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(DVD)

Uneven drama about Daisy (Claire Danes), a shy Jewish teen in a New York prep school, who develops a crush on Ethan (Jude Law), the most popular guy in school. Although Daisy is a quiet bookworm, a poem that she writes attracts Ethan’s attention. The two become a pair – much to the disgust of Ethan’s friends. Daisy has an extremely close relationship with her grandmother (Jeanne Moreau), a Holocaust survivor. They share secrets and innermost thoughts, and are inseparable – almost like best friends. Frequently, the grandmother tells Daisy bits about her experiences in the Holocaust, shown through flashback scenes. A repeated scene shows how the grandmother’s best friend rejected her because she was a Jew.

This theme of anti-Semitism is repeated when Daisy’s classmates learn she is a Jew (Daisy is blonde and no on suspected her of being Jewish). First, Daisy finds an anti-Semitic clipping on her locker and eventually, Ethan breaks up with her, telling her that she’s different and “too intense.” Daisy is overwrought with grief but by the end, viewers are led to believe that the love and strength shared with her grandmother will carry her through. Note: The film grapples with many important ideas but doesn’t seem to quite hold it together. A rating of PG-13 was given probably for some obscene language (Daisy has difficulty saying swear words and the grandmother tries to get her to say them aloud as a means to release her anger). Teachers should preview before using this in a classroom.

80 min.  AGE:  13 to Adult

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296.833

In Her Own Time  (1985)

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When Barbara Myerhoff, whose life as an anthropologist has been dedicated to the studies of community, learns that she is dying of lung cancer, she decides to document her own search for solace in the spiritual community of Jewish religious observance. Myerhoff engages in a journey through the pathways of Judaism while studying the life of an Orthodox community in Los Angeles. A secular academic accustomed to a life of individuality and independence, she nonetheless feels herself drawn to living in a way that is more intensely Jewish, more bound by rituals and traditions. Her quest for a place for her soul is the basis of In Her Own Time, as much about life as about dying.

50 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

301.412

ISRAELI WOMAN: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE  (1988)

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This film looks at feminism in Israel as seen through the eyes of four diverse Israeli women—including Knesset member Shulamit Aloni, an Orthodox businesswoman, and the former Israeli Miss Universe.    Produced by Hadassah.

12 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

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LEFT LUGGAGE (1998)

Beautifully filmed production about Chaja, a modern young Jewish women in 1970s Belgium who takes a job as a nanny for a Hasidic family, the Kalmans. Chaja is a rebellious philosophy student who has a strained relationship with her parents, both Holocaust survivors. Her mother tends to nag and push food while her father is constantly digging holes in the ground, searching for the luggage he buried with family photos and heirlooms during the Holocaust. When she begins working for the Kalmans, Chaja has a rather negative attitude towards Judaism which changes as she learns to respect aspects of their way of life. Chaja also forms an attachment to the Kalman’s youngest son – a boy who doesn’t speak. Through her experiences and involvement with the Kalman family, Chaja grows as an individual and is first able to have more of an understanding and appreciation of her parents. A sensitive and moving film with a wonderful performance by Isabella Rosellini as Mrs. Kalman. Also stars Maximilian Schell, Laura Fraser, Topol and Jeroen Krabbe (who also directs).

1 hr. 40 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

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A LEGACY OF GOODNESS: FRENCH RESCUERS DURING WORLD WAR II (The Ruth

Leg

K. Hartz Story)  (1997)

Companion piece to the biography Your Name is Renée, by Stacy Cretzmeyer. This is the true story of Ruth K. Hartz, a young French Jew who was separated from her parents when she was four years old and hidden from the Nazis in a convent. While there, she was told to deny her faith and take on the name “Renée.” This video shows highlights of Ruth and her husband’s return visit to France in 1996, where they met the families who rescued them—in unrehearsed interviews both with the rescuers and their children and grandchildren. Those interviewed express how little is taught in France to children today about France’s collaboration and heavy involvement with the Nazis. Extensive Teaching Guide available. Note: As the video is comprised primarily of interviews (and Ruth Hartz talks in a stilted manner), the film may not hold the interest of young people unless they have previously read the book. This is a good supplemental source for Holocaust units, but would not be a first choice for classrooms with limited time. Weapons of the Spirit or The Courage to Care are stronger films about Righteous Gentiles.

