JUDAISM (LIFE CYCLE)

174.2

THE BOTTOM LINE  (Horizons in Bioethics Series)  (1991)

Bot

Two separate stories are intertwined in this powerful dramatization of the involuntary treatment of the aged—the dilemma of when to medically intervene and who makes the decisions. One story focuses on a bright, independent 82-year-old woman with gangrene in her leg which threatens her life. Doctors wish to amputate against her wishes. The other story deals with a man with dementia who chooses to stop eating. Issues addressed include who decides treatment and whether treatment can be forced on patients against their will. Which is more important—life or quality of life? A very well produced film which is a perfect tool for teachers exploring ethical issues with their classes or for adult education. The video was developed by the Jerusalem Religious Council and follows halacha (Jewish religious law). Note: Discussion leaders must preview—the emotionally charged subject matter and realistic reenactments may be upsetting to some viewers. An accompanying book is available in the library under the title Compelling Issues: Involuntary Treatment of Parents, by Rabbi Yigal Shafran.

30 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

296.442

CIRCUMCISION? OR BRIS! SURGERY? OR SIMCHA!  (1987)

Cir

Short film which highlights the significance of the ceremony of the Bris as a central symbol of Jewish identity. The film explores why it is more than simply a circumcision, or medical procedure, and mentions some of the health benefits. It includes a few individual stories, such as those of a 30-year-old Jew from the former Soviet Union who chooses a bris; a Holocaust survivor discussing the Bris of his grandson; and a modern mother of triplets explaining why she chose a Bris versus hospital circumcision.

15 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

296.445

THE CORRIDOR  (1989)

Cor

Is there life after death? Exploring the mysterious realm between life and death, this drama triggers discussion about the traditional Jewish approach to the phenomenon of death, as well as life in the world to come.

25 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

291.1

DEATH  (In Two Octaves: A Debate of Eight Parts Between Judaism & Christianity)  (1995)

In

Part 8 of an eight-part debate which took place in Jerusalem in 1992 between Professor Yeshaiyahu Leibowitz and Father Professor Marcel Dubois. In this segment, Leibowitz defines death as a “lack of life” and believes that beyond death there is “no human existence.” Dubois believes that “to die is to return to one’s home; to our Father in Heaven.”

31 min.  AGE: Adult

296.442

THE DISCOVERY  (1988)

Dis

Produced by the Jewish Theological Seminary, this made-for-TV drama deals with the significance of Bar Mitzvah. Its story line centers on David, a Jewish boy (played by Josh Saviano) who doesn’t want to have a Bar Mitzvah. His Bar Mitzvah lessons interfere with baseball practice, and he is experiencing doubts about his Jewish identity. Conversations with his friends and family about Judaism convince him of the significance of Bar Mitzvah and the importance of Judaism in his life. Note: The film has a forced quality and is plagued with trying to cover too much in an hour. Numerous questions about basic Jewish beliefs and customs are addressed—which means the characters have constant unnatural conversations to explain reasons for Jewish beliefs. It even touches on the significance of the Holocaust. The video is accompanied by a lengthy study guide prepared by JTS which provides essays dealing with issues raised by the script—as well as a section of questions and answers on basic Jewish beliefs and customs. Teachers dealing with the subject of Bar Mitzvah should preview and may wish to use the video The Journey instead.

58 min.  AGE: 12 to 14

True story of the Bar Mitzvah of Eugene Chernyakhovsky, a Jewish boy in Philadelphia with Cerebral Palsy. The film shows how Eugene overcomes many obstacles to prepare for his Bar Mitzvah. Using one foot, he transfers his entire Torah portion to a computer that acts as his voice. Eugene’s determination to accomplish this is unbelievable. Equally admirable are the multitude of volunteers and professionals who are totally committed to helping Eugene achieve his goal. The film concludes with actual scenes from the Bar Mitzvah. An extensive study guide is available with discussion questions for students. Note: An excellent choice for Jewish settings, enabling teachers to discuss disabilities as well as personal courage and determination. Study Guide available

AGE:  11 to Adult

174.2

DR. GREY’S BABY  (Horizons in Bioethics Series)  (1999)

Dr

This videodrama, produced by the Jerusalem Religious Council, focuses on Jewish ethical issues involving fertility. Its hypothetical situation involves a doctor (“Dr. Grey”) who runs an experimental fertility clinic for couples, enabling them to design their own offspring. Secretly, he has been conducting his own experiment—growing a fetus in an artificial womb in a fish tank. Questions are raised as to the moral dilemmas of both situations. The video deals with an additional ethical dilemma, as Dr. Grey’s physician discovers that Dr. Grey has 2-3 months to live—and questions whether or not to tell him, as it may disrupt the experiment.

