I recently visited Israel and witnessed the events that unfolded on October 7. The conflict began when Hamas, the ruling power in Gaza, breached Israel’s border defences on October 7, deploying three thousand fighters for acts of violence. It’s worth noting that regular citizens played a vital role in swiftly stopping the attackers on the first day, even before the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) arrived. The rapid response and intervention by the local people can be considered a remarkable and fortunate occurrence, given the seriousness of the situation.
Upon my return to Canada, I attended a conference in Ottawa on October 16 and 17, focused on addressing the issue of antisemitism in present-day Canada. The event, organized by CIJA (Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs), had been planned before the outbreak of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The conference brought together a diverse group of 1,500 individuals, including 250 students from high school and college, as well as professionals from different fields, such as educators, law enforcement, NGO leaders, and scholars. They all came together to address the problem of hatred, particularly the insidious strain from social media platforms.
Notable figures, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Polievre, gave keynote addresses, emphasizing the gravity of the cause and reinforcing the collective resolve against bigotry. One of the most impactful accounts came from a teacher at Ottawa Public Schools, who courageously highlighted the persistent bullying faced by Jewish students. This revelation galvanized attendees, igniting discussions beyond the conference halls.
The gathering was an excellent opportunity for intimate dialogues with Members of Parliament like Sherry Romanado and Brad Redekopp. Their openness highlighted the potential for collaborative action. These interactions paved the way for sustained advocacy, a commitment shared by all participants determined to confront antisemitism head-on.
The conference taught us an important lesson: speaking out against hatred rather than being silent. Being silent only enables it to continue. The conference also highlighted the power of collective efforts and how they can bring about significant change. However, even as the conference ended, it was evident that we must remain vigilant, as demonstrated by the increased security measures and the presence of Palestinian protesters. It served as a stark reminder of the obstacles that we must overcome. Given these realities, we must reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fight against all forms of bigotry, utilizing the lessons of the past to guide us toward a more inclusive and just future.
Resilience and Unity: How the Jewish Community Responds
The Jewish people have a long and proud history of solidarity with their brethren, exhibiting remarkable resilience in adversity. For centuries, Jewish communities have consistently demonstrated their commitment to caring for orphans, widows, and strangers. In Montreal, this noble endeavour is entrusted to the Federation-CJA, which tirelessly works to provide for those in need. Every year, the community comes together for a fundraising campaign, gathering funds for these essential services. This year’s mission includes raising urgent funds for the war effort initiated on the first day of the conflict.
Our enduring traditions, commitment to Torah study, and alignment with Torah principles have provided sustenance for the Jewish people throughout millennia in both prosperous and challenging times. This emphasis on regular Jewish practice is pivotal in our collective efforts to support Israel’s existential war of survival, including the eradication of the threat to our people from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Whether inside or outside Israel, we are all dedicated to the common good, working towards the recovery of our captives and the elimination of threats like Hamas, ensuring the safety of our people.
The issue of antisemitism, which is the ongoing hatred and discrimination towards Jews, has been a long-standing problem. The Jewish community acknowledges this issue, as stated in the following passage from our Passover seder:
Through the ages, many groups have risen to destroy us. But the Holy One, Blessed Be, always saves us from their hand!
On April 7, 2020, the talented Ishai Ribo enchanted the audience with his rendering of this Passover classic, ‘Vehi She’amda.’ With his mesmerizing vocals, he breathed life into the timeless lyrics, reminding us that throughout history, many have tried to bring harm to our people.
In today’s world, where we’re bombarded with news of conflict and suffering, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But in the midst of this, we can find hope and purpose in the belief that each of us has a role to play in bringing about positive change. Whether through acts of kindness, standing up against injustice, or simply being present for those in need, we can all be agents of goodness.
Think about when you’ve seen kindness or compassion make a difference, whether in your life or the world around you. Those moments are like glimpses of the divine, reminding us of our power to create miracles through our actions.
And it’s not just about individual efforts. When we come together as a community, our impact multiplies. Regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs, we share a common humanity and a responsibility to make the world a better place for everyone.
These are the times when ‘the lion shall lie down with the lamb’ – times of peace in which the solid and weak coexist peacefully for the greater good. Chazan Mutlu from Central Synagogue in NYC recorded a prayer that we can all recite on behalf of those facing adversity, wherever they may be, on land or sea. The prayer seeks the boundless mercy of God to release them from distress, provide comfort, bring them out of darkness into light, and free them from slavery. We pray that this will happen soon and swiftly in our time. The Hebrew phrase at the end is ‘Hashta ba’agala uvizman kariv.
