398.2

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

Chi

Contains three stories from Jewish tradition animated with still illustrations by Joel Grishaver. Two of these stories pertain to the High Holidays:

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!”

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

781.7

HALLELUYAH: A CELEBRATION OF PSALMS HIGH HOLY DAY SPECIAL  (1996)

Hal

A musical celebration of Rosh Hashana which focuses on cantorial interpretations of psalms and features Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. The Jewish Theological Seminary produced this program which includes commentary by Rabbi Israel Feld, the Jewish chaplain at Smith College, and by members of the JTS faculty. The choir from the JTS cantorial school sings the psalms, often with guest cantorial soloists.

58 min.  AGE: Adult

296.4

THE JEWISH CUSTOMS  (1988)

Jew

This video has six brief segments, each highlighting a specific Jewish custom, ceremony or value. The following pertains to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur:

The Shofar. What is a shofar and when and why do Jews blow the shofar? This segment addresses these questions and shows how shofars are made. The three different types of sounds Jews traditionally blow on the shofar are demonstrated, and an explanation as to why these sounds were chosen is provided.

4½ min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

296.43

THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS VIDEO GUIDE  (1990)

Jew

Join a Jewish family on a journey through the Jewish calendar, rediscovering the history and practices of major Jewish holidays. The traditions and rituals of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Passover and Shabbat are presented. Guest celebrities Ed Asner, Theodore Bikel and Monty Hall share their favorite holiday memories. Note: Format is conducive to selecting single holiday segments for classroom viewing, although teachers should preview first. This film is most suitable for home use by families or to introduce Jewish holidays and customs to people of other faiths.

1 hr. 30 min.  AGE: 8 to Adult

221.95

JONAH  (Hanna-Barbera’s Greatest Adventure Stories)  (1992)

Jon

This fully animated video, presented in the framework of three contemporary children traveling back in time, retells the story of the prophet Jonah. Jonah was requested by God to go and tell the city of Nineveh to repent. When he disobeys God and tries to run away, he is thrown from a ship during a storm and is swallowed by a great fish. After three days and nights in the fish’s belly, Jonah prays to God and says he will do what God asks of him. Includes the story of the vine of gourds which grows to save Jonah and then withers. Note: The first 6-1/2 minutes of this video are commercials. Teachers should fast forward. Also, some of the women from Nineveh are depicted scantily clad, which may not be suitable for all audiences.

30 min.  AGE: 4 to 10

221.95

JONAH AND THE WHALE  (1992)

Jon

The story of Jonah retold for children with narration by Jason Robards. Stills versus full animation. Note: Should be previewed by Traditional audiences for suitability.

30 min.  AGE: 7 to 10

296.431

THE NEW BEGINNING: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JEWISH HIGH HOLY DAYS  (1994)

New

This award-winning video outlines the origin, evolution, symbols and traditions of the High Holy Days. It explains customs and major parts of the services, illustrating them with cantorial song, art and visual reenactments. An easy-to-follow, attractive presentation. Produced by UAHC. Study guide available. Note: Much of the film utilizes a Reform synagogue service.

24 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

296.431

NEW YEAR'S LEAVE  (1985)

New

Larry, a sailor in the U.S. Navy whose ship is docked in Haifa for repairs, is given a short leave at Rosh Hashanah time. He signs up for a special tour and learns the meaning of Rosh Hashanah from Yaacov, an unusual tour guide. Yaacov takes Larry to Kibbutz Gezer, the Old City of Jerusalem and through Haifa. The evening culminates in a Rosh Hashanah meal aboard an Israeli naval ship. Study guide available.

30 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

296.431

ROSH HASHANAH/YOM KIPPUR  (Holidays for Children Video Series)  (1994)

Ros

This video was produced for a multicultural series about holidays different cultures celebrate and is hosted by African-American folk performer Michael Keck. It presents symbols, customs, rituals and folklore of the High Holidays. Highlights include an animated story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments; an animated version of the story of the rabbi who disappears every year during Tashlich; three Jewish songs including “Hine Ma Tov” and “Shalom Chaverim’; a boy showing how he blows the shofar; a family baking challot; and a step-by-step craft project to make a New Year card. Note: This video is intended primarily for a non-Jewish audience, although it can easily be used with Jewish children. The style is upbeat and engaging, teaching about the holidays in a fun way. Teachers should be aware of some shortcomings, however. Pronunciation of “Tashlich” and “Slichot” are not perfect; the distinction between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is not clear; the explanation of “Tashlich” is incomplete; and the story of Moses fits more into Passover. The many positive aspects of the film, however, will outweigh these shortcomings for most audiences.

24 min.  AGE: 5 to 10

296.43

TISHRAY MONTH HOLIDAYS  (Parpar Nechmad Series)  (1989)

Par

Israel children's program in Hebrew which addresses Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah with puppets, songs and stories. Two additional Parpar Nechmad shows are included on this video—Flowers and Quiet Please. Note: The Hebrew spoken is intended for fluent speakers.

In Hebrew. 25 min. each show.  AGE: 6 to 10

296

A WHALE OF A NEW YEAR  (Alef...Bet...Blast-Off!  Episode 6)  (1995)

Ale

Part of a children’s video series in which puppets and real people illustrate how traditional Jewish values apply to modern life. In this episode 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.

Approx. 30 min.  AGE: 4 to 8