This Jewish American Life: Hava Nagila

Showings

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Sun, Jun 24, 2018 11:00 AM
Film Info
Runtime:75 min
Copyright:2012
Country Listing:USA, Ukraine, Israel
Rating:Not yet rated (STC)
Cast/Crew Info
Director(s):Roberta Grossman

Description

We’ve all heard the infectious Jewish party tune “Hava Nagila” (Let Us Rejoice), a standard at weddings, bar mitzvahs and even baseball games. But how did a song born out of Eastern European folk tradition become such a huge cultural phenomenon? Charting over 150 years of Jewish history, director Roberta Grossman delves into the origins, mystery and significance of this classic song and playfully examines its journey from religious folklore to universal popularity.

Additional Information

This Jewish American Life: From touching family traditions to Hollywood legends, we shine a light on the cultural luminaries and stories of hope and resilience that have shaped the Jewish-American experience—one that reflects the history of an immigrant nation.

“Buoyant... The filmmakers mix the playful and serious.” – The New York Times

"A fun, nostalgic, informative journey" - Los Angeles Times