I travelled to Israel from October 7-12 and experienced many emotions while witnessing the Jewish community’s resilience. The backdrop was set against the celebration of Simchat Torah, a jubilant occasion marking the completion of the annual Torah readings and the commencement of a new cycle.
I joined my nephew Rabbi Yair Silverman’s synagogue on October 7 for the Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah festivities. This marked a significant end to the Rosh Hashana-Yom Kippur-Sukkot holiday season. Simchat Torah is a unique event that signifies the completion of the annual synagogue readings of The Five Books of Moses, or the Torah, and the start of a new cycle with the story of Genesis/Bereishit, narrating the tale of the world’s creation.
Before the service started, Rabbi Silverman shared unsettling news about an ongoing attack in Israel. He offered refuge to anyone needing to return home but committed to continuing the service. Despite this news, most of the congregation stood together and decided to proceed with the synagogue services. The atmosphere remained festive throughout the day, and we reconvened at 6 p.m. for a scheduled talk by a congregation member and the closing service.
Later in the evening, we learned that Israel was in conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Rabbi Silverman received a remarkable phone call from a Rabbi in Tel Aviv that night. A couple scheduled to marry the next day insisted on proceeding with their wedding in Zichron Yaakov. This request was based on rabbinic teachings that emphasized not delaying joyous occasions, such as weddings or bar mitzvahs, even in the face of adversity.
A Joyous Wedding Amidst Adversity
Rabbi Silverman took on the responsibility and orchestrated a wedding for the young couple and their entourage with the support of his congregation. The heartfelt ceremony took place the very next day, on Sunday, October 8, at 1 p.m., hosted within the walls of their small synagogue housed in a school. The bride’s extended family and close friends attended the momentous occasion while adhering to cherished traditions. The synagogue community, spanning generations, celebrated the joyous event with the family, inviting strangers to participate as guests. This is a customary practice in the joy of a wedding celebration. Fortunately, I captured a video of this event, and the family graciously permitted me to share these precious moments with you.
Return to Jerusalem and Changing Realities
I drove back to my apartment in Jerusalem the next day, around noon. It’s located in the heart of Israel, amidst the picturesque Judean hills, and it takes about ninety minutes to reach from Zichron Yaakov, which lies just south of Haifa along the Mediterranean coast. When I arrived, my phone buzzed incessantly with updates from various WhatsApp groups, each one fervently discussing how to handle the unfolding situation. They shared information about cancellations, recommendations, and what events were still on track. Among them, my pilates community was particularly active, already planning for a class the following day.
My tickets for the highly anticipated concert featuring Ishay Ribo, a renowned artist celebrated for his soul-stirring interpretations of biblical texts, were initially scheduled for October 8 at Jerusalem’s Binyanei Hauma. However, they were cancelled, and refunds were promptly issued. To taste Ishay Ribo’s artistry, here’s a snippet from one of his concerts on a Jerusalem stage, dated November 26, 2019, retrieved from YouTube. Kicking off the evening’s musical journey, he performs “Modeh Ani,” a heartfelt ode expressing gratitude for each new day, a prayer commonly recited at dawn. What’s remarkable is the harmonious unity of the audience, fervently joining their voices in this melodic prayer. These concerts transcend mere musical performances; they evoke the essence of a collective spiritual experience akin to a live prayer service.
We were instructed by government authorities through official media channels and WhatsApp groups to prepare our homes for the current reality. This included ensuring everyone had enough water, food, flashlights, and transistor radios for their bomb shelters. I went to the mall with my friend Sarah Kraft, who offered to drive. During our visit, we explored various establishments such as the electronics store, hardware shop, health food boutique, and supermarket. While searching for transistor radios, we faced an unexpected challenge: the electronics store was out of stock. Fortunately, they directed us to a nearby place specializing in cell phones, where we purchased the last two radios available.
People in Israel came together to ensure soldiers and civilians were well-equipped with essential resources. Some gathered protective gear and ammunition, while others prepared meals for the 300,000 reservists called to duty at short notice. Meanwhile, many groups provided spiritual support through communal activities like singing, dancing, and Torah classes, both in-person and online via platforms like Zoom. Additionally, they crafted “tzitzit,” undergarments adorned with fringes to symbolize connection to the Torah, which were offered to any soldiers who wanted them.
