Series for Film Group Discussions

The Heritage of Judaism

A PASSION FOR JUSTICE

Jews as a group have been associated with most of the movements for social justice in the last hundred years, both in Europe and the United States. The massive Jewish representation and leadership in these movements has complex cultural, political, and religious roots. From the beginning, Jews living in oppressive conditions had an obvious motive to help expand human rights. But there were other factors: the ethical emphasis of Judaism exemplified by the concept of tikkun olam--the healing, or perfecting, of the world; a political affinity with the concerns of the left; and an enduring identification with the disenfranchised.

For many Jews in the twentieth century, the commandment to heal the world has been a central aspect of their Jewish identity. The fight for social justice has been a defining characteristic of their Judaism, strongly connected (in their own minds) to the Jewish tradition, which in other ways they may have left behind. The films in this series cover aspects of the involvement of Jews in the fight for social justice, from the early part of this century, in both Europe and America. Many of the figures shown in these films discarded Jewish ritual and scholarship (though often retaining a deep connection to Yiddishist culture) and transformed religious passion into a secular vision.

Selected Films

Discussion Questions

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