291.1

ABORTIONS AND EUTHANASIA  (In Two Octaves: A Debate of Eight Parts Between

In

Judaism & Christianity)  (1995)

Part 7 of an eight-part debate which took place in Jerusalem in 1992 between Professor Yeshaiyahu Leibowitz and Father Professor Marcel Dubois. In this segment, Dubois presents his personal views as well as those of the Vatican, both which believe in the sanctity of life. Leibowitz, also a medical doctor, says of abortion and euthanasia, “the prohibition on taking someone’s life requires no reasoning and cannot be reasoned. I either accept it or I do not.”

56 min.  AGE: Adult

296

ALEF...BET...BLAST-OFF!  (1995-1998)

Ale

Jewish children’s video series which illustrates how traditional Jewish values apply to modern life. In each episode, Mitzvah Mouse uses his magic matzah meal to whisk puppet children David and Rachel back in time to briefly meet important people in Jewish history—played by various real celebrities. Each episode focuses on one main story line, interspersed with songs and a brief skit about a specific Hebrew letter. Great for family viewing.

8 cassettes. Approx. 30 min. ea.  AGE: 4 to 8

You’ve Come to the Right Place - Episode 1.

This video deals with Jewish identity and taking pride in one’s Jewish heritage. David is troubled about how his Judaism makes him different from his friends. He and Rachel meet Mitzvah Mouse, who takes them back in time to meet Abraham, the first Jew (played by Elliott Gould). David learns to take pride in being Jewish. The song Am Yisrael Chai is sung, the Hebrew letter t (Alef) is introduced, and kids are interviewed, answering the question, “What do you like about being Jewish?”

Fixing the World - Episode 2.

Tikkun Olam—or “fixing the world”—is the focus of this video. When Grandpa Abe gives a job to a homeless man, David and Rachel are determined to do their part to help “fix the world.” Mitzvah Mouse takes the children back in time to meet Maimonides (played by Ed Asner), who talks to them about different levels of charity. The Hebrew letter introduced is c (Bet), and the song is Al Shalosha Devarim.

Lights of Freedom - Episode 3.

David and Rachel learn the meaning of freedom from their new friend, Talli, a Jewish Russian immigrant, who tells them how her family could not openly be Jewish in Russia. Then Mitzvah Mouse takes the kids back in time to ancient Egypt, where they become personal slaves to Pharaoh (played by Dom DeLuise) and really experience how important freedom is. The Hebrew letter a (Shin) is introduced, and the song is Oseh Shalom.

One Big Family - Episode 4.

David and Rachel’s mother, Deena, has planned a reunion of her International Jewish Youth Group at the store. The reunion seems doomed when one disaster after another hits the bookstore—but David and Rachel want to help. Mitzvah Mouse takes them back in time to Milwaukee to meet Golda Meir (played by Laurie Hendler), who is on her way to help build Palestine for the Jews. They realize that if young Golda Meir feels that she can help rebuild a nation, a group of friends should be able to rebuild a bookstore. The song Hinay Mah Tov is introduced, and the Hebrew letter n (Mem) is presented.

A Chanukah Mitzvah - Episode 5.

The entire family is preparing for Chanukah—except David, who wishes he could celebrate Christmas. He plans to play Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the school play. Mitzvah Mouse takes David and Rachel back in time to meet Judah Maccabee (played by Don Diamont), who shows them the importance of fighting for your beliefs. The Chanukah song Maoz Tsur is sung, and the Hebrew letter j (Het) is introduced.

A Whale of a New Year - Episode 6.

David loses his sister’s goldfish and lies about it. Mitzvah Mouse takes him back to Biblical times for a visit with Jonah (played by Avery Schreiber). Both David and Jonah learn that it’s important to admit when you’re wrong and take responsibility for your actions. David also learns that an apology is not always enough—a person should try to rectify the mistake. The song presented is Modeh Ani, and the Hebrew letter s (Dalet) is introduced.

Light Unto the Nations - Episode 7.

