398.2

AARON’S MAGIC VILLAGE (1995)

Aar

This animated, song-filled children’s movie is based on the stories of Nobel Prize winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer. The film was produced in France (although it is in English) and includes the voices of Fyvush Finkel and Tovah Feldshuh, as well as music and lyrics by Michel Legrand (Yentl) and Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof). The story concerns 10-year-old orphan Aaron and his old goat, Zlateh, who travel to Chelm (a village of fools) to live with Aaron’s Uncle Shlemiel, Aunt Sarah and their three daughters. An evil sorcerer steals the Chelmites’ magical book and creates a Golem, who he orders to destroy the entire world. Aaron sets out to defeat the sorcerer and save the world from the Golem’s destruction. The stories also include a Lantauch, a mischievous imp whose spells never work properly. Note: It is a real treat to view a full length animated Jewish film—although this one drags in spots and may not have the child appeal of popular animated features.

1 hr. 20 min. AGE: 5 to 10

F

THE DYBBUK (Der Dibuk) (1937)

Dyb

Fascinating Yiddish film of the classic play by S. Ansky, originally written in Russian. The story begins with two men who are best friends who make a pact—that if one has a daughter and the other a son, their children will be married. Years later, unbeknownst to all, that son and daughter meet and fall in love. The young woman’s father, however, has already betrothed her to a rich man. When her beloved learns of this, he dies and becomes a dybbuk—a disembodied spirit—and enters the body of the woman he loves. This Yiddish melodramatic tragedy was produced in Poland before World War II and will remind viewers of a whole culture and society that perished in the Holocaust. Note: This film is still very powerful today, shedding light on the world that was. Its segment of dances will remind viewers of the graveyard scene from Fiddler on the Roof, and viewers of "exorcist" films will see an early predecessor.

In Yiddish with subtitles. B&W. 2 hrs. AGE: 14 to Adult

398.2

ENOUGH ALREADY (1996)

Eno

Animated musical version of a classic Jewish folktale. A poor farmer goes to the Rebbe for advice on what to do about his small, overcrowded house. The Rebbe advises him to take in the farm animals—one by one. At the end, when the Rebbe tells him to remove the animals, the family is grateful for what they originally had. The film begins with the quote from Pirke Avot: "Who is rich? Those who are happy with what they have." Note: The animation is not exceptional, but the humorous plot and lively songs, set against klezmer music, will keep children engaged.

26 min. AGE: 2 to 6

F

THE GOLEM OF L.A. (1994)

Gol

A modern day Golem story set in 1990’s urban America. Ed Asner plays the elderly rabbi in the oldest remaining synagogue in Los Angeles. The story involves David, a contemporary young Jewish man studying to be a teacher, and his elderly, religious grandfather. David’s grandfather is very upset that his 75-year-old synagogue is about to be demolished to make way for luxury apartments. In desperation, he brings to life a Golem to help save the synagogue—not anticipating the consequences. The story highlights the generation gap and differences between a modern day Jewish teenager, who doesn’t see the need for old traditions, and the world of his Traditional grandfather, who doesn’t understand his grandson’s secularism. Note: Teachers may wish to read students a more traditional Golem story, such as The Golem, by Barbara Rogasky, Let’s Steal the Moon, or one of the picture book versions—and then compare this modern day version.

25 min. AGE: 10 to Adult

F

LE GOLEM: THE LEGEND OF PRAGUE (1933)

Le

French film set in medieval Prague, when the Jewish community is being threatened and victimized by a cruel Emperor and his followers. According to legend, in the year 1560, Rabbi Judah Loew (the Maharal of Prague) created a golem—a giant man made from clay. Using Kabbalah (Jewish mystical practices), Rabbi Loew brought the golem to life to save the Jews of Prague from destruction. This film takes place a generation later, when Rabbi Loew’s successor and his community are again faced with destruction. The golem must be revived to save the Jewish community’s leaders from execution. Note: This video was made from an older film which was not in prime condition. It is sometimes difficult to follow and will appeal most to devotees of historical Jewish film.

In French with subtitles. B&W. 1 hr. 36 min. AGE: 13 to Adult

296.439

TREES FOR TOMORROW AND TOMORROW (1987)

Tre

In the main story line, we see puppet Honi learning from an old man the value of planting a carob tree, even though it will not bear fruit for 70 years. This story’s Honi is based on Honi ha-Ma’agal (Honi the Circlemaker), a figure from the Talmud. The film stresses the importance of caring for future generations, the power of prayer, and the importance of doing a good deed without seeking a reward. Study guide available. Note: Teachers may wish to pair this video with the children’s book Honi the Circlemaker.

13 min. AGE: 5 to 10

F

THE WORLD OF SHOLOM ALEICHEM (1959)

Wor

Jewish stars from television’s Golden Age reenact three favorite Yiddish stories. The first, A Tale of Chelm (27 min.), was written by Yiddish storyteller Sholom Aleichem. It is about a melamed (Hebrew teacher) who lives in Chelm—the town of fools—whose wife sends him to buy a goat. Of course, when one makes a purchase in a town of fools, there are always surprises. The second story, Bontche Schweig (20 min.) is based on a tale by I. L. Peretz about a poor, defeated man—a man who has not known a moment’s hate in his life—who dies and goes to heaven. When he is asked what he wants the most, his answer brings tears to the eyes of angels. The last story, The High School (48 min.)—written by Sholom Aleichem—is about a couple who wish to break out of segregation by getting their son into a non-religious high school. Stars Gertrude Berg, Zero Mostel, Sam Levene, Morris Carnovsky, Lee Grant, Nancy Walker and Jack Gilford. Note: Will be enjoyed primarily by those looking for nostalgia of a past time.

B&W. 1 hr. 35 min. AGE: 13 to Adult