20 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

296.442

THE EIGHTH DAY  (1989)

Wur

The conflict between the Greeks and Maccabees is at its peak. A young Jewish couple is faced with the decision of whether or not to circumcise their newborn son. The moving account not only portrays an important moment in Jewish history, but raises a variety of questions relevant to our day, including assimilation.

23 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

296.444

THE EMPTY CHAIR  (1981)

Emp

Deals sensitively with conflicts facing a divorced, single-parent family celebrating Passover.

22 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

296.4

ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS  (1993)

End

The Jewish Theological Seminary produced this video which looks at many different aspects of the Jewish religion, arriving at a composite of what it means to be Jewish. The film begins with a focus on the different beginnings and endings in Judaism found in the holidays and Jewish life cycle. A wide variety of Jews are interviewed on Jewish subjects including: “Midrash,” “Covenant,” “What it Means to be a Jew,” “Exodus,” “Land,” “Law,” and “How Judaism has Survived.” Main interviewees include Emily Bilski, curator of the Jewish Museum, and Rabbi Neil Gillman of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Note: The film is loosely organized and skips quickly from topic to topic in a somewhat random fashion. Therefore, it is not recommended for classroom use, although it is suitable for individuals or for small group discussions.

1 hr.  AGE: 14 to Adult

296.445

FROM LIFE TO LIFE: DEATH AND MOURNING IN THE JEWISH TRADITION  (1979)

Fro

Documentary providing a Halachic depiction of Jewish death and mourning rituals: preparation for burial, the pine coffin and muslin shroud, the Taharah ritual, burial, shiva, and the need for a tombstone. The film uses the situation of a young mourner being instructed by a rabbi as its framework. Individuals knowledgeable in the different funeral procedures (Taharah, burial, tombstone) describe how each custom is performed. Explanations for traditions are offered by Rabbi Menachem Rokeach and Rabbi Joseph Chait. Note: The video opens with a short black and white scene of a mourner saying Kaddish, then switches to color. Although the beginning segments are not terribly engaging, this film sensitively covers how death and mourning are handled according to Torah law. Recommended as a guide for young adults and adult education, as well as for mourners.

30 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

301.421

GEFILTE FISH  (1987)

Gel

Three generations of women share their individual methods for making gefilte fish, while discussing family commitment and tradition and their place in contemporary society. Study guide available.

15 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

296.445

GENERATION TO GENERATION: JEWISH FAMILIES TALK ABOUT DEATH (1999)

Excellent film for families dealing with death from a Jewish perspective. The premise of this video is that it is crucially important for parents to openly and honestly discuss death with their children when faced with the death or terminal illness of someone close to them. According to Rabbi Irwin Groner, one of the main commentators in the film, “If we want our children to grow and to mature and to be able to cope with life, we should consider it our obligation to introduce to them at a young age the significance and the meaning of death. For, if we fail to do this, then death will remain a mystery – and children will place in that locked cellar, that locked door, their worst and unimaginable fears.” Throughout the video, young children and adults tell their personal stories of the death of a loved one – how they reacted and how they handled this loss together. Discussions include the loss of a child/sibling as well as parents, grandparents and family friends. Both age groups confirm the strong need for honest discussion. Issues are discussed within a Jewish context, and Jewish customs for burial are also briefly presented. The film strongly advocates children being present at the funeral service and at the cemetery, and shows brief clips of both cemeteries. The period of Shiva, the week after burial, is also discussed and shown on film. David Techner, a national known and sensitive funeral director and author, provides advice for parents in this highly instructive video, produced by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Note: This film is ideal for family viewing or for group or classroom use. It may be used with younger children with parent supervision.

