Jewish workers from the Nazis, refusing to allow the workers to be shipped to extermination camps. Based on the book Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally. Directed by Steven Spielberg, with unforgettable performances by Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes. Study guide available. Note: This masterful Spielberg work was a primary force in bringing about Holocaust awareness in the 1990’s, after which Holocaust education became mandatory in many American schools.

The library has two versions of this video:Regular format and letterbox. B&W/Color. 2 cassettes.

3 hrs. 17 min. Rated R.  AGE: Adult

921

SEVEN DAYS IN NOVEMBER: YITZHAK RABIN  1922-1995  (1996)

Rab

Produced in Israel and using news clips from Israeli television, this video records the assassination of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the days which followed. It records the national mourning and public discourse from Rabin’s assassination on November 4, 1995, at a peace rally in Tel Aviv to the end of shiva. Film clips are also shown of important events involving Yitzhak Rabin and the history of the State of Israel. Note: Teachers may wish to preview and select a specific portion for classroom use.

1 hr. 20 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

781.7

Shl

The first portion of this video (1 hr. 24 min.) consists of a taped recording of a live concert featuring Rabbi Shlomo Carlbach – both a celebrated and a controversial personality in the Jewish world. Carlbach sings many of his classic songs, interspersed with inspirational words and stories. Following the concert is a 26 minute interview with Carlbach in which he talks about his past and how be became involved with Jewish youth, helping to light a spark of Judaism in their lives. Rabbi Carlbach stresses the importance for Jews today to be able to ignite young people to the depths and soul of Judaism, giving them a sense of spirituality as well as substance. Note: This video does not have a polished, professional feel but does bring viewers into the mind, heart and soul of this legendary Jew.

1 hr. 50 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

F

THE SUMMER OF AVIYA  (1989)

Sum

The story of one summer in the life of a ten-year-old girl, Aviya, during the first year of Israel’s independence. Aviya has lived in orphanages most of her life. Her mother, a Holocaust survivor who was a partisan fighter during the war, walks a thin line between sanity and madness. Aviya returns home to her mother for the summer in this emotionally powerful film. The viewer sees Aviya grow toward maturity as she struggles with some very difficult situations. The film also illustrates how the Holocaust scarred not only its survivors, but also their children. Note: This is a true story based on the life of Gila Almagor—a prominent Israeli actress who portrays her own mother in this film.

In Hebrew with subtitles. 1 hr. 36 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

JHVC

296.123

The Talmud and the Scholar  (1989)

Tal

A strong legal system helped Jews maintain a cohesive social structure for centuries. Ancient study houses worked with an oral tradition until the second century C.E., when the process of writing down the Talmud began. However, spoken discussion of the Talmud remains a vibrant aspect of Jewish study, as students follow the many threads of commentary and argument. The text becomes a "script" to be actively "performed," rather than passively read. One of the greatest contemporary scholars of the Talmud is Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. The Talmud and the Scholar examines Steinsaltz's thinking and teachings; it also discusses the Talmud's history and shows methods of studying its endless pathways. Besides being a tireless instructor comfortable with both advanced and beginning students, Steinsaltz is publishing a multi-volume edition of the Talmud in English, bringing the tradition to a new generation. The Talmud and the Scholar also shows the rabbi's personal side, following Steinsaltz to a wedding and the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem.

58 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

781.7

A TICKLE IN THE HEART  (1996)

Tic

Max, Julie and Willie Epstein are three elderly brothers who play Klezmer music together. Produced by a German, Swiss and American filmmaking team, this video tells the story of these Klezmer music legends, musicians of the past who are now on an international comeback tour. It alternates between clips of their performances in various locales and interviews with the brothers, who tell their stories and talk about their music. The men are lively, funny and a bridge between the past and the present.

B&W. 1 hr. 24 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

921

TO CONQUER THE MOUNTAIN—OR DIE: THE LIFE OF MENACHEM BEGIN  (1995)

Beg

Film biography of Menachem Begin, who joined the Jewish Legion in World War I and was a follower of Vladimir Jabotinsky and right-wing Zionism. Under Begin’s leadership, Jabotinsky’s Betar youth movement flourished in Poland. Begin helped smuggle Jews into Palestine and survived two years in a concentration camp. The film shows how Begin leads the revolt against the British in Palestine and follows major events of his life, ending with his role as Prime Minister of Israel. Includes historic film clips as well as interviews with Yitzhak Shamir and Ya’acov Meridor.

Color/B&W. 56 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

940.53

THE TRUCE  (1996)

Tru

Dramatization of Italian writer and Holocaust survivor Primo Levi’s “The Reawakening”—an autobiographical account of his liberation from the camps and his homecoming. Actor John Turturro plays Primo Levi, an Italian Jewish chemist who joined the Italian resistance in World War II and was deported to Auschwitz. The film follows Levi after liberation, showing his experiences on his journey home to Italy. Levi travels with a group of survivors and wrestles with his reawakening emotions as he adjusts to a new life in freedom. Directed by Martin Scorsese.

