Three Jewish "What to Watches" while at Home

If you're stuck at home with time on your hands, why not watch something with Jewish content?  While I suspect you're all caught up with Shtisel and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and your kids have better seen Prince of Egypt and The Princess Bride by now,  I have three somewhat more obscure suggestions for you, two films from a while back and one more recent Israeli series.  Let's get to the reviews:

1.  Unstrung Heroes - this 90s film features Andie MacDowell, John Turturro, and Michael Richards.  It is based on the memoir by sports journalist Franz Lidz.  It is a heartwarming and bittersweet film about a boy who goes to live with his eccentric uncles and learns lessons for life.  A family movie, might not appeal to younger children, but I don't recall anything offensive in it!  Available, so far as I can tell, to rent on a number of a streaming services and you should be able to find for free through the library.  

2.  Pleasantville - another 90s film, this one with Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire.  While not overtly Jewish, it is almost a midrash (interpretation) of the story of Creation and the Jewish concepts of the yetzer ha-ra, the evil impulse which is also the creative impulse, and the yetzer ha-tov, the good impulse, which can sometimes be so pure as to be unsuitable for the world.  Definitely not for kids but probably appropriate for older teenagers as it teaches some thoughtful lessons about the nature of life.  Supposed to be on Hulu and again through the library.  

3.  Prisoners of War / Chatufim - an Israeli series from 2010.  It is a slow-burn spies/terrorim/thriller on which the far more melodramatic Homeland was based.  Once you're invested in it the only thing you'll dislike is that the show only has two seasons.  Again, appropriate for older teenagers and adults.   Available on Hulu and should be at the library.  

Enjoy these and go exploring for more.  If you discover anything really good, share it with me and I'll send some more around.

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Also, don't forget we have two online synagogue opportunities coming up:  

Online Kiddush, Friday at Noon:    

Aaron Benson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 157 019 718
Password: 024344

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"Lessons from the Bible on Facing Disease and Sickness" 

This coming Tuesday at 5pm

Aaron Benson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/822130964?pwd=TUZxRyt1SEF0N1N3UlJkY1gwODJCQT09

Meeting ID: 822 130 964
Password: 027062

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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 822 130 964
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