296.436

ABOVE AND BEYOND  (1987)

Pur

This film talks briefly about how Chanukah celebrates heroes like the Maccabees. It focuses on and interviews three real modern day heroes of Israel—one each from the War of Independence, the Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War. Produced by the World Zionist Organization. Study guide available. Note: The opening and closing segments of the video involve three college students in Israel working on a video project about Jewish holidays. Teachers may wish to skip these—as the acting is poor and the situation is artificial—and focus on the segment which interviews the Israeli heroes.

25 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

Israeli short dramatic film about a common crisis found among Israeli families. A father drops off his son, an Israeli soldier, at a junction point to return to army duty after his weekend leave. Then the family hears on the news that there has been a bombing with serious casualties at the bus stop to which their son was headed. Anxiously, the family waits for news of their son – and they grow increasingly frantic as the hours go by with no word. Tension mounts as the young soldier’s sister calls hospitals and the mother tries to visit the morgue. A gripping drama about a situation (unfortunately) not unfamiliar to many Israeli families – which will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. 

In Hebrew with subtitles.  60 min.  AGE:  13 to Adult

F

THE BIG DIG (1969)

Israeli comedy by Ephraim Kishon which satirizes Israeli bureaucracy. The story focuses on a man who escapes from a lunatic asylum and steals a power drill from street workers. He takes the drill to the center of Allenby, one of Tel Aviv’s central streets, and starts to drill day and night. All around assume this is on official orders, including the Mayor and Department of Transportation. An entire crew comes in to dig up Allenby, each government department justifying it and looking frantically for the master plan from which the orders were generated. In a typically Israeli/Jewish comic twist, the sane and rational becomes “the lunatic” in this lighthearted hilarious comedy.

In Hebrew with subtitles.  1 hr. 29 min.  AGES:  14 to Adult

781.7

CHAVA ALBERSTEIN IN SONG  (1987)

Cha

Israeli vocalist Chava Alberstein sings a beautiful mixture of songs including songs of love and yearning, a lullaby, and an homage to Edith Piaf. This is not a concert performance. Rather, each song is presented separately, with the backgrounds of different colorful sets including pantomimes, clowns and actors.

In Hebrew with subtitles. 36 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

915.694

CHILDREN OF JERUSALEM

Chi

This series gives insight into the lives of children from different backgrounds growing up in Jerusalem. We follow each of them through a typical day, showing homes, schools, families, houses of worship and activities. Study guide available for each video.

Approx. 30 min. ea.  AGE: 8 to 14

ASYA  (1992)

Asya’s family arrived in Jerusalem from Russia ten months prior to the making of this film and were receiving government assistance as part of a relocation program for Jewish immigrants. She loves Israel, has adapted well, and talks to other children about immigration on a radio program. Asya and her family visit cousins who arrived two weeks earlier from Russia and discuss the situation in Russia.  (30 min.)

GESHO  (1996)

Gesho is a 13-year-old boy whose family left Ethiopia for Israel during Operation Solomon—Israel’s massive refugee effort in 1991. In Ethiopia, Gesho had to leave school to help his father in the fields, and his family had no running water or electricity in their home. Gesho’s older brother Benjamin came to Israel alone, seven years before his family, through Operation Moses. Benjamin speaks of how he had to hide in the mountains in Ethiopia for months to avoid being drafted into the army. Gesho talks about his adjustment to Israel and his love for soccer, and we meet his parents, grandmother and eight brothers and sisters in the settlement for new immigrants in which they live. Note: The film is narrated in English and a few parts are subtitled.  (25 min.)

TAMAR  (1992)

Tamar goes to school in a pleasant section of Jerusalem where she plays in the school band. Tamar and her mother visit her older brother on a kibbutz, passing a Palestinian refugee camp on the way. We meet Tamar’s cousins, who immigrated from Russia, and Tamar takes her cousin Bella to the Western Wall. Another of Tamar’s brothers visits home on his army leave, and we see the entire family together.  (30 min.)

YACOUB  (1992)

Yacoub is a 9½-year-old Christian Palestinian who lives and goes to school in the Christian quarter of Jerusalem. After school he helps his uncle in his falafel stand and visits his grandmother. Yacoub also visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he lights candles for his family. We learn of ways in which Yacoub’s life is restricted due to constant uprisings and trouble in the streets, and radio news of “disturbances” is constantly heard in the background. (27 min.)

