OF HEAVEN AND EARTH: STORIES OF THE CHASSIDIC MASTERS (2000)

26 min.  AGE:  10 to Adult

492.4

PINUKI GOES TO KINDERGARTEN (Pinuki Holech Lagan)  (1994)

Pin

Six animated short stories about Pinuki the dog, in Hebrew without subtitles. Based on the American books about “Spot” the dog by Eric Hill. Includes Pinuki at the Costume Party, Pinuki’s Favorite Toy, Storytime with Pinuki, Pinuki Finds a Key, Pinuki and the Winter Games, and Pinuki Walks at the Park. Note: This video was produced for Israeli children. Therefore, the Hebrew spoken is at a higher level of difficulty than the age for which this film is intended (2-6). Teachers must preview.

In Hebrew. 37 min.  AGE: Intended for 2 to 6

492.4

PINUKI’S BIRTHDAY (Yom Huledet L’Pinuki)  (1994)

Pin

Six animated short stories about Pinuki the dog, in Hebrew without subtitles. Based on the American books about “Spot” the dog by Eric Hill. Includes Pinuki’s Birthday, The Good Smell, Sweet Dreams, Pinuki, Pinuki and the Wind, Pinuki and the Puddle, and Pinuki Goes to the Circus. Note: This video was produced for Israeli children. Therefore, the Hebrew spoken is at a higher level of difficulty than the age for which this film is intended (2-6). Teachers must preview.

In Hebrew. 32 min.  AGE: Intended for 2 to 6

F

THE QUARREL  (1992)

Qua

Fictional story of a deeply emotional encounter between two old friends/enemies from Bialystok who meet by chance 15 years after being separated by the Holocaust—where both lost their families. One man became a Hassidic rabbi and leader of a Yeshiva—the other is a very secular Jewish writer and newspaper columnist. The two revive the quarrel that drove them apart in their youth—arguments about faith and Jewish identity. Based on a short story written by Yiddish novelist Chaim Grade. Note: This is a wonderful trigger to discussions of Jewish identity and faith (specifically after the Holocaust).

1 hr. 25 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

296.431

ROSH HASHANAH/YOM KIPPUR  (Holidays for Children Video Series)  (1994)

Ros

This video was produced for a multicultural series about holidays different cultures celebrate and is hosted by African-American folk performer Michael Keck. It presents symbols, customs, rituals and folklore of the High Holidays. Highlights include an animated story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments; an animated version of the story of the rabbi who disappears every year during Tashlich; three Jewish songs including “Hine Ma Tov” and “Shalom Chaverim’; a boy showing how he blows the shofar; a family baking challot; and a step-by-step craft project to make a New Year card. Note: This video is intended primarily for a non-Jewish audience, although it can easily be used with Jewish children. The style is upbeat and engaging, teaching about the holidays in a fun way. Teachers should be aware of some shortcomings, however. Pronunciation of “Tashlich” and “Slichot” are not perfect; the distinction between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is not clear; the explanation of “Tashlich” is incomplete; and the story of Moses fits more into Passover. The many positive aspects of the film, however, will outweigh these shortcomings for most audiences.

24 min.  AGE: 5 to 10

JHVC

F

The Secret in Bubbie's Attic  (1991)

Sec

The Secret in Bubbie’s Attic gives some all-American kids a taste of the Old Country. Upbeat, original holiday songs (there's even a rap music Chanukah tune) and klezmer music mix with jazzed-up versions of Yiddish folktales to give contemporary youngsters a sense of the rich tradition they inherit from their grandparents. While playing hide and seek at their Bubbie's (grandmother's) house, friends stumble across a mysterious attic door. There they find old Hebrew books, a shofar, a tallis bag and a mysterious old trunk. When they open the trunk, out pops a sparkling Jewish genie who can't wait to tell them stories—and reveal an intriguing family secret.

43 min.  AGE: 4 to 10

296.41

SHALOM SHABBAT  (1994)

Sha

Lively children’s video which presents traditional and contemporary Shabbat songs and stories. Chaim Topol plays “Eliyahu” who visits with Israeli singer Hanny Nachmias’ classroom. Clay animation is used for the stories, which include “Yosef Mokir Shabbat” and the Hassidic tale of the boy who didn’t know how to pray. Perfect for family viewing.

45 min.  AGE: 4 to 10

Curr

SOMETHING FROM NOTHING (1999)

398.2

Som

Charming animated story based on a Jewish folktale about agrandfather who makes his newborn grandson, Joseph, a special blanket. At time goes on and Joseph grows, the blanket gets a rip and Grandpa makes it into a jacket – and then a vest – and then a tie – and finally, a button. When Joseph loses the button one day, Grandpa tells him that he’s sorry – even he can’t make something from nothing. Joseph can, however, - and viewers watch him write the wonderful story of the blanket his grandfather made for him.