Interviews are in French with subtitles. 28 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

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A LETTER TO MOTHER (A Brivele der Mamen)  (1938)

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One of the last Yiddish films to come out of Poland before the Nazi invasion, this drama shows the disintegration of a Jewish family due to poverty, stress and World War I. Its central character, Dobrish (played by Lucy Gehrman), is a strong Jewish mother who works hard to keep her unemployed husband and three children close—and close to tradition. The film is set both in the Ukraine and in New York—as part of the family has already immigrated to America. Although the film takes place during World War I, its themes of loss and deterioration of the family structure mirror difficulties facing European Jews in 1939. Directed by Joseph Green.

In Yiddish with subtitles. 1 hr. 40 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

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MADAME ROSA  (1977)

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Academy Award-winning French drama about an aging Jewish ex-madam (a Holocaust survivor) who makes her living taking care of the young children of prostitutes in a Paris ghetto. Among the children in her charge is a Moslem boy, whose mother left him there when he was small and never returned. The touching relationship between the older woman and this boy, whom she calls “Momo,” is the focal point of the movie. She protects and takes care of him, and as time passes, he has a chance to repay her kindness. Actress Simone Signoret gives a masterful performance as Madame Rosa who, despite her difficult life, has a soft spot for these children and wants the best for them. Directed by Moshe Mizrahi.

In French with subtitles. 1 hr. 44 min.  AGE: 16 to Adult

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MAMELE (Little Mother)  (1938)

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Yiddish musical starring Molly Picon as Khavtshi, the youngest daughter of a widower who takes care of the house and family of seven. She does her best to please them all and to be their “little mother”—but her efforts are met with indifference and scorn, and they all take advantage of her generous nature. Eventually Khavtshi is pushed to her limit and runs away from home, only to discover love where she least expected to find it.

In Yiddish with subtitles. B&W. 1 hr. 30 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

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MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR  (1957)

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Drama based on Herman Wouk’s novel about a beautiful 18-year-old American Jewish girl in the 1930’s who wants a career in the theater. She leaves her family for a season of summer stock theater and falls in love with an assimilated Jewish songwriter/producer at an east coast resort—and learns a great deal about love and life through the relationship. We watch her development from a sheltered, innocent college coed to a woman of the world. Predecessor to the “Jewish Princess” stereotype found in later American films. Stars Gene Kelly and Natalie Wood.

2 hrs. 5 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

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ME AND MY MATCHMAKER  (1996)

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Lively documentary about a Jewish matchmaker, made by a non-Jewish, single filmmaker. Irene Nathan decided to enter the matchmaking business after her son had grown, to help single Jews meet each other. At the time the film was made, she had been in the business for sixteen years in Chicago, where she is an active member of the Orthodox Jewish community. The film opens with a potpourri of snippets of some of Irene’s clients—they tell her what they’re looking for in a future spouse and later give their reactions to the dates Irene has arranged for them. Viewers are also treated to a good dose of the matchmaker’s philosophy about relationships between men and women. A close friendship develops between filmmaker Mark Wexler and Irene, as she advises him on his own romances—and warns him to stay away from her Jewish clients unless he plans to convert (advice he doesn’t always follow). Note: An enjoyable and enlightening film which can be used to generate discussions about modern relations between Jewish men and women, exploring perceptions they have of each other which often create barriers.