YEHUDA  (1994)

Yehuda is a 10-year-old Hassidic boy who lives in West Jerusalem with his parents and 10 brothers and sisters. The film portrays the family’s celebration of Sukkot and provides explanations for the lulav and esrog. We learn of Yehuda’s grandparents who lived in Poland and see Yehuda interact with his siblings. (26 min.)

Set in 1947-1948 Palestine, this drama is based on the true story of the romance between a beautiful young Israeli woman and the Arab man she falls in love with. Miriam works in her mother’s restaurant in Tel Aviv and meets George, a debonair Arab from Jaffa at a security check point. George learns where she works and pursues her – and their mutual attraction and compatibility lead them into a romantic relationship. Unfortunately for the two of them, Miriam’s brother is active in the Haganah and George’s friends want to rid Palestine of Jews. When the UN declares Israel a state, tensions and gunfire erupt, and the pair separate. Eventually, they decide to flee the country together but the Haganah and Lechi movements have been watching them (fearing Miriam is a traitor) and tragedy strikes.

In Hebrew with subtitles.  1 hr. 30 min.  AGE:  13 to Adult

Dri

(DVD)

Compilation highlighting the best in contemporary Israeli television.

The programs vary a great deal in tone and subject matter, encompassing a range of programming from talk shows to sitcoms to soap operas to cultural selections. Note: These programs are ideal for Ulpan classes or for showcasing the many aspects of Israeli society. Unfortunately, only 2 volumes of “Drishat Shalom” have been produced. Most programs are approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour in length. Programs are in Hebrew with subtitles available.

                      AGE:  Varies from program to program, but most for age 13 and up (due to subtitles).

                        VOLUME 1 - CONTENTS

                        GIDI GOV HOLECH LE’ECHOL – “GIDI GOV GOING TO EAT”

                        Cooking program in which Gidi Gov cooks Bulgarian and Turkish foods on Sdirot Yerushalayim.

30 min.

                        LAGA’AT BA’OSHER – “TOUCHING HAPPINESS”

                        A big hit on Israeli TV, this “telenovela” follows the story of a wealthy couple who hire a surrogate mother when they are unable to conceive a child.

40 min.

                        PGISHA LAY’IT – “NIGHTLY MEETING”

                        Yoel Dayan is interviewed in April, 2001 by Kobi Maidan. She discusses her father, Moshe Dayan, her political activism and her private life.

36 min.

                        SHEMESH

                        Episode from the longest running sitcom on Israeli television. In this episode, Shemesh, the main character, poses as a religious Jew to avoid his reserve duty in the army.

22 min.

                        TAVERNA

                        Singer/musician Yehuda Poliker is the special guest of host Shimon Parnas for an hour of music with a lightlight on Greek music.

1 hr. 4 min.

                        ZU ARTZAYNU – “THIS IS OUR COUNTRY”

                        A combination of comedy and political satire, this late-night Israeli TV show stars hosts Shai Goldshtein and Dror Raphael, who poke fun at a variety of topical situations in Israel. Note: The opening 3-minute segment about war approaching is particularly humorous and can be used with a class to illustrate humor particular to the Israeli situation.

23 min.

                        VOLUME 2 – CONTENTS

                        AT THE TAVERNA WITH PARNAS

                        Entertainment hour featuring singers Eli Luzon and David Da’or and comedian Yatzpan. Hosted by Shimon Parnas.

1 hr. 6 min.

                        DERECH HA’OCHEL – “THE WAY OF FOOD”

                        Chef/restauranteur Israel Aharoni examines his own Bucharan roots through music and cuisine in this ethnic cooking show segment.

35 min.

                        LITFOS ET HASHAMA’IM – “REACHING FOR HEAVEN”

                        Episode of an Israeli drama that examines the struggles a family encounters when one member decides to become Orthodox. In this segment, Roni tries to convince his wife, Nurit, to go to the onikveh.

26 min.

                        SHOTETUT – “WALKABOUT”

                        “Tongue-in-cheek” series that pokes fun at a Rishon Letzion community television channel. TV personalities Yigal Shilon and Meny Peer are guests in this humorous episode.

24 min.

UVDA – “FACT”

                        Strong documentary about the Duvdevan, the most elite and secret undercover unit of the IDF – covered by journalist Ilana Daya. Note: Contains thematic material unsuitable for children.

35 min.

                        ZINZANA – “BUTTERFLIES”

                        Filmed in Ayalon Prison, the largest jail in Israel, this series looks at the realities of “life behind bars.” The stories are based on real events. In this episode, the new warden is introduced to the inmates and guards.