In my Jerusalem residence, we are fortunate to have a bomb shelter in the building. However, my friend Sarah, who lives in a building without one, faced a difficult decision. We had to choose how to prepare for the uncertain times ahead. Despite having a pre-scheduled direct Air Canada flight back to Montreal on Thursday, October 12, all international flights to and from Tel Aviv were suddenly cancelled, leaving El Al as the only airline operating in and out of Ben Gurion airport.
I contacted my travel agent, who suggested purchasing an El Al ticket to Zurich, allowing Air Canada to honour my ticket and continue my journey to Montreal. I decided to proceed with this option. Before my departure, I entrusted Sarah with the keys to my apartment so she could access the air raid shelter if necessary.
Returning to Montreal
Upon my arrival, I was extremely grateful to have received an invitation to join my cousins for dinner on Friday night. The following day, I attended the Shabbat morning synagogue service with Rabbi Poupko at my usual place of worship. The atmosphere during the service was familiar, except for a brief additional prayer dedicated to remembering hostages and a heartfelt rendition of Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. Hatikvah, also known as the “Hope” or “Aspiration,” resonates with the two-thousand-year-old yearning of the Jewish people for sovereignty and freedom in our homeland, making it a poignant and cherished moment for all who gathered.
Reuniting with the congregation filled me with relief and joy. As we reconnected, we openly shared our experiences and the challenges we had faced since the onset of hostilities. In this tight-knit community, many of us have family and friends in Israel, and some have connections to individuals who have tragically lost their lives. Our sense of unity and vigilance remained high as we grappled with the uncertainty of the situation.
That night, our community began a weekly tradition of gathering for an additional prayer service dedicated to reciting Psalms/Tehilim. We came together to listen to words of comfort and support from our rabbis and to recite our designated psalms as a group. Reciting Psalms, whether in a group or individually, is a cherished Jewish tradition that provides solace and strength during challenging times. This weekly act of unity and faith will continue for as long as necessary. Bacol Serlui, a prominent Israeli poet, esteemed literary critic, and dedicated educator of Hebrew literature, has also shared her perspective on the profound tradition of reciting Psalms.
“At noon on that dark Shabbat of the holiday of Simhat Torah, one of our sons went off to war. I almost died of fear, trembling, and sorrow for the little we knew, from worrying about him and others. And what does a person do when he has no way out? He cries and screams his way through. And like my mother and all the other women, I sat with my Tehillim, reciting from beginning to end until the close of the holiday, until my tears dried up and the breaking news broke me once again. I recite the Psalms again and again and feel that the Tehillim are reading me, dubbing my fear and sorrow, giving me a voice. Three millennia ago a Jew sat and poured out the agony of his soul in times of peace and war, and here he reaches out a hand of prayer and speaks to our own day, until we will be redeemed.” *1
Our influencers and rabbis have reminded us that we all actively participate in God’s divine mission, whether we serve in the armed forces, contribute on the home front, or engage in contemplative prayer. They encourage us to deepen our dedication to mitzvot, righteous actions, and prayer.
The Rabbis in Israel have decreed a three-day communal fast inspired by the story of Queen Esther in the Purim narrative. The tradition is a mirror of the time when Haman had secured a decree to annihilate the Jewish community in Shushan, Persia (modern-day Iran), on a specific day. On a mission to avert this catastrophe, Queen Esther implored the community to observe a three-day fast before her fateful audience with King Ahashverosh. This moving story is commemorated annually during the festival of Purim, as recounted in the Book of Esther.
On Sunday, October 15, we celebrated Rosh Chodesh, which marks the start of a new month. A few years ago, the women of Montreal started a unique tradition by hosting an exclusively female Rosh Chodesh service. Whenever I am in the city, I attend this special gathering. On this particular occasion, the service was even more extraordinary as we gathered to celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of a young girl who turned 12, a significant milestone in the life of every Jewish girl. It was an inspiring and emotional experience to hear her flawlessly chant the Torah portion of the day. We celebrated this important day in her life with her classmates, friends, and family.
Resilience and Unity: How the Jewish Community Responds
The Jewish community has a long-standing tradition of solidarity and remarkable resilience in times of adversity. Throughout history, Jewish communities have consistently shown compassion for the vulnerable, including orphans, widows, and strangers in need. In Montreal, the Federation CJA oversees these noble efforts and tirelessly works to support those in need. Each year, the community unites for a fundraising campaign to gather crucial funds for these essential services. This year, we focus on raising urgent funds for the ongoing war effort initiated on the conflict’s first day.
