HOLIDAYs (PASSOVER)

296.437

THE ANIMATED HAGGADAH  (1985)

Ore

Through the imagination of a child, the story of the Exodus comes alive with clay animation. We witness the bitterness of slavery, the ravages of ten plagues, and the hurried departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Clay characters also take viewers through the order of the seder. Note: Good for family viewing; however, transitions within the film may be a bit confusing.

24 min.  AGE: 7 to 12

296.444

THE EMPTY CHAIR  (1981)

Emp

Deals sensitively with conflicts facing a divorced, single-parent family celebrating Passover.

22 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

296.437

THE FOUR SONS  (1988)

Fou

Three grown brothers discuss the methods and significance of Passover and how they will together prepare the traditional seder with their parents out of town. Includes singing of some “brachot” and traditional Pesach songs. With Theodore Bikel. Study guide available. Note: The film is mainly discussion without action—it may not effectively hold the attention of all viewers.

37 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

296.437

HA AFIKOMAN (The Afikomen)  (1987)

Haa

This joyous animated film takes you into the home of a family as they prepare for and participate in the seder. It depicts the blessings over the candles and matzah, the four questions, "Dayenu" and "Had Gadya." Highlighting the action are scenes where the children find the afikomen. Study guide available.

In Hebrew. 11 min.  AGE: 5 to 10

F

HOME FOR PASSOVER

Hom

Originally produced for a Jewish television program called “The Eternal Light,” this tale illustrates the theme of having faith in one’s fellow man. This drama is based on a Sholom Aleichem folktale and stars Gene Wilder and Sada Thompson. Note: The quality of the video is imperfect, as it was made from an old film. Mainly for fans of Aleichem or Wilder.

B&W. 30 min.  AGE: 14 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

296.43

LAMB CHOP’S CHANUKAH & PASSOVER SURPRISE (2002)

Lam

DVD

This DVD contains two separate programs: Lamb Chop’s Special Chanukah and Shari’s Passover Surprise. Both shows feature Shari Lewis and her puppet, Lamb Chop. The first tells the story of Chanukah and its traditions. In the second, Shari, Lamb Chop and special guests celebrate a traditional Passover Seder together and they learn about the story of Passover. Note: This is one of the few Jewish holiday videos that adults and older siblings will also enjoy - due to Shari Lewis’s special brand of humor and storytelling. DVD special features include a Lamb Chop interview, new sing-along songs and holiday crafts.

2 hrs. 8 min.  AGE:  2 to 6

296.437

LET’S BAKE MATZOS  (1998)

Let

Covers the entire process of producing Shmurah matzot. The film first takes viewers to visit the wheat fields, where the wheat is selected and harvested. The next stop is the grinding mill, where the wheat is ground into flour. Finally, the dough is prepared very quickly and baked in wood-burning stone ovens in the bakery. The video also illustrates the art of making Kosher wine—step-by-step, including the selecting of the grapes and scenes of the winery, where they are crushed, pressed and fermented. The video concludes by showing Jews shopping and preparing other items for the Seder table—and then burning their chometz. Note: This film has a Traditional viewpoint. Teachers who have limited time may wish to show only the first 12 minutes on matzo-baking.

25 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

296

LIGHTS OF FREEDOM  (Alef...Bet...Blast-Off!  Episode 3)  (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 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.

Approx. 30 min.  AGE: 4 to 8

296.4

THE MAJE CREATIVITY CENTER PRESENTS  (1988-89)

Maj

The talented staff of the Creativity Center presents three holiday festival puppet shows as celebrated on Sesame Street—Chanukah, Purim and Passover.

20 min. ea.  AGE: 3 to 8

F

MAKE A WISH, MOLLY  (1995)

Mak

Molly, a 10-year-old Russian Jewish girl, moves with her parents from New Jersey to California, where she is teased for her ethnic mannerisms. Molly is invited to her new friend’s birthday party—Molly’s first in America. However, the party falls during Passover, and Molly is faced with a dilemma. Her friend is having a very special cake, but Molly’s mother tells her she can’t eat it as foods with leavening are forbidden during Passover. Molly must decide whether it is more important to eat the cake and “fit in,” or to uphold tradition by abstaining from eating the cake and risk “standing out from the crowd.” An anti-Semitic episode adds to Molly’s problems, and Molly’s parents and teachers come up with a surprise solution which enlightens the whole class about ethnic diversity. Based on the book of the same title by Molly Cone and a sequel to the film Molly’s Pilgrim. Study guide available. Note: Not as well written or acted as the film Molly’s Pilgrim (and a little too “pat”), but still engaging for young people. A perfect springboard for discussions about ethnic diversity, accepting others, friendship, personal integrity vs. “fitting in,” Passover and the importance of keeping traditions, Soviet Jewry, and anti-Semitism.

30 min.  AGE: 5 to 14

641.5

MATZA 101  (1997)

Mat

Passover video which accompanies the cookbook Matza 101. The intent of the video is to demonstrate techniques for preparing the matza used in recipes found in the cookbook. Matzot are prepared by wetting and soaking them and utilizing different cutting and folding techniques. The video does not demonstrate the actual preparation of whole recipes—just how to make the matza malleable for use in the recipes.

