New Documentary on Converts
Update: I originally stated that this was an orthodox only documentary but it looks like I may have been incorrect in assuming this, as some of the scenes may have been filmed at JTS which is a conservative institution. I will update the post again once I find out for sure.
Anyhow as Chavi has pointed out in the comments below, this documentary is sure to have something for most JBC’s regardless of their denominational stripes.
Original Post:
Today while perusing my feed reader I learned of an interesting (forthcoming) documentary on converts to Judaism.
Unfortunately this documentary (at least based on what I saw in the trailer) seems to be limited to Orthodox converts and therefore IS NOT reflective of the broader Jewish community and I think that’s unfortunate. However, having said that, I’m sure this film will none the less be, an interesting and informative exploration of the Orthodox conversion process and life thereafter as a convert.
Anyhow, you can read more about the film here and view the trailer for it here.
Thanks for the hat tip, Avi.
I do think the movie would be valuable for any convert — reform, orthodox, conservative, reconstructionist, traditional, etc. — because no matter what movement one converts through, the struggles are all still very similar. How will your family react? Nerves about the process? Finding a rabbi? Becoming part of a community? No matter how observant or secular, the essence of the process is the same for every convert
I agree with you that many of the nuts and bolt’s aspects of conversion are very comparable across the spectrum of Judaism. I do however believe that there are also some differences and it will be interesting to see how these (if they are covered,) will play out in the documentary. But yes you are right, There probably is going to be something of interest/value for JBC’s of all stripes in this documentary and I for one am looking forward to seeing it.
Hi Avi
Thanks for this. I noticed the rabbi in the trailer was at JTS, so don’t know whether that says something about a non-orthodox affiliation?
Personally, the trailer made me feel so sad - reminded me of all the reasons I once came to Judaism, and of the sense of kinship I felt reading the personal stories in various books on conversion. After a somewhat underwhelming reception from the born-Jewish community both in Israel and Britain and all the recent stuff going on, I really feel there is an innocence about the way the people in the documentary are talking which is one that I have lost, and mourn.
I might add that one of the reasons I value this site is that it reminds me that we JBCs really are more engaged than many born Jews and do have something unique to contribute to the community - that I’m not just a “leprous boil”.
Nechama
Thanks for pointing out the JTS thing. If you are right, well then I apologize for assumptively jumping the gun regarding the Ortho only focus.
As for your sadness, I can’t offer much advice (not that you are asking me for any)other than, please keep trying to build positive connections wherever and whenever possible. More importantly don’t take other peoples issues too personally. I have no doubt there is a community out there that you can call home.
Wow, this does look really good. I swear I know that girl “Rain”. I wish I could put my finger on it. I couldn’t tell what perspective the movie will come from so it will surely be interesting.
This reminds me of my dilemma in filming about conversion, I also tried to capture people from across movements, but the scope of it was too large for just me and my very low budget crew to really handle. In the end, I got so much flack from Orthodox circles around filming reform Jews by Choice in the same documentary as Orthodox, that I started focusing on Reform Jews by Choice. In particular I wanted to show that Reform Jews are just a Jewish as any other convert. More power to the indy filmmakers!
I just heard back from the director of the film, who said that the film will be about converts of all streams. Right now she is still in a fundraising stage, and thus she can’t say when the film will be done.
Just an update!