This video focuses on two main themes: immigration and sharing with those less fortunate than you. David and Rachel are both dismayed to learn that their mother has volunteered their home to host a famous Soviet dissident writer and champion of free speech. They are unwilling to share their rooms until Mitzvah Mouse takes them back in time to the 1880’s to meet Emma Lazarus at Ellis Island and learn about the importance of freedom.

The Whole Megillah - Episode 8.

David and Rachel don’t feel like celebrating Purim this year, as their parents are going on a trip and they are left home with Grandpa. Mitzvah Mouse whisks them back to ancient Persia to meet Queen Esther and watch her stand up for her people, the Jews. When the children return, they are eager to get to the synagogue and celebrate. Note: There is very little actual content about Purim. The only part of the Purim story actually dealt with is Esther telling the king about Haman’s request to have all the Jews killed.

F

THE ASSISTANT  (1997)

Ass

Based on the novel by Bernard Malamud, the story deals with anti-Semitism, ethics and romance, and takes place during the Depression. Frank is a young man who assists his friend in robbing the grocery store of an elderly Jewish man. Both robbers wore masks. Horrified by the anti-Semitic outburst of his friend, who beats the old man, Frank looks for a way to repent. He decides to go to work for the grocer and dedicates all his time and energy to the job. While working, he falls in love with the grocer’s beautiful daughter—doubly problematic since Frank is not Jewish and since he has never revealed his part in the crime. Stars Armin Mueller-Stahl and Joan Plowright. Note: Includes a few disturbing scenes with violent acts. This film does not include public performance rights and may only be used for home or classroom.

1 hr. 45 min.  AGE: Adult

Biography of Jewish artist and social activist Ben Shahn, retelling his life story and discussing his artistic work. Through documentary footage of the time period and interviews, the film explores Shahn’s past. Viewers learn about his experiences as a Russian Jewish immigrant child, his career as an artist, and his political and social activism. A running theme in Shahn’s work is his identification with outsiders and victims. He often combined realism and the abstract in his pictures. Images of many of Shahn’s paintings and sketches appear throughout the film, as well as photographs he took to inspire social reform. The film includes rare television and radio interviews with Shahn before his death in 1969, as well as interviews with his widow, his daughter and his biographer, Howard Greenfield.

56 min.  AGE:  13 to Adult

JHVC

305.8

Black to the Promised Land  (1992)

Bla

What happens when eleven black teenagers from Bedford-Stuyvesant—a tough New York City neighborhood of drugs, guns, and graffiti—spend ten weeks on a quiet Israeli kibbutz? How do these youths with "bad habits and unrecognized potential" adjust to the demands of kibbutz living? All they know of Jews are the black-garbed Hasidim whose communities border their own; all they know about Israel are the headlines. But when their teacher suggests the trip to the kibbutz, they're eager to go. With winning portraits of guests and hosts, Black to the Promised Land explores the different expectations of the kibbutz members and the black teens. Both were alien to each other and both were surprised by what they found. As the teens grapple with structure, responsibility, and boredom, the kibbutz is infused with the high spirits of their visitors.

1 hr. 35 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

174.2

THE BOTTOM LINE  (Horizons in Bioethics Series)  (1991)

Bot

Two separate stories are intertwined in this powerful dramatization of the involuntary treatment of the aged—the dilemma of when to medically intervene and who makes the decisions. One story focuses on a bright, independent 82-year-old woman with gangrene in her leg which threatens her life. Doctors wish to amputate against her wishes. The other story deals with a man with dementia who chooses to stop eating. Issues addressed include who decides treatment and whether treatment can be forced on patients against their will. Which is more important—life or quality of life? A very well produced film which is a perfect tool for teachers exploring ethical issues with their classes or for adult education. The video was developed by the Jerusalem Religious Council and follows halacha (Jewish religious law). Note: Discussion leaders must preview—the emotionally charged subject matter and realistic reenactments may be upsetting to some viewers. An accompanying book is available in the library under the title Compelling Issues: Involuntary Treatment of Parents, by Rabbi Yigal Shafran.