Joseph and his family live in a European shtetl. This version of the folktale is based on Phoebe Gilman’s award winning picture book (same title) and depicts shtetl life. While viewers listen to Joseph’s story, a subplot follows the adventures of a mouse family living below the floorboards of Joseph’s house and how they utilize the leftover scraps from Joseph’s blanket. Note: Other popular picture book versions of this story include Bit by Bit by Steve Sanfield and the Caldecott Award winning Joseph had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback.

24 min.  AGE:  2-8

F

STORIES FROM THE JEWISH TRADITION  (1995)

Sto

Contains two Jewish stories:

33 min. total.  AGE: 5 to 10

In the Month of Kislev  (1994). A wealthy, arrogant merchant learns the true meaning of Hanukkah when he takes the family of a poor peddler to court for savoring the smell of his wife’s pancakes from outside their window. Narrated by Theodore Bikel, this story is from the oral tradition and is told with wit and Klezmer music. Based on the picture book by Nina Jaffe. Iconographic.  (13 min.)

Zlateh The Goat  (1973). This poetic, wordless film—based on a short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer—is about a poor boy whose parents tell him he must take his pet goat, Zlateh, to be butchered. Zlateh and the boy must seek shelter from a dangerous snowstorm, and the goat ultimately saves both their lives by providing the boy with warmth and milk. Study guide available.  (20 min.)

296.439

TREES FOR TOMORROW AND TOMORROW  (1987)

Tre

In the main story line, we see puppet Honi learning from an old man the value of planting a carob tree, even though it will not bear fruit for 70 years. This story’s Honi is based on Honi ha-Ma’agal (Honi the Circlemaker), a figure from the Talmud. The film stresses the importance of caring for future generations, the power of prayer, and the importance of doing a good deed without seeking a reward. Study guide available. Note: Teachers may wish to pair this video with the children’s book Honi the Circlemaker.

13 min.  AGE: 5 to 10

F

WATCH THE STARS COME OUT  (Reading Rainbow)  (1985)

Wat

“Reading Rainbow” is a PBS children’s video series which introduces quality picture books. This episode opens with a visit to Ellis Island and a brief look at American immigration. Then the children’s book Watch the Stars Come Out by Riki Levinson is read with close-ups of the book’s illustrations. The story deals with how a little girl and her brother journeyed alone on a big boat to join their parents and older sister in America. LeVar Burton takes viewers on a visit to the Statue of Liberty for a closer look, and modern day child immigrants are interviewed. A visit is also made to a city festival where people celebrate their different cultures.

30 min.  AGE: 5 to 8

492.4

WHERE IS PINUKI? (Ayfo Pinuki?)  (1994)

Whe

Six animated short stories about Pinuki the dog, in Hebrew without subtitles. Based on the American books about “Spot” the dog by Eric Hill. Includes Where is Pinuki?, Pinuki Takes a Walk, Pinuki Loses a Bone, Pinuki in the Forest, Pinuki and the Ball, Pinuki Goes to the Beach. Note: As this video was produced for Israeli children, the Hebrew spoken is at a higher level of difficulty than the age for which this is intended (2-6). Teachers must preview.

In Hebrew. 35 min.  AGE: Intended for 2 to 6

F

THE WORLD OF SHOLOM ALEICHEM  (1959)

Wor

Jewish stars from television’s Golden Age reenact three favorite Yiddish stories. The first, A Tale of Chelm (27 min.), was written by Yiddish storyteller Sholom Aleichem. It is about a melamed (Hebrew teacher) who lives in Chelm—the town of fools—whose wife sends him to buy a goat. Of course, when one makes a purchase in a town of fools, there are always surprises. The second story, Bontche Schweig (20 min.) is based on a tale by I. L. Peretz about a poor, defeated man—a man who has not known a moment’s hate in his life—who dies and goes to heaven. When he is asked what he wants the most, his answer brings tears to the eyes of angels. The last story, The High School (48 min.)—written by Sholom Aleichem—is about a couple who wish to break out of segregation by getting their son into a non-religious high school. Stars Gertrude Berg, Zero Mostel, Sam Levene, Morris Carnovsky, Lee Grant, Nancy Walker and Jack Gilford. Note: Will be enjoyed primarily by those looking for nostalgia of a past time.

B&W. 1 hr. 35 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

F

ZLATEH THE GOAT  (1973)

Zla

This poetic, wordless film—based on a short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer—is about a poor boy whose parents tell him he must take his pet goat, Zlateh, to be butchered. Zlateh and the boy must seek shelter from a dangerous snowstorm, and the goat ultimately saves both their lives by providing the boy with warmth and milk. Study guide available.  (Additional copy of the video is available under F/Sto.)

20 min.  AGE: 5 to 10