35 min.  AGE:  10 to Adult

362.6

GRANDMA DIDN'T WAVE BACK  (1982)

Gra

Portrays an eleven year old as she must adjust to inner conflicts as first her aging grandmother moves in with the family, and then, as senility increases, grandma must move to a nursing home. Stars Molly Picon.

24 min.  AGE: 8 to Adult

296.444

THE JEWISH FAMILY: ROOTS AND TRADITION  (1985)

Jew

A stimulating trigger film which helps the viewer clarify his understanding of how the Jewish family can be an effective vehicle for transmitting Jewish traditions and values. It forces people to analyze their commitments and responsibilities to their families as part of their relationship with the extended family called the Jewish people. Produced by The Melitz Centers for Jewish Zionist Education. Study guide available. Note: Film is made of still shots with narration

22 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

296.442

THE JOURNEY  (1989)

Wur

A 13-year-old Russian boy and an American Jewish engineer meet in Leningrad during World War II and form a relationship that changes both their lives. The engineer, Jewishly ignorant, accepts the task of teaching the boy the meaning of Bar Mitzvah and Judaism. Contrasts Soviet and American Jewry, as well as explores the relationship between Jewish education and identity. Study guide available.

34 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

392.4

ME AND MY MATCHMAKER  (1996)

Me

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

296.442

THE MITZVAH MACHINE  (1987)

Mit

Animated trigger film about a boy who is resistant to his upcoming Bar Mitzvah, feeling that a machine could say the words and do the rituals as well as himself. He builds a robot clone of himself which actually performs the Bar Mitzvah—and he learns that a person doesn’t “have” a Bar Mitzvah, he “becomes” one. Designed to emphasize the importance of making mitzvot a part of everyday Jewish life. Study guide available.

9 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

JHVC

362.6

Number Our Days  (1983)

Num

Anthropologist Barbara Myerhoff, whose scholarly work focused on the study of indigenous peoples, decides to research a community where she feels an emotional connection, that of elderly American Jews. In this Academy Award-winning portrait, Myerhoff conducts field work at the Israel Levin Jewish Community Center in Venice, California, which is a magnet for a group of men and women in their eighties and nineties, many of them originally from Eastern Europe. Proceeding from the idea that one day their fate will be her own, Myerhoff takes much more than an academic interest in the ways her subjects deal with poverty, illness, loneliness, and old age. She shows how they find important solace in the company and activities of the center. With unusual warmth and compassion, she explores their histories and records the texture of their lives, where nothing is taken for granted.

29 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

F

THE OUTSIDE CHANCE OF MAXIMILIAN GLICK  (1988)

Out

A “feel good” Canadian coming-of-age story about Maximilian, a bright Jewish boy in 1963 Winnipeg, whose Bar Mitzvah approaches. When the community’s beloved rabbi dies, they hire a rabbi—sight unseen—and discover upon his arrival that he is a Hasid. Rabbi Tittelman oversees Maximilian’s Bar Mitzvah education, and a warm friendship develops in which both ultimately learn from each other. The plot also involves Maximilian’s friendship with a non-Jewish girl—a friendship her family adamantly rejects. Note: This film is suitable for family or classroom use, but viewers should know that the film includes a number of negative Jewish stereotypes. Some viewers may also object to a particular transformation of the rabbi in the end.

1 hr. 36 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

362.6

POP  (1998)

Pop

Photographer Joel Meyerowitz created this heartwarming portrait of his “Pop”—his 87-year-old father, Hy Meyerowitz, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Meyerowitz takes his dad and his own grown son on a two-week road trip from Florida to New York City, where Hy was born. Photos and film clips of Hy’s past are intermingled with his reminiscences of special times in his life. Despite his Alzheimer’s, viewers see a vibrant and street-wise man who has lost his memory but has kept his vitality and zest for life. This bittersweet picture of a true survivor—a man who overcame obstacles with his optimism, drive and force of personality—was created by a son who loved him and wanted to show others who his father really was. Note: Some language is unsuitable for young viewers.