53 min.  AGE:  Adult

F

EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE (1986)

Love story between an American pilot, the son of a minister, and a beautiful Sephardic Jewish girl in 1942 Jerusalem. A young Tom Hanks stars as David Bradford, a U.S. officer with the Royal Air Force who is injured during fighting in World War II. He is sent to an army hospital in Jerusalem where he befriends Sarah – a friend of his squadron leader’s fiancé. The two become great friends and eventually fall in love amid the protests of Sarah’s religious family. Rated PG-13.

1 hr. 37 min.  AGE:  13 to Adult

296.439

EVERY YEAR COME SPRING  (1987)

Eve

This film takes a close look at Israel’s ceremonies surrounding Yom Ha’Zikaron (Israel’s memorial day) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s independence day). Includes interviews with three generations of an Israeli family which lost a member in the Yom Kippur War. Produced by the World Zionist Organization. Study guide available. Note: The opening and closing segments of the video involve three college students in Israel working on a video project about Jewish holidays. Teachers may wish to skip these—as the acting is poor and the situation is artificial—and focus on the main segment.

25 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

325.5

FACES OF THE FUTURE  (1992)

Fac

Features three children who represent the variety of youth aliyah, living in a youth aliyah village in Israel—Merav, a Sabra from a troubled family; Bayu from Ethiopia; and Ilana of the former Soviet Union. Study guide available.

21 min.  AGE: 10 to 14

915.694

FAMILIES OF ISRAEL (2000)

The lives of two  The lives of two different children living in Israel are profiled in this video, which is narrated by the children. First we meet Inbar, a 9-year-old girl who lives on a kibbutz of 60 families near the Red Sea in southern Israel. Inbar tells us about life on a kibbutz and takes viewers on a visit to her school. Since the Red Sea area is one of the driest places on earth, the film talks about how water is conserved. Her kibbutz has a fish farm, a dairy, grows fruits and vegetables and manufactures machinery. Inbar and her family celebrate Shabbat on Friday night with their kibbutz. 

Next, viewers meet Yoad, a 6-½ year old boy who lives with his family in Jerusalem. Yoad goes to a Conservative private school. The film follows his parents to work, looking at their workdays – and then shows Yoad and his siblings at their special lessons after school (including ballet and karate). Yoad and his mother go to a fresh fruit market through the old city of Jerusalem, where Yoad’s father’s family has lived for 13 generations. The family cooks a typical dinner together and then the film shows Yoad’s family at his grandparent’s house for a Shabbat dinner. An excellent film depicting life for two typical children in modern Israel.

30 min.  AGE:  6 to 12

296.436

THE FESTIVAL OF PURIM IN ISRAEL

Fes

Gives the viewer a glimpse of how Purim is celebrated in Israel. The film includes shots of the children in costumes, the customs of different communities, the Megillah reading, baking hamentaschen, and “Mishloach Manot.” Study guide available. Note: Teachers of younger children will want to preview for appropriate sections.

18 min.  AGE: 6 to Adult

296.439

GRANDPA'S TREE  (1986)

Gra

The story of a young American musician who arrives in Israel to participate in a Tu B'Shevat concert. Before he arrives at the concert, however, he searches for a tree his grandfather planted in a JNF forest many years ago. Study guide available.

24 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

915.694

ISRAEL: A LAND FOR EVERYONE  (1996)

Isr

This contemporary travelogue of Israel presents a non-sectarian, pluralistic approach, showing sites and customs of the major religions found in Israel. The film spends equal time visiting the Wailing Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Al Agsa Mosque—as well as showing part of a Passover Seder on a kibbutz and the processions through the Stations of the Cross before Easter. Cities explored include Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Galilee, Tiberias, the Negev, Eilat, Nazareth and Caesarea. Sites visited include: the Western Wall, Via Delarosa, the Dome of the Rock, the Holyland Hotel, the Shrine of the Book, the Dead Sea, Ein Ghetti, Masada and Yad Vashem. A well-produced travelogue which serves as an excellent introduction to the land of Israel and briefly covers its major cities and sites. Note: Hebrew words in the video are often mispronounced.

52 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

781.7

ISRAEL: A NATION SINGS  (1998)

Isr

Reflects on 50 years of history and culture using some of Israel’s most popular  music. Includes brief documentary footage from Israeli history, interspersed with songs and music from some of Israel’s current premier popular vocalists and musical groups. Israeli singers include Chava Alberstein, Gevatron, Noa, and David Broza. Some classical Israeli musical groups are also featured. Note: Emphasis is more on Israel’s music than Israeli history in this enjoyable celebration of 50 years of statehood.

