Seaside Jewish Community Center to screen free films April 4 and 18

Seaside Jewish Community will offer two programs, free and open to the public, during April.

“Image Before My Eyes,” a documentary produced by the Institute for Jewish Research, will be shown at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 4, at Seaside, 18970 Holland Glade Road.

This film combines historical footage, still photographs and live interviews for an in-depth review of Jewish life in Poland from the start of the 20th century until the Holocaust. It provides a deeper look at the rise of many social and religious movements, including socialist groups and Zionism; rural and urban Jewish life; and the flourishing of Yiddish culture through literature, theater and music.  A discussion will follow the film.

A presentation from the New York 92nd Street Y Live program titled, “What is Jewish Culture? ” will be shown at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at Seaside.

This film explores Jewish culture and civilization through many expressive forms - religious and secular; elite and popular; and through the written word, the visual arts and the performing arts.

Whether a novel, a poem or a piece of music, Jewish expression has since 1973 dwelt on certain themes, among them Israel, the Holocaust, fall of communism, plurality, women’s expressions, assimilation and reconciling old and new modes of Jewish life throughout the world.  A discussion will follow this presentation.

Reservations are not needed. For more information, contact Bert Brenman, 302-947-2183.

Seaside Jewish Community supports and fosters Jewish identity by sponsoring religious, cultural, social and educational activities for its members. It welcomes all people willing to support these principles in the spirit and joy of communal life. SJC is an open community, welcoming people of all national origins and races - young, old, gay, straight, married, single, firmly rooted Jewishly or new seekers.