30 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

398.2

THE CHILDREN'S STORY COLLECTION: VOLUME 1  (1994)

Chi

Contains three stories from Jewish tradition animated with still illustrations by Joel Grishaver:

6 min. ea. Quality varies.  AGE: 6 to 11

Beryl the Tailor. Based on a story by I. L. Peretz. Beryl the tailor gets up in Shul one Rosh Hashanah and asks God, “If the Jews are Your chosen people, then why are the Jews constantly persecuted?” He tells God that he will forgive God, if God will forgive the Jewish people. Later, the rabbi approaches Beryl and tells him that God has accepted Beryl’s deal and forgiven the Jewish people. If only Beryl had held on a little longer, God would have forgiven not only the Jews—He would have forgiven the entire world!

If Not Higher. The I. L. Peretz story about the mystery of the rabbi who disappears every year right before the High Holidays. One year, a Litvak hides under the rabbi’s bed and watches as the rabbi disguises himself and goes on a mission of mercy. After that, when the rabbi disappears each year and congregants suggest he may be visiting heaven, the Litvak always adds, “If not higher!”

Why God Chose Mt. Sinai. An original Midrash animated with still shots and narrated by children. God has decided to give the Torah to Israel, and every mountain wants to be chosen as the Torah mount. God finally chooses Mt. Sinai—a quiet, modest little mountain which thought of others above itself. Note: The film has an amateurish quality, and the vocal portion is sometimes hard to follow.

Trigger film produced both to alert Jews to the way many Palestinian children are being trained to hate Israelis - and to try to encourage American Jews to work towards peace. It includes comments by Molly Resnick, a journalist and former NBC producer, who founded a group called MATCH (Mothers Against Teaching Children To Hate). She and other mothers have been working on a project in which American Jewish children draw pictures with slogans, which they combine, into hangings resembling patchwork quilts. The drawings encourage Palestinian children to like them. Note: Contains some upsetting clips.

17 min.  AGE:  14 to Adult

174.2

DR. GREY’S BABY  (Horizons in Bioethics Series)  (1999)

Dr

This videodrama, produced by the Jerusalem Religious Council, focuses on Jewish ethical issues involving fertility. Its hypothetical situation involves a doctor (“Dr. Grey”) who runs an experimental fertility clinic for couples, enabling them to design their own offspring. Secretly, he has been conducting his own experiment—growing a fetus in an artificial womb in a fish tank. Questions are raised as to the moral dilemmas of both situations. The video deals with an additional ethical dilemma, as Dr. Grey’s physician discovers that Dr. Grey has 2-3 months to live—and questions whether or not to tell him, as it may disrupt the experiment.

20 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

Dudu

Popular Israeli children’s video series, Bagan Shel Dudu in which singer, Dudu Fisher, plays a kindergarten teacher with a class in Israel. Each video consists primarily of songs which intermingle the daily lives of children with Jewish values. The series reinforces traditional Jewish values and are suitable for use by observant schools. Note: The songs are primarily in English with some Hebrew and English translations appear on the screen.

Approx. 30 min. each.  AGES:  2-7

NEW AND CAPTIVATING SONGS FOR CHILDREN – VOL. 1

                        Dudu is a new kindergarten teacher who sings 14 songs with the children in his class in Israel. Includes songs about thanking G-d, Shabbat, being kind to friends, Israel, Tzedakah and the blessings while eating.

27 min.

THE FRIENDSHIP TRIP – VOL. 4

Dudu Fisher takes his class on a class trip in Israel where they learn the importance of friendship and respect. This episode includes the story of Shimon Bar-Yochai as well as 14 songs. Related themes include saying Kiddush (the children actually pick grapes to make wine), honoring parents, the Jewish months, Lag B’Omer and helping others.

34 min.

574.5

THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S: ECOLOGY AS A RELIGIOUS CONCERN  (1990)

Ear

A re-examination of humanity's ethical responsibility to preserve and protect the earth. In this context, two scientists discuss the relationship between science and religion.