1 hr. 47 min. Rated R.  AGE: Adult

F

UNDER THE DOMIM TREE  (1994)

Und

Powerful coming-of-age story of Aviya, a teenage girl in 1950’s Israel. Aviya lives in a youth village created for troubled youth and orphans who survived the Holocaust. Aviya’s mother, a Holocaust survivor who was a partisan fighter during the war, has suffered so much emotional anguish that she is unstable and usually in a mental institution. Three main themes permeate this film: teens interacting and coming of age; the terrible aftereffects of the Holocaust on youth; and life in the early years of the State of Israel. Based on the book Under the Domim Tree and a sequel to the book and film The Summer of Aviya, the video depicts autobiographical events in the life of Israeli actress Gila Almagor. A poignant, moving and unforgettable film. Note: As this film portrays people who were emotionally scarred by the Holocaust, some scenes may be upsetting to youth. Teachers must preview and should provide some background to the class before viewing—and be prepared to handle discussions after viewing.

In Hebrew with subtitles. 1 hr. 42 min. AGE: 13 to Adult

William Hurt plays Varian Fry, the American journalist sent to France by the Emergency Rescue Committee in 1940 to save the lives of artists and intellectuals from the Nazis. Fry was sent to rescue 200 people in 3 weeks, and actually remained for months, rescuing over 2,000 refugees. Among these rescued include artist Marc Chagall and his wife, Franz and Alma Werfel, Heinrich Mann and Hannah Arendt. Note: Criticism has been made assaulting the validity of some of the facts as well as of the portrayal of Fry and his assistant, Miriam Davenport. A critique by Pierre Sauvage can be found in the “Study Guide” file for this video. Contains mature subject matter.

2 hrs. 2 min.  AGE:  Adult

940.54

THE VISAS THAT SAVED LIVES  (1992)

Vis

Japanese-produced docudrama about Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese Consul to Lithuania, who approved 1,600 visas to Jews against his country’s orders. The film shows both the personal and professional life of this man, and the difficulty he had making the moral decision to disobey his orders. Viewers also see the consequences that befell Sugihara and his family as a result of the choice he made. It was not until 1968 that Holocaust survivors found Sugihara in Japan, and in 1985 he was honored by the State of Israel as one of the Righteous Gentiles and given the Medal of Justice. Includes an interview with his widow. Note: A very well acted and moving film.

In Japanese with subtitles. 1 hr. 55 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

921

WEIZMANN  (n.d.)

Wei

Documentary of the life of Chaim Weizmann, the first President of the State of Israel. The film looks at his contributions towards Israel’s struggle for survival and nationhood. Includes his involvement in the Balfour Declaration, the international Zionist Conference in 1920, the British Mandate and the establishment of a Jewish state. Narration is British, and the film utilizes numerous still photos and illustrations. Note: As the film is lengthy, teachers may wish to select a portion for classroom viewing.

56 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

921

A WOMAN CALLED GOLDA  (1982)

Mei

Emmy Award-winning dramatization of the life of the late Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. Includes her childhood, her family life, her early Zionist years; her rise to Israeli Prime Minister, and her 1977 meeting with Sadat. Golda is portrayed as a symbol of dignity, humor and hope for mankind. Stars Ingrid Bergman, Leonard Nimoy and Judy Davis.

4 hrs.  AGE: 12 to Adult

This video, aimed at students, provides a basic introduction to the life and times of Anne Frank. It alternates between documentary footage of the progression of the Holocaust and dramatic scenes depicting Anne Frank (with readings from her diary). Interspersed also are brief interviews with Otto Frank and Miep Gies, among others who helped hide the Frank family. The film includes narration of the words of the diary while showing historical footage of what was actually taking place. Note: conducive for classroom use, particularly when The Diary of Anne Frank is being studied.

Color/B&W.  28 min.  AGE:  10 to Adult

JHVC

921

Yitzhak Rabin  (1995)

Rab

Yitzhak Rabin's life story is closely tied to the history of Israel. Born in Jerusalem in 1922, he was both a witness to and a key player in much of the young nation's most significant events. Drawing on historical footage and interviews with people in government, military, and the media who knew him well, this documentary traces Rabin's evolution from soldier to statesman, warrior to peacemaker. The film spotlights Rabin's role in Israel's War of Independence, his triumph in the Six Day War, his ambassadorship in Washington, his two prime ministerships, his marriage to Leah Schlossberg, and the celebrated 1993 handshake on the White House lawn—when he and the man who was once his worst enemy, Yasir Arafat, signed the peace accords. It depicts reaction both in Israel and internationally to the prime minister's assassination on November 4, 1995, as he attended a peace rally in Tel Aviv.

50 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

921

YITZHAK RABIN (1922-1995)  (n.d.)

Rab

Produced by the Yitzhak Rabin Center for Israel Studies, this short film briefly highlights the life of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin with a focus on his message of peace for Israel. It includes bits of the speeches of President Clinton and of Rabin’s granddaughter at the funeral. Note: The film is most suitable for usage by schools in their annual remembrance ceremonies of beloved Israeli leader Rabin (generally held on November 4, the secular calendar day of Rabin’s assassination).

12 min.  AGE: 11 to Adult