55 min.  AGE: Adult

French film tells the story of the 25-year friendship between two young Jewish women who met during a ballet class at age seven. As children, both felt like outsiders among their peers: Ethel was overweight and Mina wore glasses. As they become young women of the world, however, differences emerge and the friendship suffers. Mina becomes a successful, but melancholy and introspective artist; while Ethel becomes an attractive, free-living, freelance journalist. The film follows the pair as they periodically meet on the same park bench and discuss their lives over the years. As time passes, they grow further and further apart. Eventually, both women fall in love with the same man, and tragedy ensues. Winner of the “Palme d’Or” at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival.

In French with subtitles.  2 hrs. 10 min.  AGE:  17 to Adult

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Mirele Efros  (1939)

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No playwright had more impact on the character of the Yiddish theater than Jacob Gordin. Gordin was born in the Ukraine and moved to New York at the turn of the century. On New York's Jewish radio, his plays became renowned for their sophisticated narratives that expounded on the ideals of “menschlichkeit”—the practice of honesty, decency, and devotion to family and community. Mirele Efros, often called the "Jewish Queen Lear," is considered Gordin's masterwork. It tells the story of a pious widow named Mirele who handpicks a wife for her oldest son, Yossele. But after the wedding, Mirele discovers that her new daughter-in-law, Shaindele, is selfish and conniving. The resulting conflict between mother, son, and wife provides fertile ground for exploration of themes inherent in Gordin's works. Note: Subtitles are faded and often hard to read.

In Yiddish with subtitles. B&W. 1 hr. 20 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

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MISS ROSE WHITE  (1991)

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Young career woman Rose White and her father learn that Rose’s sister, who they haven't seen for 15 years, has survived Auschwitz and will be joining them in America. When the sister, Luisa, arrives, she carries with her the anguish of the Holocaust and a bitterness towards her father for not getting her out of Europe in time. An additional theme deals with American assimilation, as Rose has changed her name from Rayzel Weiss and hides her Judaism from her friends and co-workers. An Emmy Award-winning film starring Maximilian Schell, Amanda Plummer and Kyra Sedgwick. Based on the play “A Shayna Maidel” by Barbara Lebow. Note: Can be used to relate to Holocaust units as well as to the Americanization of Jewish immigrants.

1 hr. 35 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

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MY MICHAEL  (1975)

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Israeli classic film based on the book by Amos Oz. The story concerns two young people, Michael and Hanna, who meet, marry and have a child in the divided Jerusalem of the late 1950’s. As time passes, Hanna becomes increasingly unhappy in the marriage, and has passionate daydreams about Arabs she knew when she was young. Michael, a geologist, is a non-emotional man, whose life and routines run as precisely as a clock. As time passes, Hanna becomes increasingly dissatisfied, and longs for something greater in life. Stars Oded Kotler and Efrat Lavie. Note: A disturbing film. Viewers would benefit from prior background knowledge before viewing and may wish to compare the film with the novel. Includes brief scenes of nudity.

In Hebrew with subtitles. 1 hr. 35 min.  AGE:  Adult

Powerful dramatization based on the true story of a Jewish housewife who was arrested by the Hungarian police in 1944. The film is based on the autobiographical play and novel by Hungarian author George Tabori, about events in the life of his mother. Pauline Collins gives a stellar performance as Elsa Tabori, a good natured and likable Hungarian woman who is arrested while shopping and is forced onto a train with thousands of other Jews for deportation. When Elsa realizes the truth of her situation, she takes a courageous stand which results in saving her life. The film includes both humor and satire, and some very dark scenes. Directed by Michael Verhoeven (director of The Nasty Girl and The White Rose). Note: Tabori appears in the film as the narrator, himself. 

In German with subtitles. 1 hr. 28 min.  AGE:  17 to Adult

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NOA AT SEVENTEEN  (1982)

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Complex drama involving the struggles of a seventeen-year-old girl as her family and peers debate over the ideology of the Kibbutz Movement. This follows the historical split in the Kibbutz Movement in the early 1950’s between classical Russian socialism and a more liberal socialism influenced by the West. Noa and her peer group mirror the debate of the adults. Noa must decide whether to finish high school or follow her youth movement friends to kibbutz—whether to conform or stand apart as an individual. A powerful film dealing with the rights of the individual as well as depicting ideological issues from Israeli history.

