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GREAT JEWISH ACHIEVERS (2002)

Created to instill Jewish pride, this film highlights some of the great achievements Jews have made in a wide variety of fields. The film is divided into five separate sections (listed below) showcasing a total of 425 Jewish achievers including diverse talents such as Albert Einstein, Sandy Koufax, Bob Dylan, Houdini and Levi Strauss. The sections can be shown independently or in groups, but it is not advised that the entire documentary be shown in one sitting. This lively and upbeat production utilizes two modern teenagers to narrate the documentary and provide brief commentary. Note: Great Jewish Achievers is ideal for classroom use or family education settings and may be used to stimulate further research into noteworthy Jews – or as a springboard for discussions on Jewish identity. Study guide available.

Part I:  Music, Art and Literature – 13 minutes.

Part II:  Stage, Screen and Television – 11 minutes.

Part III:  Business, Politics and Law – 9 minutes.

Part IV:  Great Jewish Athletes – 10 minutes.

Part V:  Inventions, Science and Medicine – 12 minutes.

56 min.  AGE:  11 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