Last week, a remarkable fundraising concert showcased some of Montreal’s beloved Jewish entertainers who generously lent their talents on very short notice. Among them, Milena Kartowski delivered an awe-inspiring rendition of “Stand by Me,” leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
Throughout countless generations, the Jewish people have relied on our enduring traditions, unwavering commitment to Torah study, and alignment with Torah principles as a steadfast foundation. We have weathered both prosperous and challenging times by consistently practicing Judaism. This emphasis on consistent Jewish practice is crucial to our collective dedication to supporting Israel’s existential struggle for survival, including the ongoing efforts to counter threats. Whether within or outside Israel, we are united in our pursuit of the common good, striving for the recovery of our captives and the elimination of threats to ensure the safety of our people.
The Jewish community is acutely aware that the pervasive issue of antisemitism, an enduring hatred directed towards Jews, serves as a motivating force for groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. This recognition is articulated in a poignant passage from our Passover seder:
“Through the ages, not just one, but many, have risen to destroy us… But the Holy One, Blessed Be, always saves us from their hand!
On April 7, 2020, Ishai Ribo delivered a remarkable performance of a classic Passover song that enchanted the audience. His mesmerizing vocals brought the timeless lyrics to life and served as a powerful reminder of the numerous attempts made to harm the Jewish people throughout history. Despite these challenges, the Jewish people have always shown resilience and triumphed.
Miracles occur when we fight against evil, emphasizing our collective responsibility to confront it. As individuals and a unified community, we are consistently called upon to contribute to goodness and improve the world. This call extends to both Jewish and non-Jewish members of our society.
Only by successfully eliminating such malevolence can we hope to bring about messianic times, where peace reigns, and universal well-being, health, and happiness prevail. We pray earnestly for this day to come soon, swiftly, and in our lifetime.
Hazan Mutlu of Central Synagogue in NYC has recorded this prayer, which we all recite on behalf of our brethren facing adversity, wherever they may be—on land or at sea. We pray for the boundless mercy of God to free them from distress, leading them from darkness to light and from slavery to redemption, swiftly and soon, in our time.
“Hashta ba’agala uvizman kariv”
We stand united and fully prepared, without a doubt, that we will triumph over the evil forces threatening us!
Am Yisrael Chai: The Jewish People are alive and living, now and forever!
SHTTL is a film that has yet to be released to the public, but it has already garnered widespread acclaim and accolades at various film festivals. During a recent screening at the Montreal Holocaust Museum, I watched this cinematic masterpiece that stands out among the rest.
The film’s narrative is set in a Ukrainian forest, where two young men embark on a journey while a Hasidic folk story weaves around them. Upon their arrival at a bustling market, the stage is set for a complex tale amidst a backdrop of a Soviet manager, overlapping conversations, and references to the protagonist’s former girlfriend – the Rabbi’s daughter, engaged to be married that weekend. The film ventures into dreamy sequences with the protagonist’s deceased mother’s encounters with his father and surreal moments in a synagogue with the Rebbe and the congregation. The audience is immersed in a 24-hour snapshot of life in an obscure Ukrainian village near the Polish border.
SHTTL is a powerful film that immerses viewers in the pre-Nazi invasion era of Ukraine, portraying the intricacies of village life as an engaged observer. The film adeptly hints at the dynamics between religious and secular Jews, Russian occupiers, and other neighbours, showcasing the complexities of their relationships.
The Nazis’ invasion of the Soviet Union extended their grip over numerous Jewish communities from the Baltics through Belarus and Ukraine to the Black Sea *1, and SHTTL serves as a poignant representation of one such village. It functions as a memorial that focuses on celebrating the vibrant lives of its inhabitants rather than dwelling solely on the tragic fate that ultimately befell them.
What’s remarkable about this film is that it was entirely filmed in the native languages of the villagers, predominantly Yiddish, interspersed with Ukrainian, Russian, and German. The English subtitles make it easy for the audience to follow the storyline, immersing them in the village’s culture and traditions.
Adding to its significance, SHTTL has a solid connection to Montreal, where two of the producers are esteemed entertainment professionals from the city: Eric Gozlan, recognized for his work on films like Beautiful Boy, Stand Off, A Score to Settle, and Bandit, and Joe Sisto, a well-known Montreal-based entertainment lawyer associated with projects such as Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Upside Down, Brick Mansions, and Erased.
