Series for Film Group Discussions

The Heritage of Judaism

JEWISH WOMEN: LIVING IN JUDAISM

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•How do the women in the films deal with fixed traditions and with changes in Judaism? In their lives? Must anything be fixed and unchangeable? Why do rituals atrophy? What answers to these questions do the films suggest?

•How does each film view the purpose and place of ritual in community life, family life, and the life of the individual? How are the conflicts between these arenas portrayed?

•How does each film examine the women's efforts to make ritual personal and relevant to them?

•What rituals seem to have particular power in the lives of women? To which are they especially drawn, and which do they most intensely want to reshape and revitalize?

•Do you think ritual is necessary?

Jewish Women Introduction

Selected Films

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