Database of documentaries, features and other film footage that contain relevant materials on Jewish and Israeli music. It also includes articles that discuss aspects of Jewish and Israeli musical representation in films.
Directed by Isaac Zepel Yeshurun
Film about the town of Lachish and its residents. Towards the end of the film there is a one minute segment that features a traditional Moroccan Henna ceremony.
Complete film on Youtube, courtesy of the Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive Virtual Cinema:
Directed by Joshua Waletzky
Directed by Laura Paul
This documentary film reveals the history of the Cuban Jews. It discusses their origins, traditions, and place that they hold within Cuban culture and politics. The film shows a few scenes in a Cuban synagogue in which prayers such as Oseh Shalom Bimromav and Avinu Malkenu are sung by a female worshiper. The soundtrack also features songs by Judy Frankel and Kaila Flexer and a Cuban version of Hava Nagila sung by Cuban singer Celia Cruz.
Directed by Lena Chapman
Hanazir Ayerushalmi is a film about Rabbi David Yehuda Arieh Leib Cohen (1887-1972), otherwise known as Hanazir Hayerushalmi (The Jerusalem Nazirite). Rabbi Cohen dedicated his life to the ways of the Nazirite, he did not cut his hair, drink wine, or eat meat. Besides his extensive knowledge in Jewish writings, he also held a PhD in Western philosophy, and his writings would refer to both of these traditions.
Directed by Zvi Salphon
Rabbi Shlomo Carlibach sings and gives explanations to the Selichot in the Ashkenaz nusah.
This film from the 1970s depicts the history of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra began with Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman who helped start a Jewish Orchestra in Palestine in 1936 and their first concert was conducted by Arturo Toscanini. The film features interviews with musicians and conductors, including Zubin Mehta and Daniel Barenboim, and concert segments.
Directed by Joseph Seiden
This Yiddish film brings the classic tale of Faust to the Shtetl. It is about a pious man who makes a deal with the devil and the downward spiral that he is led down. Music plays a major part in the film, most notably the fiddle playing motive that appears at various points.
Directed by Patricia Giniger Snyder
Film about the Jews of Girona, a Catalonian city that used to be an important Jewish hub in Spain. The film also discusses Catalan-Ladino folk music.
More information can be found at the National Center for Jewish Film at Brandeis University website.
