Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema

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 StudiosConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 IMDBThe Goonies Movie TrailerLiz's LinksFind Liz Asch Greenhill on InstagramLiz's Podcast Body LandLiz's websiteConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpodRead less

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 TrailerAI: Artificial Intelligence on IMDBArnon's LinksRead Arnon's book WayfarersConnect with Jews on Film IRL!Jan 18- Jews on Film Live Podcast in Portland Oregon @EJCPDXConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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" trailerCheck out Jake's podcast SababooshConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 IMDbMarathon Man TrailerPurchase Sam Lipsyte BooksFriends of the Pod from Gagosian GalleryConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 IMDbShoval Tshuva on InstagramConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 TrailerYou've Got Mail on IMdBBuy Nora Ephron at the MoviesIlana Kaplan on InstagramConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

Join Harry and Daniel as they dive into the world of Girlfriends—the groundbreaking 1978 film by Claudia Weil that some have called "the Jewish Frances Ha."This week, they’re joined by filmmaker and actress Jessie Kahnweiler to unpack the story of Susan, played by Melanie Mayron, as she navigates life, friendship, and independence in a way that’s as bold as it is relatable.Expect a lively discussion about Susan’s undeniable chutzpah, the film’s nuanced portrayal of female friendship, and finding your path on your own terms. Of course, no conversation would be complete without spotlighting some of the movie’s best (and corniest) Jewish jokes, along with their signature "Jewishness" ranking—covering everything from cast and crew to content and themes.And don’t miss the bonus at the end, where Jessie gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming film, Just the Tip!Girlfriends on IMDbGirlfriends movie trailerJessie's LinksJesse Kahnweiler on InstagramJust the Tip TrailerConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

Harry and Daniel welcome acclaimed director Eddie Schmidt to the pod to discuss Albert Brooks’ pioneering meta-documentary “Real Life,” released in 1979. Join them as they track the film’s exploration of truth and reality, and Brooks’ repeated meddling in the “reality” of his subjects. They then consider the different modes of performance in the film, and discuss how a God-fearing Jew is uniquely equipped to survive in an overly-observed world. Finally, they discuss the shlemiel and shlimazel archetypes and debate which each of the characters represents in the film. As always, they rank the film's "Jewishness" in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes.Stick around for the end of the podcast to hear a little bit more about Eddie‘s latest project “Good One: A Show About Jokes" and some of the parallels to "Real Life" as well as how he set out capturing Mike Birbiglia’s process in creating a special.Real Life TrailerReal Life on IMDbEddie's LinksEddie Schmidt on InstagramGood One: A Show About JokesConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

In this electrifying episode of Jews on Film, Daniel and Harry are thrilled to be joined by Yacov Freedman, Sr. Producer of TCM's acclaimed series The Plot Thickens. Together, they dive into the dazzling world of 2011's X-Men: First Class, directed by Matthew Vaughn. 🦸‍♂️💥This action-packed discussion covers everything from Magneto's poignant backstory as a Holocaust survivor to the X-Men's historical role as stand-ins for marginalized members of the Jewish, LGBTQ+, and Black communities .📽️✨ As they unpack the film's historical influences and character dynamics, you'll also hear Harry's heartfelt confession of his admiration for Michael Fassbender.Don't miss this opportunity to explore the superhero saga's deeper meanings and its cultural impact! 🌟🦹‍♀️X-Men First Class on TrailerX-Men First Class on IMDbYacov's LinksThe Plot Thickens on Apple PodcastsYacov Freedman on TwitterConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod