America's First Jewish Congregation

More Great Films!

Now Through May

Each of these specially curated films explores how we transmit culture, identity, and memory through time.

To register, click here.

Join us for a series of video presentations, which will include a live Q & A with the filmmakers!

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FOURTH SESSION

Double feature of animated films: Miracle on Central Park West and I, Candy

When: Sunday, February 7, 2021 

Time: 2:00 pm, NY time

Where: on Zoom 

This presentation will be followed by Q&A with the award-winning animator, Candy Kugel.

Did you know that one of the top animators of today is our congregant? Her career has spanned over a half century with work in commercial television and feature production, including Sesame Street and MTV. In “Miracle on Central Park West,” a random act of kindness leads to a real New York miracle (don’t miss the shout-out to Shearith Israel!).  In “I, Candy,” she tells her inspiring journey in animation. The film premiered at the Museum of Modern Art and has been featured at festivals and special events around the world.  

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FIFTH SESSION

Our Hebrews

When: Sunday, March 14, 2021 

Time: 2:00 pm, NY time

           9:00 pm, Israel time

Where: on Zoom 

Written, directed, produced and shot by: Naor Meningher

This documentary will be followed by Q&A with the filmmaker, Naor Meningher.

‘Little Jerusalem’ is how the locals refer to the town of Pitigliano in southern Tuscany because of its striking resemblance to Israel’s ancient city. Through the medieval stone walls, the fascinating story of 400 years of harmonic co-existence between Jews and Christians is told for the first time, leading to the heroic acts done by the locals during the time of the Holocaust.

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SIXTH SESSION

Near Normal Man

When: Sunday, April 18, 2021 

Time: 2:00 pm, NY time

           9:00 pm, Israel time

Where: on Zoom 

This presentation will be followed by Q&A with the filmmaker, Charlene Stern.

The first-hand account of Ben Stern, a Polish Jew who survives two ghettos, nine concentration camps, and two death marches. The Nazis identify him as one of the dangerous Jews of the Warsaw Ghetto. He emerges alive, only to face the Nazis again – 30 years later, this time in Skokie, Illinois. Ben decides he will not let them march in his adopted hometown and confronts his rabbi, who tells the survivors to “stay home, close the shades and let them pass.” What did he do then, and is still doing today, at 99 years of age?

Charlene Stern, a successful businesswoman and now an award-winning documentary filmmaker, is committed to sharing her remarkable father’s story with the world, now in more than 13 countries and growing.

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SEVENTH SESSION

The Name My Mother Gave Me

When: Sunday, May 16, 2021 

Time: 2:00 pm, NY time

           9:00 pm, Israel time

Where: on Zoom 

This presentation will be followed by Q&A with the filmmaker, Eli Tal-El.

We follow Ethiopian and Russian Israelis who meet at a leadership training program in Israel. Their year of learning culminates in a journey to Ethiopia, where the Ethiopian-born participants return to their native villages and confront their roots. In the highlands of the Ethiopian landscape, they discover the universality of their experiences and their shared commitment to their new home in Israel. How will this journey transform them and us? Written, directed, and shot by Eli Tal-El. 

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Advanced Registration is required 

Cost:  $5.00 for each program

To register, click here.

After registration, you will later receive the Zoom link.

For questions, contact Chairperson Vivienne Roumani-Denn: vivienneroumani@gmail.com

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