17 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

726.3

THE MISHKAN  (1999)

Mis

Recommended by Israel’s Religious Education Ministry, this video shows in detail the components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the portable forerunner of the Temple, located in the center of the Jews encampment in the desert. The film uses computer-generated graphics as well as models to describe each part of the Mishkan. Also shown in detail is the prescribed clothing of the priests and of the “Kohen Gadol.” The film is halachically accurate. Note: The first six minutes is somewhat confusing, showing parts of the Mishkan without narration. Teachers may wish to skip ahead to where the speaking begins. The reference book The Tabernacle in the library provides an excellent source of further information.

26 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

221.92

MOSES  (The Bible Collection)  (1996)

Mos

Dramatization of the biblical story of Moses, great leader of the Jewish people. Includes the burning bush, Moses’ confrontation with Pharaoh, and the Israelites following Moses out of Egypt to Canaan. Stars Ben Kingsley as Moses.

2 hrs. 24 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

222.92

MOSES  (Great Figures of the Bible Series)  (1991)

Gre

Filmed in Israel, this video presents an in-depth look at Moses—The Agony of Power; The Story of Moses. The format alternates between reenactments of biblical scenes, displays of great biblical works of art, and Elie Wiesel, who adds his insights and commentaries. Note: Teachers may wish to preview for usage of individual segments.

1 hr.  AGE: Adult

221.95

MOSES  (Hanna-Barbera's Greatest Adventure Stories)  (1985)

Mos

In this animated Bible story presented in the framework of three contemporary children traveling back in time, Moses confronts the evil Pharaoh and, after a series of plagues, leads the Israelites out of slavery.

30 min.  AGE: 4 to 10

221.92

MOSES  (Old Testament Collection)  (1996)

Mos

Part of the Arts & Entertainment Channel’s “Biography” series. This video takes an in-depth look at the life of Moses including his birth and childhood; life in Egypt, and later Midian; the burning bush; freeing the Israelites from Egypt; receiving the Ten Commandments from God; and leading the Israelites out of Egypt through the wilderness of Sinai to the Promised Land. Jewish and Christian Biblical experts provide commentary against a background of old and rare paintings, artifacts and location footage.

1 hr. 30 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

221.95

MOSES THE LAWGIVER  (The Greatest Stories Ever Told Series)  (1993)

Mos

Narrated by Ben Kingsley, this film begins with the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. It includes Moses receiving the Ten Commandments atop Mt. Sinai and the 40 years of wandering in the desert, ending with the death of Moses. Note: Presentation is not terribly dynamic as it utilizes still shots of illustrations versus full animation.

25 min.  AGE: 7 to 10

F

MRS. KATZ AND TUSH  (Reading Rainbow)  (1993)

Mrs

“Reading Rainbow” is a PBS children’s video series which introduces quality picture books. In this episode, the children’s book Mrs. Katz and Tush, by Patricia Polacco, is read with close-ups of the book’s illustrations. This is a story of a cross-cultural friendship between an elderly Jewish widow, Mrs. Katz, and Larnel, her young African-American neighbor. The friendship deepens when Mrs. Katz agrees to keep a tailless cat Larnel has found, which she names “Tush.” The two celebrate Passover together and share a lasting friendship. The actual reading of the story takes 9 minutes, followed by host LeVar Burton’s visit to an elderly Jewish friend of his he refers to as his “bubbie”, who teaches him how to make challah, potato latkes and chicken soup with matzah balls. This segment covers 10 minutes, followed by children spending time with their favorite “older” person and some quick book reviews. Study guide available.

30 min.  AGE: 5 to 8

222.12

MY EXODUS  (1984)

My

An oral history of leaving Egypt told by six 8-year-old children who re-create the Passover story through fantasy role play, with interspersed animation. This choice of technique was based on the verse in the Haggadah, “In every generation, each person is obligated to view himself as if he personally went out of Egypt.” Produced by Torah Aura with animation by Joel Grishaver. Note: Should be previewed by teachers for suitability.

30 min.  AGE: 6 to 13

915.694

PASSOVER  (Shalom Sesame, Show 10)  (1991)

Sha

An evening of Passover programming starring Sarah Jessica Parker, with appearances by Anne Meara, Alan King and Mary Tyler Moore. In one segment, Meara bakes matzoh; in another, Parker—as adventurer Jerusalem Jones—jumps into the pages of the Haggadah with Kippi to search for the missing afikomen in ancient Egypt. Study guide available.

30 min.  AGE: 5 to 10

296.437

PASSOVER AT BUBBE'S  (Bubbe’s Boarding House Series)  (1990)

Pas

Bubbe (a puppet) and her friends—a host of colorful Sesame Street-type characters—are preparing for the Seder, when a talking Haggadah appears and transports them back to Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs.