Word has it that the producers plan to submit this film to the Oscars in the foreign film category. Filmed in Ukraine with a local crew, it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in creating this 21st-century masterpiece. Kudos to the entire team!
On the 22nd of June 1941, German troops launched Operation Barbarossa, Germany’s attack on the Soviet Union. From the point of view of the Nazis, this was not an ordinary military conflict but a battle against the chief ideological and racial enemies of the German nation.
At the rear of the German army were four Einsatzgruppen special units whose task was to fight against ideological opponents. They were required to kill all Communist functionaries, Jews holding party and state functions, and other radical elements. In reality, however, the main role of these units was to massacre Jewish communities.
To begin with, only Jewish men were murdered, but soon women and children were also being killed. The largest single massacre was the execution of over 30,000 Kievan Jews in Babi Yar at the end of September 1941. It is estimated that these units, aided by local militia and in coordination with the army, slaughtered approximately 1.25 million Jews in all, as well as hundreds of thousands of other Soviet citizens. (Written by Producer Eric Gozlan)
The film “Oppenheimer” is a historical drama that chronicles the life of Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who oversaw the development of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. The movie provides an in-depth look at the complex world of scientific inquiry and the challenges of creating such powerful weapons. Additionally, it delves into the political influences that shaped Oppenheimer’s life after 1954.
Political Intrigues and Allegations
As I watched the movie, Oppenheimer’s character became increasingly mysterious. The film raised questions about his political affiliations and whether he shared atomic secrets with the USSR. It also explored his extramarital affair and the tragic passing of his mistress, adding layers of complexity to his character. Throughout the film, Oppenheimer’s demeanour remained unreadable, making it challenging for viewers to understand his true nature. Struggling to grasp the movie, I searched online for more insights.
In an enlightening interview, JNS editor-in-chief Jonathan Tobin spoke with historian Harvey Klehr, an expert on Soviet spies in the U.S. during that period. Klehr’s insights revealed the Soviet interest in espionage, particularly regarding the Manhattan Project since the 1930s. This background shed light on the historical events and personal choices that shaped Oppenheimer’s legacy.
Before World War II, many Americans, including Oppenheimer’s students at Berkeley University and his friends and relatives, were attracted to the ideals of the Soviet International Communist Party and its utopian Marxist ideology. Notably, Oppenheimer’s wife’s second husband fought and died in the Spanish Civil War to support the communist cause. Furthermore, there were suspicions surrounding Oppenheimer himself, who was believed to be affiliated with the communist party, and information that was likely in the FBI’s possession when he assumed leadership of the Manhattan Project.
Soviet archives indicate a persistent interest in obtaining information about the atomic bomb project dating back to the 1930s. Reports from Klehr suggest that individuals within the United States, spying for the Russians, had successfully infiltrated the U.S. federal government both before and after the war—a concern paralleling contemporary worries about Chinese communist infiltration.
Despite these associations, FBI wiretaps released from that era reveal Oppenheimer’s deliberate distancing from communist ties once he assumed control of the project, thwarting Soviet attempts to secure his cooperation. Understanding this historical backdrop is crucial given that, in 1941, many were oblivious to Stalin’s true nature as a communist leader. *1
Espionage and Betrayal
Recognizing the depth of communist influence and espionage during that period offers valuable insights into the intricate geopolitical dynamics of the time. It is a cautionary tale, underscoring the potential consequences of communist ideologies and covert activities.
The film also uncovers the presence of not one but two scientist spies embedded within the Manhattan Project. Ted Hall, a remarkably talented graduate student, was recruited at eighteen through his Harvard professors. Surrounded by card-carrying communists as roommates, he independently chose to divulge atomic secrets to the Soviets. Hall believed that a shared possession of the nuclear bomb would contribute to a “safer world.” A recent documentary titled “The Compassionate Spy” delves into Hall’s story, defending his decision to share crucial atomic information with the Soviets. His apology, featured in The New York Times Magazine under “The Boy Who Gave Away The Bomb,” provides further insight.
The second spy, Klaus Fuchs, assumed leadership in the British atomic lab post-World War II. Operating as a double agent, Fuchs was eventually apprehended and served time in jail.