In Hebrew with subtitles. 1 hr. 26 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

Alex Baldwin plays U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson in this TNT made-for-TV mini-series about the Nuremberg trials. Unlike the classic Judgment at Nuremberg, this film uses real names – and aims to dramatize what actually happened at the Nuremberg trials. Jackson’s aim was to represent the Allies and to prosecute high-ranking Nazis for their crimes against humanity. The film also examines the psychology of the Nazis on trial, examining what type of individuals could commit such heinous crimes. Based on the book Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial by Joseph Persico. Also stars Jill Hennessey, Brian Cox, Max Von Sydow and Christopher Plummer. Brian Cox won an Emmy Award for his incredible performance at Nazi Herman Goering. Goering was a shrewd and manipulative man who could quickly shift from charismatic and charming to a brutal psycho. Note: As a drama, this film should hold the viewer’s attention and give them some feeling for what these trials were about. It does not have the powerful impact of the film, Judgment at Nuremberg, even though Nuremberg attempts to follow the details of the actual Nuremberg trials, where Judgment at Nuremberg is more fictionalized. Note: One brief section during the trials contains some actual graphic black and white footage of liberation of the concentration camps.

2 hr. 59 min.  AGE:  14 to Adult

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OFRA HAZA: FROM DUSK TO DAWN (1983)

The late Israeli popular singer, Ofra Haza, performs in three different settings: a popular  Jaffa nightclub, an air force base and a Yemenite club. Her music reflects her strong Yemenite background and her performance reinforces her reputation as one of Israel’s greatest vocalists.

In Hebrew.  42 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

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ONE SURVIVOR REMEMBERS  (1995)

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A remarkable Holocaust testimony. Survivor Gerda Weissman Klein tells of her experiences during the Holocaust in this Academy Award-winning short documentary. She tells of her separation from family; the hunger and hard work in the slave labor camp on the German/Polish border; and the death march, during which she lost all three of her close friends. A haunting portrayal which will linger in the mind long after viewing. An excellent resource for classes where survivors are not available for live testimonies. Note: The opening segment includes some very graphic film footage and may not be suitable for all audiences. Facilitator may wish to “fast forward” about one minute and begin with Klein’s story.

40 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

Christine Lahti stars in the true story of Dr. Gisella Perl, a Jewish gynecologist who was a prisoner in Auschwitz during the Holocaust and performed abortions on Jewish women to save their lives. When the film opens, Perl is meeting before an Immigration and Naturalization panel investigating her application for U.S. citizenship. The committee is questioning whether or not she was a collaborator with the Nazis. Dr. Perl, a practicing physician in 1947 New York, is appalled by this inquiry and the bulk of the film is done in flashback, showing her experiences during the Holocaust. Viewers see Perl growing up in Hungary, becoming a doctor and raising a family. In 1944, she was deported on cattle cars to Auschwitz and forced to work in the infirmary with Dr. Josef Mengele. When Perl sees that both pregnant women and infant babies born in Auschwitz are murdered, she decides to perform abortions in the camp to save women’s lives. Gisella Perl survives the Holocaust, loses her family, deals with the guilt of survival, and attempts to start a new life in America. Years later, she finds herself being interrogated as a possible traitor. Christine Lahti delivers a powerful performance and the film opens many critical issues for discussion. Based on the autobiography, “I Was a Doctor in Auschwitz” by Gisella Perl. Note: Contains nudity and violence. Some scenes are quite disturbing and raise ethical issues for group discussion.