1 hr.  AGE: 10 to Adult

910.03

ISRAEL AND THE DIASPORA: ARE WE ONE PEOPLE?

Isr

A challenging, controversial trigger film which forces Israeli and Diaspora Jews to ask themselves, "What do we have in common?" "Are we one people, or are we moving in two very different directions, creating radically different cultures and mentalities?" Produced by the AZYF Education Department and The Melitz Centers for Jewish Zionist Education.

20 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

793.31

ISRAEL IN DANCE: ON AND OFF STAGE WITH THE “SHALOM” TEL-AVIV DANCE

Isr

COMPANY  (1989)

Join the Shalom Tel-Aviv Dance Company in rehearsal, backstage and on location as it performs a variety of dances, from traditional to modern. The group dances in varied locations, providing viewers with many different scenes of Israel. Their aim is to preserve Israeli culture through costume, music and dance. An enjoyable and lively performance.

53 min.  AGE: All Ages

781.8

ISRAELI CHASSIDIC FESTIVAL  (1986)

Isr

Israel's most popular touring company presents the sights and sounds of the sixteenth festival, plus a selection of popular songs from previous festivals.

2 hrs.  AGE: All Ages

301.412

ISRAELI WOMAN: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE  (1988)

Isr

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

JHVC

915.694

The Israelis  (1973)

Isr

Twenty-five years after statehood, Israel continued to encounter deep-rooted dilemmas in times of peace as well as times of war. As a democracy, characterized by a wide diversity of social and political points of view, the nation faced unique internal challenges, including the absorption of culturally dissimilar waves of immigration and the incorporation of an increasing Arab minority. Inevitably, the constant threat of a fourth war overshadowed all aspects of Israeli life. The Israelis was broadcast two weeks after the start of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, as part of a series of CBS News Specials exploring the national character of different countries. Israeli journalist Amos Elon presents his personal perspective on the Israeli people. A rich selection of everyday scenes conveys the complexities of life in Israel.

50 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

781.7

JEWISH MUSIC HERITAGE LIBRARY

Jew

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. The series was created and produced by Dr. Tzipora H. Jochsberger, a Jerusalem-based educator and composer.

Vol. 1, 51 min.  Others approx. 28 min. ea.  AGE: 12 to Adult

Israel: Sounds in Search of a Home - Vol. 1  (1999)

Sepharad: The Music of the Jews from Spain - Vol. 2  (1993)

Ashkenaz: The Music of the Jews of Eastern Europe - Vol. 3  (1993)

Teiman: The Music of the Jews from Yemen - Vol. 4  (1993)

Morocco: The Music of the Jews of Morocco - Vol. 5  (1994)

Hassidut: The Music of the Hassidic Community - Vol. 6  (1994)

Toward Jerusalem: The Music of Seven Communities - Vol. 7  (1994)

Italy: Salomone Rossi: Between Worlds - Vol. 9  (1996)

915.694

THE JEWISHNESS OF THE JEWISH STATE  (1982)

Jew

This trigger film—which is best seen as a follow-up to Forms of Jewish Expression, but which can also stand as an independent unit—focuses on the Jewish identity of the state/society of Israel. It challenges the viewer to clarify his/her own perception of contemporary Israel in the context of the historical dreams and visions of the return to Zion. Produced by The Melitz Centers for Jewish Zionist Education. Study guide available.

20 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

Four short Jewish films from the Ma’ale School, an Orthodox film school in Jerusalem. Each film deals with modern Orthodox Jews in Israel and most include identity issues. The films can be used independently or the video may be viewed as a whole.

  In Hebrew with subtitles.  1 hr. 25 min. total.  AGE:  14 to Adult

EICHA

Story of Eicha, a modern Orthodox young woman in Israel who is having an identity struggle. Eicha is the oldest in a large family of settlers in Israel. She was named for Eicha, the Book of Lamentations, as she was born on Tisha B’Av (when the book is read). Eicha is tired of being identified and grouped as “right wing Orthodox” and longs for her own identity. As she turns 18, she struggles with the need to feel unique and independent, and she attempts to change her name to express that need, despite her mother forbidding her to do so. (21 min.)

NEWSPAPERS AND FLOWERS

Love story between Miki and Carmel – two young modern Orthodox Jews in Israel. Carmel was just rejected by a young man who felt that she was not religious enough for him because she folk danced and listened to non-religious music. Then Carmel meets Miki, another religious boy. This time, she pretends that she is not religious to test whether Miki cares more about who she is or more about his perception of her religious orientation. (26 min.)

