Israel Through Film @ Temple B'nai Abraham

Cinema is big in Israel. Israelis love the movies and, for its size, Israel produces a lot of them. Art, by its very nature, is a way of looking at something, and in these sessions we will see what we can learn about Israel through its films: how do Israelis see themselves, how do Israelis see the world, and on why do Israeli filmmakers make the films they do? Sometimes, films reinforce the historical narrative with which we are familiar; other times, films stand that narrative on its head. We will watch and discuss examples of both. Current Israeli cinema frequently makes it to America – films like Beaufort, Ushpizin and Waltz with Bashir were shown widely. But these five selections, all about 90 minutes long, in Hebrew with English subtitles, are little seen today. As part of the Israeli canon, however, they were popular, influential and significant in their day. Rabbi Clifford Kulwin will introduce each screening and lead a discussion afterward.

On Wednesday, November 18 7:00 PM, Hill 24 Doesn’t Answer (1955) will be discussed. Often called Israel’s first feature film, and set during the War of Independence, the drama Hill 24 tells the tale of four young Israeli soldiers on the way to defend a strategic hill overlooking Jerusalem. It is a film based on a bold, patriotic theme

Other dates are Wednesdays, January 13, February 10 and March 2. Free and open to the community. Register online at http://www.tbanj.org/secure/congregational-learning-2015-2016 or call 973.994.2290