954

THE BENE ISRAEL: A FAMILY PORTRAIT  (1994)

Ben

Award-winning documentary which introduces three generations of the Wakrulkar family of the Bene Israel community—the largest of three groups of Jews living in India today. Through family members, we learn about daily life, stories, songs and rituals they observed in this community. They talk about the integration of Jews into Hindu society and the current state of their own community, which numbers less than 6,000 due to emigration to Israel. A fascinating close-up look at the lifestyle and unique customs of the Bene Israel.

In Marathi with subtitles. 33 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

954

THE LAST JEWS IN CALCUTTA: A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY (1995)

Las

This video is about the personal journey of a Jew named Albert Jacob who was born and raised in Calcutta and returns many years later to revisit the city and its Jewish community. He takes viewers to the synagogues, Jewish schools, hospital and cemetery. Includes interviews with Jews who currently reside in Calcutta and tell about their community there—past and present. Note: This video is more about a man exploring his past and his roots rather than a documentary about the Jews of Calcutta. Therefore, it will be more useful for individual versus classroom viewing.

43 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

781.7

TOWARD JERUSALEM: MUSIC OF SEVEN COMMUNITIES  (Jewish Music Heritage

Jew

Library, Vol. 7)  (1995)

Part of a series produced in Israel which attempts to develop a comprehensive documentary on Jewish music. Each volume introduces historical background and presents and discusses songs, lyrics and melodies of one particular group of Jews. Music of seven ethnic groups of instrumentalists and singers in Israel are highlighted, including ensembles from India, Persia, Iraq, Ethiopia, Kurdistan, Georgia and Tajikistan. The musicians were gathered from throughout Israel to perform in Jerusalem with Israeli rock star Ehud Banai. The video shows each of the groups in their own surroundings, with samplings of their music and a look at their unique musical instruments.

28 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

954

2,000 YEARS OF FREEDOM AND HONOR: THE COCHIN JEWS OF INDIA  (1992)

Two

Documentary which explores the history and current day culture of the Jews in Cochin, India, made by scholar and filmmaker Dr. Johanna Spector. Jews have lived in India since 72 C.E., and have always been allowed religious freedom in the city of Cochin. Includes interviews with the older generation of Jews who are saddened by the mass emigration of the younger generation to Israel, as well as conversations with the younger generation now living in Israel, who still maintain their unique traditions and Indian culture.

1 hr. 20 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult