Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema

Daniel Zana & Harry Ottensoser
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Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema

Daniel Zana & Harry Ottensoser discuss films of all types to investigate what truly makes a film Jewish. Covering everything from Fiddler on the Roof to Uncut Gems, they finish each episode by ranking the film’s production, content, and themes on a scale of 1 to 5 Jewish stars. Listen each week to find out!

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Once Upon A Time in America w/ Margalit Fox & George Robinson

    In this Director's Cut length episode of the pod, Harry and Daniel explore Sergio Leone’s epic crime saga, Once Upon a Time in America (1984), examining its portrayal of Jewish gangsters, memory, and the American Dream. They are joined by Margalit Fox, author of The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum: The Rise and Fall of an American Organized-Crime Boss, and veteran film critic George Robinson, author of Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs, and Rituals. Together, they discuss the film's historical inspirations, its intricate narrative structure, and its place within the broader context of Jewish representation in cinema. Guest Links Margalit Fox's Books George Robinson's Books Movie Links Once Upon A Time in America Trailer Once Upon A Time in America on IMDb Once Upon A Time in America behind the scenes doc on YouTube Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 41m

  2. FEB 6

    A Real Pain w/ Sam Ostroff

    Daniel & Harry dive into "A Real Pain" with guest Sam Ostroff. Jesse Eisenberg’s latest film takes two bickering cousins on a Holocaust-themed road trip through Poland—what could go wrong? They explore how the film navigates inherited trauma, the many ways a “Jewish experience” can look on screen, and what Martin Buber’s "I & Thou" has to do with family dysfunction. Plus, a stop in Lublin, where history looms large. Tune in for laughs, existential musings, and just the right amount of Jewish guilt. "A Real Pain" on IMdB "A Real Pain" Movie Trailer "A Real Pain" Conversation Guide from Reboot Studios Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 19m

  3. JAN 30

    The Goonies w/ Liz Asch Greenhill (Live at EJC in Portland)

    Recorded live at the Eastside Jewish Commons in Portland, Oregon, this special episode of Jews on Film explores the beloved 1985 classic The Goonies! We’re joined by writer, artist, and acupuncturist Liz Asch Greenhill for a lively discussion on how the film’s themes of treasure hunting, outsider camaraderie, and family legacy resonate with Jewish storytelling traditions. Plus, we’ll dive into Portland’s connection to the film and take questions from our live audience. Join us for an adventurous deep dive into The Goonies—Jews on Film style! The Goonies on IMDB The Goonies Movie Trailer Liz's Links Find Liz Asch Greenhill on Instagram Liz's Podcast Body Land Liz's website Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod Read less

    47 min

  4. JAN 16

    AI: Artificial Intelligence w/Arnon Shorr

    Daniel and Harry are joined by writer and filmmaker Arnon Shorr to dive into the futuristic, heart-wrenching world of A.I.: Artificial Intelligence. Together, they explore Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece, its ambitious take on humanity, and some surprisingly resonant Jewish themes—because even robot boys can wrestle with questions of identity, longing, and belonging. From Pinocchio parallels to existential crises, this episode asks: Can artificial beings find meaning? What does it mean to "choose life" in a world built for humans? And most importantly, does the robot bear count as an honorary mensch? Plug in, power up, and join us for a lively and insightful discussion that’s sure to leave your circuits buzzing. AI: Artificial Intelligence Movie Trailer AI: Artificial Intelligence on IMDB Arnon's Links Read Arnon's book Wayfarers Connect with Jews on Film IRL! Jan 18- Jews on Film Live Podcast in Portland Oregon @EJCPDX Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 14m

  5. 12/19/2024

    Revisiting "You Don't Mess with The Zohan" w/Jake Gillis: Is it a Jewish film or just an Israeli film?

    This week on Jews on Film, we’re diving deep into the outrageous, hummus-packed world of Adam Sandler’s You Don’t Mess with the Zohan. Our special guest, Jake Gillis, host of the podcast Sababoosh, joins us to break down the film’s over-the-top portrayal of Israeli culture, its unlikely existence as a major Hollywood studio film, and where it lands in the broader spectrum of Jewish representation on screen. Is this movie pure absurdity, or does it sneak in some profound commentary between the falafel jokes? Grab your hummus, cue the disco, and join us for a lively discussion about one of the wildest Jewish comedies ever made! "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" on IMDb "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" trailer Check out Jake's podcast Sababoosh Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 3m

  6. 11/28/2024

    Exploring Jewish Identity & Trust in Marathon Man w/ Sam Lipsyte

    Harry and Daniel are joined by acclaimed writer Sam Lipsyte for a deep dive into Marathon Man (1976), a gripping thriller packed with espionage, dental horror, and Dustin Hoffman at his best. Together, they explore the film's Jewish themes, its iconic villain Dr. Szell, and the cultural impact of that unforgettable question: "Is it safe?" Tune in for sharp insights, laughs, and a fresh take on this cinematic classic. Marathon Man on IMDb Marathon Man Trailer Purchase Sam Lipsyte Books Friends of the Pod from Gagosian Gallery Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 17m

  7. 11/14/2024

    Finding Your Purpose & Selfless Acts of Kindness in "Cha Cha Real Smooth" w/ Shoval Tshuva

    Daniel and Harry are joined by film maker Shoval Tshuva to take trip down memory lane to reminisce about wax hands, Shirley temple drinks, line dancing and other classic bar & bat mitzvah memories through the lens of Cooper Raiff's 2022 film Cha Cha Real Smooth. They talk about Raiff's depiction of Bar Mitzvah life based on his childhood of attending parties, how Andrew is a selfless individual on a mission to help others, and despite our age, some of us never figure things out. As always, they close out the episode by ranking the film's "Jewishness" in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes. "Cha Cha Real Smooth" Trailer "Cha Cha Real Smooth" on IMDb Shoval Tshuva on Instagram Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 3m

  8. 10/31/2024

    Bookstores, Romance, and Identity in "You’ve Got Mail" w/ Ilana Kaplan

    In this season four premiere of Jews on Film, Daniel & Harry are back to dive into the timeless charm and nuanced layers of Nora Ephron's beloved romantic comedy, You’ve Got Mail. Joining them is Ilana Kaplan, author of Nora Ephron at the Movies, to explore how Ephron’s witty writing and sentimental storytelling capture Jewish identity, New York City, and the intricate dance of love in the digital age. Together, they discuss the film’s iconic scenes, the cultural nostalgia of ‘90s New York, and how Ephron’s unique perspective as a Jewish storyteller shines through. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on identity, community, and romance in this rom-com classic! You've Got Mail Trailer You've Got Mail on IMdB Buy Nora Ephron at the Movies Ilana Kaplan on Instagram Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 12m
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About

Daniel Zana & Harry Ottensoser discuss films of all types to investigate what truly makes a film Jewish. Covering everything from Fiddler on the Roof to Uncut Gems, they finish each episode by ranking the film’s production, content, and themes on a scale of 1 to 5 Jewish stars. Listen each week to find out!

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