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Join CU’s Program in Jewish Studies and Hillel in CU Boulder’s ATLAS Center 100 for the last film in our Seeing Israel Film series, “Gevald!” on Wednesday, April 25 at 7:00 pm. This is the first film in the trilogy by directors Ron Ofer and Yohai Hakak, which includes “The Rabbi’s Wife & The Midwife” and “Religion(dot)com“. The series examines the distinct challenges of the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community living in the modern State of Israel.
As a child, Shmuel-Haim Pappenhym would cover his eyes during Independence Day fireworks so as not to participate in Zionist celebrations. Today, he organizes mass demonstrations against the State and is the editor of an influential magazine of the Jewish extreme sect known for not recognizing the State of Israel. In contrast, Ultra-Orthodox parliament member, Rabbi Avraham Ravitz, served in the Israeli Army, and has been involved in mainstream politics for many years. Ravitz danced in the streets on Israel`s first Independence Day yet secular modern-day Israel makes him want to cry.
As national Election Day approaches, Ravitz anxiously tallies his party`s projected parliament seats. Conversely, Pappenhym rallies in the number of voter abstentions. For Pappenhym, participation in Zionist elections is a grave sin. Pappenhym organizes demonstrations, where the announcer boldly declares, “Zionists are not Jews,” to the audience`s overpowering response; “Gevald!” (Disaster!).
Caryn Aviv, Senior Instructor in Secular Jewish Society & Civilization, will lead a post-film discussion that will explore some of the challenges addressed in the film including the role of religion in Israeli politics, women’s rights, and freedom of speech.
This event is free and open to the public but RSVPs to Nicholas.Underwood@colorado.edu are appreciated. Additional information can be found on our website jewishstudies.colorado.edu or by calling 303.492.7143.
The has been made possible by generous donors to CU’s Hillel, the Program in Jewish Studies and the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project, directed by the Association for Jewish Studies (AJS). Support for the Legacy Heritage Jewish Studies Project is generously provided by Legacy Heritage Fund Limited.