42 min.  AGE: 4 to 7

Gila Almagor stars as Yona, the matriarch of a modern Israeli family who gather together to celebrate Passover. As is typical with many modern families, this family has its share of dysfunction. Yona suspects that Michael, her husband, is having an affair. Yona’s four children each have their own set of problems. Her oldest daughter is allergic to everything. One son is recently divorced and brings a new girlfriend to the Seder – problematic, as his ex-wife is there with their son. Another son comes in with his heavyset wife who doesn’t get along with his family, and the youngest son has an eating disorder. Add to this a group of grandchildren, and viewers will discover that families are the same across cultural boundaries – each with its own share of characters, heartaches and loving, wonderful moments. Note: Includes profanities.

In Hebrew with subtitles.  1 hr. 40 min.  AGE:  14 to Adult

296.437

A PASSOVER SEDER  (1994)

Pas

Elie Wiesel takes us through the highlights of a Seder with a combination of live action, original illustrations and animation. Wiesel shares some of his memories and poetic interpretations as well. Note: Perfect for family education as well as for use in schools.

30 min.  AGE: 6 to Adult

296.437

PASSOVER: TRADITIONS OF FREEDOM  (1994)

Pas

Documentary-style film about Passover illustrating a variety of Passover celebrations and traditions from around the world. Includes biblical and historical background, interviews, and shows how matzoh and kosher wine are made.

1 hr.  AGE: 13 to Adult

221.95

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT  (1998)

Pri

Animated musical feature film about the life of Moses, with special focus on the Exodus from Egypt and the Jews wandering in the desert. In this retelling, the creators of the film chose to portray Moses and Rameses raised as brothers and best friends—which is probably the most striking change from the Biblical story. The film begins with baby Moses being placed in a basket in the river by his mother after Pharaoh decreed that all Hebrew firstborn males be killed. Pharaoh’s wife finds Moses, rather than his daughter, and there is no mention of the midwives. Other deviations from the Traditional Biblical story include: Moses has no speech impediment, so Aaron doesn’t speak for him; Moses’ sons are not mentioned; Moses kills the Egyptian guard, but does not confront the fighting Hebrews or help the strangers at the well in Midian; Miriam and Tzipporah are more prominent in the movie than in the text; the Hebrew slaves talk about rebelling in the movie before Moses comes along; and there is no mention in the movie of eating unleavened bread or of a future commemoration of the Exodus from Egypt. Note: There is an excellent study guide available, written by Rabbi Elliot Dorff, Vicky Kelman and Dr. Ron Wolfson. The study guide lists the similarities and differences between this movie version and the text, comparing this film to a modern midrash—a distinct interpretation or retelling of a Bible story. Then it proceeds to list open-ended questions for discussion as well as major themes for discussion and study, including Jewish responses to these themes. Teachers must preview this film and use their own discretion as to whether or not the film is valuable for classroom use.

1 hr. 39 min. Rated PG.  AGE: 4 to Adult

Sed

(DVD)

Children’s DVD which uses puppets and animation to tell about Passover. Oogy is a young Jewish alien living on Planet Matzah Ball, a planet in which most Jewish traditions have been lost. When a book falls out of space onto Planet Matzah Ball, Oogy’s family discovers that it is called Passover in 3 Easy Steps. They decide to have their own Seder, but need a leader. Oogy volunteers to travel in his spaceship to Earth to bring back a leader. On Earth, Oogy lands in Cleveland and observes the Rosenberg family’s Seder. He meets their daughter, Jenna, who gives him a haggadah and an afikomen to take back home, where Oogy will become the Seder leader. Jenna tells Oogy the biblical story of Passover, which is shown onscreen with animation. Includes two original Passover songs and a rendition of Dayenu.

28 min.  AGE:  4 to 8

296.437

SHARI’S PASSOVER SURPRISE  (1997)

Sha

Shari Lewis and her puppet friends Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse and Hush Puppy share a Passover seder together with neighbors Robert Guillaume and Dom DeLuise (who cooks the dinner). Lamb Chop rehearses the Four Questions (in English) with the cat; Hush Puppy sniffs out the afikomen; and Charlie Horse learns about leadership from the story of Moses. The Judaic focus is mainly on the story of Passover and some Pesach traditions such as items on the seder plate, the Four Questions, the afikomen, and opening the door for Elijah. Includes original songs in English.

1 hr.  AGE: 2 to 6

296.437

A TASTE OF PASSOVER: A CELEBRATION OF THE JOYS AND MUSIC OF THE

Tas

HOLIDAY  (1999)

Hosted by Theodore Bikel, this special program for Passover consists mainly of songs performed by a variety of groups. Commentary for the program was written by humorist Moshe Waldoks, and the show features Cantor David Levine, Yiddishist Chasia Segal, and musicians from Boston’s New England Conservatory. A klezmer band, gospel choir, orchestra and children’s chorus perform as well. The songs span a variety of languages including English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino. Chasia Segal demonstrates how to make the perfect matzo ball, and Theodore Bikel talks about some of the Passover traditions. The concert includes sacred and traditional music as well as some lighter selections.

1 hr.  AGE: 10 to Adult