HALEL

Story of Yael, a young Orthodox woman who is unable to become pregnant. Upset at the news of yet another negative pregnancy test, Yael drives the car and gets into an accident with the owner of a small bookstore. They share a love of poetry and become friends (an awkward situation as he is male and non-orthodox). (22 min.)

EVACUATION ORDER

Two soldiers, a man and a woman, are ordered to evacuate a settler living in a trailer on a mountain. In a surprise twist, each soldier discovers love in the area. The settler turns out to be a beautiful free-spirited woman and the plot takes an unexpected twist. (16 min.)

940.54

MARCH OF THE LIVING  (1988)

Mar

A documentary dealing with the experiences of 1,500 teenagers from around the world who marched from Auschwitz to Birkenau, and who one week later flew to Israel to celebrate its 40th anniversary. With Jonathan Silverman and Colleen Dewhurst. Study guide available.

22 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

Presents demonstrations and instruction for over 25 Jewish dances from classic Israeli folk dance to Hassidic dance to Yemenite steps to line dances. A group of approximately 10 dancers (non-professionals - ranging in age) demonstrate the dances – most of them circular dances. The tape provides a slow speed version of each, a version with the original CD at normal pace and a slow motion version with verbal instructions. The difficulty of the dances ranges from easy, beginning steps to some which are quite advanced. This video should provide useful both to Jewish or Israeli dance instructors as well as to individuals who wish to learn the steps. Some of the dances demonstrated include: Basic Hora, Mayim, Zemer Atik, Erev Ba, Dodi Li, Tzadik Katamar and the Chicken Dance. The music for all of these dances are available on companion tapes/CDs called “The Complete Jewish Party Music Collection” Vols. I and II. Note: Some of the dance steps may be rather difficult to learn from simply watching the video – it would have been helpful to show an instructor clearly demonstrating the foot movements rather than showing the actual dancing in slow motion.

296.431

NEW YEAR'S LEAVE  (1985)

New

Larry, a sailor in the U.S. Navy whose ship is docked in Haifa for repairs, is given a short leave at Rosh Hashanah time. He signs up for a special tour and learns the meaning of Rosh Hashanah from Yaacov, an unusual tour guide. Yaacov takes Larry to Kibbutz Gezer, the Old City of Jerusalem and through Haifa. The evening culminates in a Rosh Hashanah meal aboard an Israeli naval ship. Study guide available.

30 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

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

915.694

ONE PEOPLE, MANY FACES  (1987)

One

Israeli-produced film to show that Israel is composed of Jews from many different places, traditions and customs. This is done through the framework of children on a treasure hunt who follow written clues that lead them to see the many faces of the Jewish people. Note: There is very little narration or vocal explanation, and some dialogue is in Hebrew. Teachers should preview before classroom use.

16 min.  AGE: 9 to 14

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

296.439

PLANTING FOR GENERATIONS  (1987)

And

Portrays tree planting in Israel while comparing Israel's trees with its people. Includes a portrayal of Project Renewal, together with the renewal of nature. Note: Should be previewed by schools for suitability; some classes may find the presentation dry.

25 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

956.94

PROMISES (2001)

Documentary which looks at the Israel-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of Israeli and Palestinian children. Three filmmakers followed a group of seven children (4 Israeli and 3 Palestinian) for four years – between 1995 and 1998, traveling between Jerusalem, the West Bank and Palestinian Refugee Camps. The children interviewed are from a variety of backgrounds. On the Israeli end, Goldberg interviewed secular male twins; the ultra-Orthodox son of a rabbi; and an Orthodox boy from a West Bank settlement. Among those interviewed on the Palestinian side are a girl whose father is a Palestinian journalist jailed by Israelis; and a refugee who holds the key to his ancestor’s home in Israel (which he claims Israelis confiscated). The children speak both freely and frankly, about the conflict, revealing to the viewer how insolvable the problems of the Middle East seem. Some of their comments are prejudicial and hate-filled.

The film offers glimpses into the children’s everyday lives as well as highlighting their attitudes towards one another. Eventually, B.Z. Goldberg, the producer, brings the two sides together to meet. He takes Israeli twin brothers, Yarko and Daniel, to visit Faraj, who lives in the Palestinian Deheishe refugee camp. The boys play soccer together and seem, by the end of the day, to get along. When Goldberg returned to interview the children three years later, in 2000, it becames evident that many of their views towards one another have changed. This film was nominated for an Academy Award and has been described as presenting an objective viewpoint – although viewers may not agree. Note: