HOLIDAYS (SHABBAT)

492.4

HANALE AND THE SHABBAT DRESS (Chanele VeSimlat HaShabbat) and

Han

BERELE, BERELE  (n.d.)

Two separate stories are presented in this Hebrew children’s video. The first, commonly known as Hanale’s Sabbath Dress (28 min.), was written by Yitzhak Dmi’el and is a classic of Israeli children’s literature. It is about Hanale, whose mother makes her a new white dress for Shabbat—which she soils when doing a mitzvah for an old man. The second narrative, Berele, Berele (25 min.), is about a boy who invites friends for his fifth birthday party. Note: The Hebrew level is too difficult for most American students at the age level for which the videos are intended.

In Hebrew. 53 min. total.  AGE: 5 to 10

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 Shabbat:

The Sabbath. Gives the Biblical background of the Sabbath, explains why certain acts of labor are prohibited on Shabbat, and shows a family performing the Sabbath evening blessings and singing Shabbat songs. This segment ends with a demonstration and explanation of a Havdalah ceremony. Note: There is no washing of hands with its blessing prior to eating challah.

10 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

296.41

AN OASIS IN TIME  (1991)

Oas

Jews from many periods and places describe what the Sabbath has meant in their lives through personal reminiscences, diaries and journal readings. The film focuses on how scholars and Jews from all walks of life celebrate the Sabbath today. Study guide available.

1 hr.  AGE: 13 to Adult

296.41

THE SABBATH  (1983)

Sab

Four animated trigger films from Gesher which emphasize the importance of Shabbat as a day separate from the work week—allowing for rest and reflection.

14 min. total.  AGE: 9 to Adult

Faces. This story takes place on a Friday morning, and the main character’s “head” is a calculator, reflecting his job—as do the “heads” of all he meets. On the way home for Shabbat, people greet each other with “Shabbat Shalom,” and their “heads” all transform into human faces—symbolizing that on Shabbat people see each other fully as human beings.  (2 min.)

Haim’s Hoedown. Clay farmyard animals sing the question of what happens to farmer Haim on the one day a week he doesn’t farm. The house cat sings the answer—six days a week farmer Haim takes what he needs from nature, but on the seventh day he takes nothing and becomes a “friend” instead of a “boss” to plants and animals.  (3 min.)

Manna. Modern adaptation of the manna episode from the bible, with Israelites in ancient clothing loading shopping carts with plastic bags labeled “manna.” An announcement is made that on the next day—Shabbat—no manna will fall, so people should collect double manna today. Two skeptics sneak into the shopping area the next day and discover that there indeed is no manna. Emphasizes the importance of spending time with family versus working all the time.  (7 min.)

Timeout. A man is portrayed as so busy fixing his machines and appliances that he has time for nothing else. He is relieved when Shabbat arrives, and he can leave his “demanding tools” for a day. Emphasizes the danger of letting machines “dominate” us instead of “serving” us.  (2 min.)

296.41

THE SABBATH BRIDE  (1987)

Sab

British-made documentary about Shabbat which includes comments from a wide variety of rabbis in England, as well as Sabbath preparations and customs from a wide variety of Jews. After an introduction in which the background and reasons for Shabbat are presented, the film proceeds to show Shabbat preparations. With a backdrop of lively Jewish music and many interviews, the film follows a traditional Shabbat, from getting ready for the holiday and lighting candles to the Havdalah service on Saturday evening. Conversations with Orthodox, Reform, Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews are included.

52 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

296.41

SHALOM SHABBAT  (1994)

Sha

Lively children’s video which presents traditional and contemporary Shabbat songs and stories. Chaim Topol plays “Eliyahu” who visits with Israeli singer Hanny Nachmias’ classroom. Clay animation is used for the stories, which include “Yosef Mokir Shabbat” and the Hassidic tale of the boy who didn’t know how to pray. Perfect for family viewing.

45 min.  AGE: 4 to 10

781.7

SONGS FOR A SHABBAT  (1991)

Son

A group of Moroccan cantors from the USA, Israel and France gathered in Paris to sing hazzanut—religious songs—particularly songs of the Sabbath and love songs. These melodies are in the mode of Andalusian noubas. The cantors met in the Buffault Synagogue to share together in singing these living memories of the Moroccan community. The film includes explanations of the songs and alternates between scenes of the cantors singing and scenes of Moroccan Jewish life. From the French series Morocco, Body and Soul.

In French, Arabic and Hebrew with subtitles. 26 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

296.41

T.G.I.S. (Thank Goodness It’s Shabbat)  (1988)

Tha

A guide to the significance and customs of Shabbat as told by a young man recalling his childhood memories of visits with his aunt and uncle on Shabbat. The video explains Shabbat songs, blessings and traditions including Havdalah. Stars Theodore Bikel. Study guide available.

28 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

641.5

A TASTE OF SHABBOS  (1994)

Tas

Lubavitch Rebbetzin Esther Winner demonstrates how to prepare and serve a traditional Shabbat meal, including 15 different recipes: A Six-braided Challah, Gefilte Fish, Salmon, Babaganoosh, Fried Eggplant, Chicken Soup, Marinated Chicken, Cornish Hen Stuffed with Kishke, Potato Kugel, Broccoli & Cauliflower Kugel, Chocolate Cornucopia, Rugelach, a Strawberry Centerpiece, Heavenly Nuggets, and Rich Chocolate Cake. The film also highlights some of the rituals that are a part of a Traditional Shabbat. A booklet containing the recipes is included in the video case. Note: Sprinkled throughout the video are small lessons on Jewish customs provided by Chabad.

1 hr.  AGE: 12 to Adult