1 hr.  AGE: Adult

174.2

A QUESTION OF AUTHORITY  (Horizons in Bioethics Series)  (1991)

Que

A young mother of two is declared brain dead in a hospital after a terrible fall. She is eight months pregnant and being kept alive on a respirator. Doctors wish to perform a cesarean to deliver the child, but they cannot assure the father that the baby will not be brain damaged. This video deals with a multitude of medical, ethical and legal questions surrounding the case including: What is death? How is death determined? What constitutes a human being, and is a fetus a person? What are the father’s rights and the physicians’ obligations? Who has the responsibility to decide? Do the handicapped have fewer rights, or are their lives less valuable? The film was developed by the Jerusalem Religious Council and deals with the stance of halacha (Jewish religious law) on all of the issues. It also defines bioethics and the connection between biblical law and medicine. Note: Discussion leaders must preview and determine suitability for their audience. An accompanying book is available in the library under the title A Lack of Authority: On the Borders of Life and Death, by Rabbi Yigal Shafran.

25 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

JHVC

296.4

Ritual: Three Portraits of Jewish Life  (1989)

Rit

The practice of ritual affirms our place within our faith, fosters a sense of continuity and identity, and affords stability. But does the process of performing a ritual guarantee a spiritual experience? Or are rituals merely tools that help us express spirituality? Ritual: Three Portraits of Jewish Life examines the place and nature of rituals in Judaism, and tries to answer these questions. The film explores the importance and meaning of ritual through examples drawn from life: a rabbinical student explains why she has incorporated daily prayer into her life; a family builds a sukkah to enhance their celebration of the Sukkot holiday; and a mother and father describe their emotions as they participate in the circumcision ceremony of their newborn son. Interspersed with these moving examples, theologians discuss the nature of rituals and try to define exactly what they are.

1 hr.  AGE: 12 to Adult

296.445

"SAYING KADDISH"  (1991)

Say

This drama deals with a Jewish family affirming life in the face of death. Focuses on the relationship of two grown sisters after the death of their mother, as well as the importance of community in a time of personal crisis. Sibling rivalry is an additional theme. One sister remained single and helped care for her ill mother; and she resents the other sister (played by Tova Feldshuh) who moved out of town, married (and is now separated with a child) and has a important career. The out-of-town sister, on the other hand, feels that the mother rejected her and favored her sister—and she is initially unable to mourn. Produced by the Jewish Theological Seminary. Note: Jewish mourning customs are also illustrated in this fine film which won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Subject.

58 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

296.444

A SEAL UPON THY HEART: A PORTRAIT OF JEWISH MARRIAGE  (1975)

Sea

Depicts a traditional Jewish wedding, presenting Biblical and Talmudic sources of the ceremony. Includes engagement, Ketubah, wedding preparations, and the wedding ceremony. The film follows a young couple’s marriage. The ceremony is performed by Rabbi Maurice Lamm, who provides explanations and commentary. The couple, both involved with Jewish education, share their views as well.

30 min.  AGE: 11 to Adult

F

SHIV’A  (1996)

Shi

Surrealistic and mystical modern Israeli film. Gaby is a 25-year-old woman who works for a catering service specializing in cooking and giving advice to families during the seven days of mourning after a death. When a young cello player from the Israeli Philharmonic suddenly dies, Gaby is sent to work in his home during Shiv’a. The spirit of the deceased hovers over all who are present in the home, but Gaby is the only one who can see him and connect to him—unknown to the others. A fascinating glimpse into a contemporary Israeli family caught between modernity and tradition. Note: Contains partial nudity and some content that may not be suitable for young viewers.

In Hebrew with subtitles. 50 min.  AGE: 16 to Adult

155.45

SOMEONE IS LISTENING  (1988)

Som

The story of Jonathan, a deaf teenager, who meets a rabbi who communicates with him in sign language. With the rabbi’s guidance, Jonathan becomes a Bar Mitzvah. Includes a 10 minute segment at the end presenting 30 basic signs with Jewish meanings.

38 min. AGE: 11 to Adult

F

UNSTRUNG HEROES (1995)

1 hr. 33 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

296.3 

WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE (1993)

41 min.  AGE:  12 to Adult

Identity

Intermarriage & Interdating

Jewish-Black Relations

Jewish-Christian Relations

Life Cycle

Religion