- Shoah (1985)
- A Life Apart: Hasidism in America (1997)
- Trembling Before G-d (2001)
- The Flat (2011)
- The Gatekeepers (2012)
- The Jewish Cardinal (2013)
- The Jewish Journey: America (2015)
- The Yiddish Book Center's Wexler Oral History Project (2010)
- The Law in These Parts (2011)
- Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín (2012)
Delving into the world of Judaism through film offers a profound journey into one of the world's oldest and most influential religions. This curated selection of documentaries not only sheds light on the historical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of Judaism but also provides a window into the lives of those who practice it. Whether you're a scholar of religion, a curious viewer, or someone looking to understand the Jewish experience better, these films are a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration.
Shoah (1985)
Description: A monumental work by Claude Lanzmann, this film provides an in-depth look at the Holocaust through interviews with survivors, witnesses, and even former Nazis, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on one of the darkest periods in Jewish history.
Fact: The film took over 11 years to complete and is often cited as one of the greatest documentaries ever made.
30 Days Free
A Life Apart: Hasidism in America (1997)
Description: This documentary provides an intimate look at the Hasidic Jewish community in America, exploring their traditions, beliefs, and the challenges they face in a modern world.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Cultural Programming.
30 Days Free
Trembling Before G-d (2001)
Description: Focuses on the lives of gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews, examining their struggle to reconcile their sexual orientation with their religious beliefs.
Fact: The film was screened at numerous film festivals and won several awards for its sensitive portrayal of a complex issue.
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The Flat (2011)
Description: After his grandmother's death, filmmaker Arnon Goldfinger uncovers a trove of documents and secrets that reveal a complex relationship between Jews and Nazis during WWII.
Fact: The film won the Best Documentary award at the Ophir Awards, Israel's equivalent to the Oscars.
30 Days Free
The Gatekeepers (2012)
Description: Six former heads of Shin Bet, Israel's security agency, discuss their experiences, decisions, and the moral dilemmas they faced, offering a rare insider's view of Israel's security policies.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
30 Days Free
The Jewish Cardinal (2013)
Description: This film tells the true story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, a Jewish convert to Catholicism who became a Cardinal in France, exploring themes of identity, faith, and the Holocaust.
Fact: The film was adapted from a book by the same name and features a compelling performance by Laurent Lucas.
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The Jewish Journey: America (2015)
Description: This documentary explores the history of Jewish immigration to America, detailing the struggles, triumphs, and cultural impacts of Jewish communities across the country.
Fact: The film was produced in collaboration with the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.
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The Yiddish Book Center's Wexler Oral History Project (2010)
Description: This series captures the stories of Yiddish-speaking Jews from around the world, preserving their language, culture, and personal histories for future generations.
Fact: The project has collected over 1,000 interviews, making it one of the largest collections of Yiddish oral histories.
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The Law in These Parts (2011)
Description: This documentary examines the legal system established by Israel in the occupied territories, providing a critical look at the legal and moral implications of the occupation.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
30 Days Free
Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín (2012)
Description: This documentary tells the story of how Jewish prisoners in the Terezín concentration camp performed Verdi's Requiem as an act of defiance against their Nazi captors.
Fact: The film includes performances by the Defiant Requiem Foundation Orchestra and Chorus, bringing the historical event to life.
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