In the third hour of the movie, Oppenheimer’s alleged spying and the loss of his security clearance in 1954 are portrayed. However, an article from September 1977 in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists provides a more nuanced perspective. According to an eyewitness, the motives behind Oppenheimer’s security clearance revocation were more complex than previously thought. The article suggests that Oppenheimer’s security clearance was revoked because he had opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb, which put him at odds with the military establishment.
The film “Oppenheimer” offers a fascinating insight into the life of one of the most controversial figures in modern history. It highlights the intricate geopolitical dynamics of the time and the potential consequences of political ideologies and covert activities.
Sadly, Oppenheimer’s life story is relevant to our current political predicaments. Oppenheimer was destroyed by a political movement characterized by rank know-nothing, anti-intellectual, xenophobic demagogues. The witch-hunters of that season are the direct ancestors of our current political actors of a specific paranoid style… Oppenheimer did not regret what he did at Los Alamos; he understood that you cannot stop curious human beings from discovering the physical world around them. One cannot halt the scientific quest, nor can one un-invent the atomic bomb but it is up to each and every one of us to ensure that our current technologies are integrated by our leaders into a sustainable and humane civilization. (Kai Bird *1)
Contemporary Relevance
The underlying message about the importance of responsible governance and ethical technology stewardship remains relevant. Similar dynamics are at play in current politics, including the tactics employed by the Chinese Communist Party and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to maintain control over their populations, including the establishment of concentration camps for dissenters and those who hold independent beliefs or affiliations. Additionally, American historian Timothy Snyder, who focuses on Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, has pointed out the similarities between Putin’s actions and Stalin’s methods during an interview in 2023.
Despite the evidence of human rights abuses and political repression committed by these governments, some Western academics continue to downplay the brutality of these regimes and defend their actions. This is particularly true of those who lean left and admire a particular political party. But there are those like Harold P. Green, who discusses “The Oppenheimer Case,” published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which examines the Oppenheimer case as an example of the abuse of law. The article highlights the dangers of ignoring human rights abuses and downplaying the motives behind political repression.
Yishai Rebo’s latest chant, “Ata Zocher,” reflects the themes explored in the film “Oppenheimer.” In it, he offers a poignant reflection on the complexity of human endeavours, the weight of responsibility, and the enduring quest for understanding. As we unravel Oppenheimer’s story, we confront the spectre of espionage, navigating a landscape fraught with ambiguity and intrigue. Yet amidst the shadow of suspicion, Oppenheimer emerges as a figure emblematic of ethical quandaries and the enduring struggle for ethical stewardship of technology. Through the lens of Yishai Rebo’s transcendent chant, we find solace in the pursuit of understanding, redemption, and the enduring quest for truth.
“You (G-d) remember all the workings of the universe
And you note all the creatures of this world
All events and mysteries are revealed to you
Because there is nothing forgotten before Your Holy Throne
Or hidden from your gaze.”
The movie “Barbie” was a genuinely enchanting cinematic experience that weaves elements of music, humour, and a profound message. The film takes the beloved Barbie and Ken dolls. It transforms them into animated characters with human traits, which enables the story to unfold as a joyous celebration until the disruptive notion of ‘death’ intrudes upon their magical world. What follows is a captivating exploration of self-discovery and personal growth as individuals from various walks of life, encompassing genders, generations, and roles, undergo a thorough introspective journey to unearth their ‘true selves.’
A Connection to Yom Kippur
What is particularly impressive about this movie is how it evokes reflections reminiscent of Yom Kippur, the sacred Jewish Holy Day dedicated to contemplating life’s tribulations. Barbie’s narrative delves into the universal human condition, similar to the ritualized Yom Kippur service, which prompts contemplation on personal missteps and the mending of fences. The film is a powerful reminder to self-reflect and consider if we’ve strayed from our values or hurt others.
The movie also connects with communal ideas, similar to the midnight Selichot services before Yom Kippur. These gatherings, often featuring public concerts, mirror a collective effort for self-improvement. I experienced this firsthand at a Beit Avichai, Jerusalem show, where communal spirit and personal reflection came together.
At its core, the movie echoes the timeless message embedded in our tradition: the constant potential for human growth and improvement. The concept of ‘teshuvah,’ or returning to one’s pure soul, is a testament to our inherent capacity for development. Just as the High Holidays stress, the film emphasizes that, like Barbie and Ken’s evolving story, we all can grow personally and together, discovering moments of peace and connection in a fast-paced world.