1 hr.  AGE: 12 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

305.8

THE EYE OF THE STORM  (1970)

Eye

Award-winning documentary of an experiment in prejudice conducted in 1968 in a third grade all-white classroom. Students were taught to discriminate against classmates based on eye color. One group was arbitrarily assigned privileges, while the other had rights restricted. The children’s behavior and abilities changed based on whether they felt superior or inferior. Study guide available. Note: Film is a bit dated, but still has value. It can be used with Holocaust units, or to discuss how prejudice and scapegoating can escalate, even among children.

25 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

F

THE FIRST SEVEN YEARS  (1998)

Fir

Wonderful adaptation of Bernard Malamud’s National Book Award-winning story. This drama takes place in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 1949 and tells the story of a shoemaker and his wife who have a daughter, Miriam, of marriageable age. They want her to have a better life than theirs, to marry a college boy; but they are unaware that she is in love with her father’s assistant, a Holocaust survivor. The film leads to an examination of what is most valuable in life. Stars Carol Kane and Israel Horovitz. Study guide available.

28 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

398.2

THE FIXER  (1995)

Fix

Video adapted from a slide show. Joel Grishaver tells and illustrates his version of the Jewish folktale about a man who “fixes things” and is happy to be alive and to work for his basic needs. A wicked king wants him to be miserable; but, ultimately, the fixer drives the king from his kingdom without having to resort to violence. Study guide available. Note: Can be related to the idea of “tikkun olam.”

9 min.  AGE: 6 to 11

Arthur Miller story set in early 1940s Brooklyn which examines themes of anti-Semitism, intolerance and the danger of being a bystander. Lawrence Newman (William H. Macy) is a very average sort of man, a meek ordinary businessman who lives with his mother and leads a quiet life. When the film opens, Macy witnesses the rape of a Puerto Rican woman outside his window but takes no action to help her – not even when a criminal investigator is looking for witnesses. Not long after, he becomes the victim as people mistake him for a Jew. Newman starts to wear a new pair of glasses that make him “look Jewish” and he becomes a target for discrimination among his neighbors and associates (Newman couldn’t see well before – both realistically and metaphorically). First, Newman loses the job he has held for 20 years in a publishing company. While searching for a new job, he meets, falls in love with and marries a woman (Laura Dern) who his neighbors think is Jewish. The two become ostracized and must decide whether to stand up to racism or try to fit in. Also starring David Paymer and Meat Loaf. Note: Based on Arthur Miller’s first novel, this work does not have the polish and power of some of his later pieces. William H. Macy is a fine actor, but it may be difficult for some viewers to believe that he would be mistaken for a Jew in this role. Rated PG-13 for thematic material, violence and some sexual content.

1 hr. 44 min.  AGE:  13 to Adult

170

FOR GOODNESS SAKE!  (1996 Education Edition)

For

Hosted by Dennis Prager, this short film deals with the subject of goodness—analyzing why people aren’t always good and offering suggestions on how to include goodness in our daily lives. An excellent, upbeat trigger film to instigate discussions about the importance of honesty, goodness and integrity in our lives. Humorous examples of the effects of goodness—or the lack of it—are portrayed through short sketches by Hollywood celebrities. Note: Highly recommended for classroom use. This film can easily be used by adult groups and for family discussions as well. Study guide available.

17 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

305.8

FREE TO BE?

Fre

This documentary raises questions about diversity and conformity in America today and in the past. It examines the concepts of ethnic, religious and political differences, and how our society has coped with them. The film ends with open-ended discussion questions dealing with assimilation versus keeping strictly within one’s culture.

28 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

361.7

THE GIRAFFE PROJECT: IT’S UP TO US  (1988)

Gir

This documentary tells the story of the “Giraffe Project”—a non-profit organization that finds and honors people who are “sticking their necks out” to make the world a better place. The film introduces some individuals who have won this award and tells what they have done to help others. Note: Perfect for units on “mitzvot” or “tikkun olam.”

28 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

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