2 hrs.  AGE:  15 to Adult

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THE OTHER SIDE OF FAITH  (1990)

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Personal narrative about a 16-year-old Catholic teenager, Stefania Burzminski, who risked her own life and that of her younger sister to save the lives of 13 Jews in Przemysl, Poland, during the Holocaust. The narrative alternates between Stefania telling her story, and her husband—one of the Jews she saved—telling of his war experiences. Together, they brought 13 Jews into the attic of an apartment, and Stefania sheltered and fed them all for two years, until the war ended. Stefania is a religious Catholic—one of the Righteous Gentiles who showed rare courage and faith. Study guide available.

27 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

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

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PICK A CARD (Afula Express)  (1997)

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Winner of six Israeli Academy Awards, this upbeat romantic comedy depicts a modern relationship between a likable and rather zaftig (substantially built) young couple. David and Batia are representative of ordinary young people who dream of a better life. The two have moved to Tel Aviv from Afula (not the most desirable Israeli city) in an attempt at upward mobility. David dreams of being a famous magician instead of the car mechanic he was in Afula—a trade he learned from his father. This becomes comically problematic, as he is totally devoid of talent in the magic department. Batia works as a checker in a grocery and dreams of getting married and having a family—instead of working in a mundane job to support her loafing boyfriend. Eventually, their dreams collide, and the film takes a few unexpected turns—forcing each to make choices grounded in reality. Note: Includes profanities and an explicit sexual scene.

In Hebrew with subtitles. 1 hr. 35 min.  AGE: Adult

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A PRICE ABOVE RUBIES (1998)

Controversial, high-charged drama which takes a harsh look at women’s roles in Hasidic Jewish society. Renee Zellweger plays Sonia, a high spirited young Hasidic woman in Brooklyn who is deeply frustrated by her role as wife and mother and longs for something more from life. When her husband’s brother, Sender, offers her a job in his jewelry business, Sonia jumps at the change to escape the monotony of her life. As her parents were gemologists, Sonia has an extensive knowledge of the diamond industry and does well in business. Sonia’s husband (a flat character) is a Torah scholar who exalts his studies, Torah and devotion to the Rebbe above anything else (including Sonia). His brother, Sender, on the other hand, is unscrupulous, cynical and dishonest. He takes advantage of Sonia’s need and emotional instability and actually rapes her (and maintains a sexual relationship). Later in the film, Sonia discovers a Puerto Rican jewelry maker who makes exquisite and artistic pieces. Her relationship with him causes her to eventually be excommunicated from her society – and from her child. Note: Zellweger gives a passionate and intense performance as Sonia. The filmmaker, Boaz Yakin, gives a biased and two-dimensional portrait of Hasidic society. The men are self-centered and the women are oppressed and not viewed as individuals by the men. Viewers should know that this is far from an objective portrayal of Hasidic Jews – and evaluate it accordingly. A highly discussable film. Rated R. Contains partial nudity and mature subject matter.

2 hrs. 56 min.  AGE:  17 to Adult

221.95

QUEEN ESTHER  (Hanna-Barbera's Greatest Adventure Stories)  (1991)

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In this animated Bible story presented in the framework of three contemporary children traveling back in time, Esther marries King Ahasuerus and saves the Jewish people from the wicked Haman, who wishes them all killed.

30 min.  AGE: 4 to 10

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QUEEN ESTHER: FAR AWAY AND LONG AGO  (Mysteries of the Bible Series)  (1994)

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Part of a series of videos produced by The Arts and Entertainment channel which utilize a scholarly approach to investigate stories of the Bible—and explore which parts we know to be true from historical and archaeological sources. This video follows Biblical and historical scholars as they explore in-depth the story of the Book of Esther. Could a woman of Persia have come to such power, and was there actually a King Ahasuerus? Why was the Book of Esther the only book of the Old Testament missing from The Dead Sea Scrolls? Scholars journey to the ruins of the ancient Persian Palace of Persepolis in the desert of Iran to cast further light on this story.

50 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult