Live & Learn: Exploring Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Israeli Films with Ira Weiss

15 Oct @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Join us for an enlightening exploration of Orthodoxy in Israeli cinema with esteemed speaker Ira Weiss. This series will delve into the cultural and religious narratives depicted in some of Israel’s most acclaimed films, offering a unique perspective on Orthodox life and values. Each session will feature a screening of a notable film followed by an in-depth discussion led by Ira Weiss, providing rich context and a deeper understanding of the cinematic portrayal of Orthodoxy and its significance in Israeli society.

Event Details:

October 15 – Arranged
Two beautiful young teachers one an Orthodox Jew and the other a Muslim, cross boundaries and flout convention when they forge a powerful and lasting friendship.  The two women bond over their shared experiences of each experiencing “arranged marriages” through their respective religious and traditional customs.

October 22 – Ushpizin
Moshe and Malli, an Orthodox Jewish couple in Jerusalem, are childless and without means to celebrate the weeklong holiday of Succoth. After much prayer, they receive unexpected money, and Moshe is told about an abandoned shack where he and Malli can properly deprive themselves and receive guests. However, they are visited by two ex-convicts with an unexpected link to Moshe’s past, and the celebration becomes a series of emotional trials.

October 29 –  Fill the Void
After a young Hasidic woman dies in childbirth, her 18-year-old sister is asked to cancel her upcoming marriage to a promising young man and marry her widowed brother-in-law instead.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Israeli culture and society through the lens of its cinema. Whether you are a film enthusiast or simply curious about Israeli culture, this series promises to be both educational and entertaining.

About Ira Weiss
Ira is a neurophysiologist by profession now retired after 30+ years at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC.  He grew up on the lower east side of New York City where he attended an orthodox yeshiva.   He helped found and run an NGO called Projects Encounter which, for four years, brought Palestinian and Israeli high school students to Spain for summer coexistence workshops and now serves on the board of  New Story Leadership  which brings Palestinian and Israeli young potential leaders to Washington for joint summer internships and leadership training.  Ira has been teaching a variety of classes for us in the Live & Learn space since before the pandemic.  His knowledge of Israel (culture, language, people, challenges, complexities) is vast and he’s a popular presenter among our Live & Learn folks.