sephardic / MIZRACHI JEWRY (L-Z)

JHVC

 

910.039

The Last Marranos  (1990)

Las

In the late fifteenth century, the glory of Sephardic Jewry on the Iberian Peninsula came to an end. In 1492, the Jews of Spain were expelled; in 1497, the Jews of Portugal forcibly converted. Now they were subject to the Inquisition's harsh punishment for heresy. Despite the danger, however, many of the converted—called marranos (or pigs) by Christians—continued to secretly practice Judaism. Five centuries later, The Last Marranos takes a fascinating look at the village of Belmonte, Portugal. Its rites and prayers are an amalgam of Christianity and bits of Judaism tenaciously preserved through the ages, a tradition that bears the scars of history—distorted by clandestine practice and couched in symbols of fear. Now, brought into the open and reacquainting itself with mainstream Judaism, the community faces a new challenge.

 

1 hr. 5 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

 

781.7

MOROCCO: THE MUSIC OF THE JEWS OF MOROCCO  (Jewish Music Heritage Library, Vol. 5)

Jew

(1994)

 

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. This volume explores the music of the Moroccan Jews of North Africa, who developed their own musical form by adapting Hebrew texts to melodies of their Arab neighbors. Many of these songs were Messianic in nature. The film includes many scenes of Moroccan Jews, both in Israel and Morocco, and a variety of their songs. Among the Moroccan singers and groups featured are performances by singer Shlomo Bar and the Habrera Hativit Ensemble.

 

28 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

 

JHVC

 

910.039

Routes of Exile: A Moroccan Jewish Odyssey  (1982)

Rou

Since Jewish traders settled in the Land of the Berbers more than 2,000 years ago, Moroccan Jewry has had a unique culture, mingling Jewish and North African influences. It also constitutes one of the most successful models of political and religious coexistence in the Islamic world. But with the upheavals of the twentieth century, the question is whether Moroccan Jewry will retain its character and identity into the twenty-first century. Routes of Exile traces the history of this branch of Jewry—from the first "Berber Jews" to the vast migration and new tensions set off by the creation of the State of Israel. The film takes a particularly probing look at the most recent stage of the journey—social and political changes in Israel, the struggle for identity in France and Canada, and the increasing isolation of the remnant that remains behind in Morocco.

 

1 hr. 30 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

 

909.04

THE SEARCH FOR DELIVERANCE (1491-1789)  (Heritage: Civilization and the Jews, Chapter V)

Her

(1984)

 

Part of the “Heritage” series which chronicles over 3,000 years of Jewish history, thought, and culture. This chapter looks at the bustle of Jewish life in Amsterdam, Constantinople, Safed and Venice in the wake of the expulsion from Spain; the flourishing of Polish Jewry. Topics covered include “The Expulsion from Spain and Its Aftermath,” “Jews in the Italian Renaissance” and “The Zenith of Polish Jewry.” Study guide available.

 

1 hr.  AGE: 12 to Adult

 

781.7

SEPHARAD: THE MUSIC OF THE JEWS FROM SPAIN  (Jewish Music Heritage Library,

Jew

Vol. 2)  (1993)

 

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. As this video opens, over 500 years have passed since the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. Despite having scattered to the far corners of the globe, Sephardic Jews have managed to preserve their rich musical heritage. This video enables the viewers to hear and learn about the rich tradition and beautiful music of the romanceros (Ladino love songs), as well as lullabies, wedding tunes, songs of mourning, and melodies from the synagogue. Features Mira Zakai, Uri Revah, Eva Pitlik’s Vocal Ensemble, Mabat, Esther Boro Dafka-Ben Yair, Julide Avzaradel, and Ofrah Hadad.

 

27 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

 

910.039

THE SEPHARDIC JOURNEY

Sep

A concise review of Jewish life in Spain through 1492 presented by Yeshiva University Museum. Note: Still shots with narration.

 

15 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

 

914.6

SONG OF THE SEPHARDI  (1978)

Son

A feature-length documentary musical film about Sephardic Jewry—its language, words, music and traditions. The film pictorially tells the story of the Sephardim from the Golden Age in Moorish Spain through the years of the Inquisition and the Expulsion in 1492. Also shows the dispersion of the Sephardim to Istanbul, Salonica and Amsterdam. Study guide available.

 

1 hr. 15 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

 

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

 

781.7

TEIMAN: THE MUSIC OF THE JEWS FROM YEMEN  (Jewish Music Heritage Library, Vol. 4)

Jew

 (1993)

 

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. This volume looks at the music of Yemenite Jews which combines the unique traits of an unusual sense of togetherness and an abundance of musical talent. Mourning for the destruction of the Second Temple resulted in the prohibition of using musical instruments. Yemenite Jews, stringent in their observance, accepted this ban literally, and instead of developing the playing of musical instruments, they perfected singing and rhythm, drumming and dancing. The songs sung by Yemenite men are drawn from the Diwan—a compilation of poetry dating back 300 years—and their songs had a 3-part structure. Yemenite women composed their own ballads, mainly around issues of love and family. The video includes a description and reenactment of preparations for a Yemenite wedding. Features Achinoam Nini (Noa), Gil Dor, Noam Sheriff, Aharon Amram, The Bnei Teiman Group, Inbal Dance Theater, and Ofra Haza.

 

27 min.  AGE: 12 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

 

910.039

TREES CRY FOR RAIN: A SEPHARDIC JOURNEY  (1989)

Tre

Traces the Spanish roots of the substantial Jewish community in Turkey through exploring the life of Rachel Amado Bortnick, who grew up in Turkey and is one of the last generation of native speakers of Ladino. Includes songs, stories, photographs and traditional foods from Jewish Turkish life. Study guide available.

 

30 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

 

910.039

WE ARE SEPHARDIM: THE JEWS OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL  (1991)

We

Discusses the Sephardim in Spain and Portugal and their journeys to new homes after the Expulsion in 1492. Producer Esther Mizrahi Weissman, a Sephardic Jew, narrates this film—which feels like a visual lecture. Note: Not recommended for group viewing.

 

25 min.  AGE: Adult

 

F

WOMEN  (1996)

Wom

Set in the Sephardic Jewish community in Jerusalem at the end of the 19th century, this Israeli drama looks at the relationships which evolve when two women share a husband and a household. The story concerns Rebecca, a pious woman who desperately loves her husband, Jacob, a well-respected rabbi. After 15 years of marriage, the couple remains childless. Out of love, Rebecca decides that her husband must have a child and convinces him—despite his protests—to take a second wife. She chooses the young and beautiful Sultana—the daughter of a scholar who had died. Sultana has loved and admired Rebecca since she was a child, and agrees to the marriage out of her respect for Rebecca. The situation that develops is something that none of them had planned on. A fascinating film which gives viewers a realistic view of the complexity of polygamous marital situations, commonly found in the Bible. Directed by Moshe Mizrachi and starring Michal Bat Adam.

 

In Hebrew with subtitles. 1 hr. 38 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

 

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