This course explores the evolution, stereotypes, and pluralism of Jewish identity in 20th and 21st-century American and European popular cinema. We will examine how Judaism is represented in these films and how this representation has shaped a sense of American and European Jewish identity.
The questions guiding our analysis include: What does it mean to be Jewish? Is Judaism a religious, ethnic, and/or cultural identity? How are gender and sexuality related to Jewish identity, and how do these aspects shift or become subverted over the decades? How do Jews navigate their dual Jewish and national identities? What is the relationship between Jews and other minority groups? What are the ethics and anxieties surrounding assimilation, particularly in relation to intermarriage or ethnically/religiously mixed romantic relationships? How are American Jewish identities depicted differently from European Jewish identities in these films?
The American film material will consist of, but not be limited to, early Hollywood classics addressing the complexities of Jewish identity, such as “The Jazz Singer” (1927), “Gentleman’s Agreement” (1948), and more. It is hard to overstate the role of Woody Allen and Mel Brooks in questioning and constructing Jewish identity for both American and global audiences. Therefore, we will dedicate extra time to their works from the 1970s and ’80s. Allen’s and Brooks’ films will be supplemented by a look at other essential Jewish films of the era. Moving into the 1980s and ’90s, we will study “The Chosen“ (1981) and Jewish romantic comedies. The American section of the course will conclude with a look at films by the Coen Brothers, as well as by Spike Lee. Some films will be shown in full, while others will be excerpted.
We will then turn our attention to Europe, where we will analyze a selection of films that explore the nature of European Jewish identity, including films by Jean Renoir, Aleksandr Askoldov, Hugh Hudson, Mike Leigh, István Szabó, Karin Albou, Elie Wajeman, Pawel Pawlikowski, and Nadav Lapid. We will explore how these European films reframe the question of Jewish identity in the diaspora and examine their continuity and divergence from their American counterparts. Finally, we will discuss not only the identities of the characters in these films but also the identities of the films themselves. Can we read these works as Jewish films, and if so, in what way?
Prior knowledge
No prior knowledge about the subject is needed.
Course material
Course material is included in the cost for this course.
About the teacher
Zoe Kelly-Nacht holds a Ph.D. in religious thought from Boston University, an M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School, and a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University. She specializes in the intersections of religion, literature, and film. Her dissertation, Nathaniel Dorsky: Religion, Buddhism, and Film, examines the life, films, and manuscript “Devotional Cinema” of American Jewish Buddhist experimental filmmaker Nathaniel Dorsky.
Zoe grew up in New York City and, before moving to Sweden, taught religious studies courses at Hunter College, City University of New York, and Marymount Manhattan College. She now lives in Stockholm with her partner and two young children.
Photo: Canva.
Frequently Asked Questions
More information about profile courses
What if you could talk to Moses and ask him about his view of the ten commandmentsor discuss with Abraham how he feels about the binding of Isaac? Would you like to recreate a story from Jewish history or texts with photorealistic images? Can we apply key philosophical and ethical questions from the Jewish heritage to the dilemmas of using artificial intelligence?
This course will explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Jewish texts, stories, and culture. Using AI tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E 3, Midjourney and Suno, among other tools, participants will gain hands-on experience while applying modern technology to traditional Jewish narratives and ethical discussions. The course will provide a creative and reflective journey into how AI can reshape our engagement with Jewish heritage, providing new lenses for storytelling, ethical inquiry, and cultural exploration.
With the help of AI we will recreate stories and characters from Jewish scripture and history, engage in interactive debate with those texts and personas, and find ways for a contemporary interpretation and creative expression of Jewish concepts and tradition with the help of this technology.
We will also get to learn about, and probably experience, some of the challenges and risks of using AI (such as bias or hallucinations, or limited controllability), and will acquire methods and tools to use this technology responsibly.
The aims of the course are to:
- Understand the fundamentals of generative AI and its applications.
- Recreate and reinterpret Jewish and biblical stories using AI tools.
- Explore the ethical dimensions of AI through the lens of Jewish philosophy and perspective.
- Create new educational and cultural experiences by blending AI capabilities with Jewish heritage.
Course structure
The following methods will be used:
- Lecture: Introduction to concepts and tools.
- Chevruta (paired study): Participants will work in pairs/small groups to explore texts and discuss interpretations with AI assistance.
- Hands-on Practice: Using AI tools to create art, text, and music.
- Group Discussions: Reflective conversations on ethical, cultural, and philosophical topics.
- Showcase: Participants will present their work to the group for feedback and reflection.
Prior knowledge
All curious about AI and Jewish culture are welcome!
No technical experience or previous experience with generative AI is needed. Just a curiosity to explore and try new things. However, it is expected that you have basic skills in using the web and online tools. An interest in storytelling, creativity and cultural heritage is encouraged.
Course material
Course material is included in the cost for this course. Participants need to bring their own laptop/tablet and create free accounts on the AI tools we will use (e.g. ChatGPT, DALL-E, Midjourney) on their own device. It is optional to subscribe to the premium version of some tools for enhanced features, if desired.
About the teacher
Amir Elion was born and raised in Israel and moved to Stockholm in 2020. He is an experienced innovation and digital transformation consultant with over 25 years of expertise in applying creative methodologies, including generative AI, to cultural and educational projects. He worked at global companies, including Amazon, Motorola, and Teva, as well as startups and non-profits. He also worked and led unique education programs in Israel – including teaching elementary school children various skills through board games, helping youths succeed in final exams, and using virtual and augmented reality in education. He specializes in integrating AI for a variety of use cases, including learning and development, product development, storytelling, and more.
Photo: AI / Amir Elion.
Frequently Asked Questions
More information about profile courses
In this course we examine the meaning of Jewish prayer. The aim is to give participants knowledge, tools and increased understanding in order to find their own way to relate to Jewish prayer. We will together examine topics like Beracha (blessing), Kavanah (intention), and Amida (the standing silent prayer). The prayer system is designed to express and develop a relationship with the Divine. We will explore the meaning of this relationship and examine how we can put some of what we have learned into practice and as well as set some goals to achieve.
Prior knowledge
No prior knowledge about the subject is needed.
Course material
Course material is included in the cost for this course.
About the teacher
Eiran Davies is a rabbi with roots in London, England. He has studied at Montefiori endowment in London, Midrash sepharadi in Jerusalem and Yeshivat hamivtar in Efrat. He is also an artist, beekeeper and trained goldsmith.
Photo: Canva.