web analytics
May 22, 2013 /13 Sivan, 5773
At a Glance ▼
Judaism
Sponsored Post
The Tosfos Yomtov was convinced that the death of 300,000 –600,000 Jews during the Chmielnicki massacres of 1648-49 were because of improper Tefila. Communicated: Tefilla

Chillul Tefila Bifarhesia, as well as halachicly challenged verbiage and dress, are external manifestations of a critical lack of personal yiras shomayim which has lethal consequences.



More Than A Film

Published: August 26th, 2009
Latest update: April 23rd, 2013
tell a friend

A few weeks ago, while I was in Yerushalayim, we had the privilege of premiering our new film, “Hineni’s Triumph of the Spirit.”

The Jerusalem Plaza, where the film was screened, had lines that snaked up the stairs and through the lobby. Over 1,000 people had gathered; unfortunately we couldn’t accommodate everyone. People were standing and sitting on the floor, but you could have heard a pin drop as the story unfolded. The film depicts my family’s experiences during the war years – Hungary, prior to the Nazi occupation, the ghettos…. and our deportation to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

A reporter asked me how this film differed from other Holocaust remembrances, and I told her that what makes this film unique can perhaps best be summed up by one of the closing scenes of the film in which two arms are linked over a Sefer Torah. One arm is tattooed with those infamous numbers, and the other, the pure unblemished arm of a child. We are accustomed to seeing the tattooed arm,” I told her, “but seldom do we see it linked to that of a child, and even more seldom are those arms connected through a Sefer Torah.

Holocaust films usually leave one depressed, but our film is truly a “triumph of the spirit,” that demonstrates that the fire within the Yiddisheh neshamah is more powerful than the flames of the crematoria, and that the pure breath of the Jew cannot be poisoned even by the toxic fumes of the gas chambers. This film imparts the legacy of our fathers, our zeides, our Covenant – a legacy that takes us back to Sinai and spans the centuries.

But what is most important and unique about this film is that it challenges us to fulfill our mission as Jews. It is precisely because of this that we have chosen to premiere it here in New York City at the Paris Theater during Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah – Tuesday evening, September 22 at 8:00 p.m. This film is appropriate for all ages and backgrounds and inspires commitment to Torah and Am Yisrael.

There are no coincidences in life; everything is orchestrated by Hashem. So while we chose Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah to showcase the film, little did we realize that the date we chose would serve an additional purpose, for it would coincide with the visit to New York of one of Hitler’s heirs, Ahmadinejad. Yes, Ahmadinejad, the notorious Holocaust denier is once again scheduled to be in New York to address the UN General Assembly – that “august body” representing the nations of the world.

Ahmadinejad not only denies that the Holocaust ever took place, but he unashamedly declares his plan to wipe Israel off the map. In case you wonder how such an evil man with such satanic plans could be given a platform at the UN, then know that there is nothing new about this. Alas, from time immemorial, the nations of the world have always been receptive to those who would demonize and scheme the annihilation of our people… and the members of the UN are notorious for their naked hatred of Israel.

Even as they piously proclaim the ideals of freedom and democracy, their words drip with hypocrisy. Just consider that time and again the General Assembly has convened for emergency sessions in order to condemn Israel. But when Rwandan Hutus slaughtered hundreds-of-thousands of Tutsis they did nothing, the same in Bosnia, Sudan and Darfur.

But when it comes to Israel, the UN is quick to enact resolutions against her. It matters little that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East or that she sacrifices the lives of her own soldiers to protect the civilian population of her enemies. But it is of no use…. bottom- line, Israel is demonized and ostracized.

In the 20th century, not one nation came forth to help our doomed people, or to condemn the Holocaust. Not one of them came forth to help our doomed people. They turned a blind eye as we were being fed to the ovens and a deaf ear to our pitiful cries. Not one nation had the courage to raise its voice on our behalf, and now these same nations welcome Ahmadinejad, and you wonder, “Haven’t they learned anything from the past?” Can it be that once again, they sit by silently and legitimize the mad ranting of this new Hitler?

Do you recall when last year, in his hate-filled speech at the UN, he blamed the Jews for the global financial crisis? Not only was he not censured for this, but Larry King invited Ahmadinejad to appear on his CNN show. King commented on his youthful appearance, thereby giving Ahmadinejad, the monster, a human face.

A year earlier, one of New York’s most prestigious schools of higher learning – Columbia University, accorded him respectability by inviting him to speak.

Those who are familiar with Jewish history are not surprised. Alas, anti-Semitism is as old as our people. As the Haggadah testifies, “B’chol dor v’dor – In every generation, they rise against us, but the Almighty G-d saves us from their clutches. But still, you might ask, “How could this happen in New York? How could a prestigious academic institution stoop so low?

To be sure, anti-Semitism is always marketed in different packages to make it politically correct and palatable to the masses. Yesterday, they openly admitted their hatred of Jews, and the Holocaust machinery was created. Today, such overt bias would be deemed racist and unacceptable, so anti-Semites disguise their venom by labeling Israel a racist and apartheid state. “We have nothing against Jews,” they loudly protest. “It’s just the Israelis, the Zionists and their Nazi-like tactics that are problems.”

If these accusations didn’t have such tragic dimensions, it would be laughable, but you and I know that when they say “Zionist” and “Israel” they really mean every Jew.

It is against this background of Ahmadinejad’s visit that we will premiere our film and tell the world that, yes, there was a Holocaust, but we, the Jewish people are here, because our lives are rooted in G-d’s Torah, and no force on earth can ever destroy us.

We are an ancient people. We have seen mighty empires rise and fall. We have encountered the most powerful armies. Yes, we have seen it all, and we are here!

To be sure, we are living in the most difficult of times. But these days are also the most challenging and exciting, for we are the generation that has been chosen to usher in the messianic period. If we attune our ears and open our hearts, we will hear destiny beckoning.

If we listen with our hearts, we will hear the sweet strains of “Lechah Dodi” – the beautiful hymn that we sing every Sabbath Eve…. “Hisna’ari – me’afar kumi …Rejuvenate yourselves…shake off your dust … arise my people and don your splendid garments.”

The film that we will premiere on September 22 is more than a film. It is a legacy that charges us to “shake off our dust and put on our splendid Priestly garments.”

Following the film, B’Ezras Hashem, I will address the audience. I look forward to greeting you. Please join us.

For more information, please call our Hineni office at 212-496-1660.

tell a friend

About the Author:


You might also be interested in:


no comments

You must log in to post a comment.

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Current Top Story
Eric Garcetti won a tight election to become LA's first Jewish Mayor
LA Elects First Jewish Mayor (Over Pol Married to a Jew)
Latest Judaism Stories
Torah-Anytime-logo
Judaism → Torah

I watch my children use blocks to build a large structure, observing the trepidation with which they add each block. As the structure becomes larger there is a greater risk of it collapsing, thus bringing an end to an hour of playful labor. I anticipate what will happen when one child adds a block to the top floor, compromising the integrity of the building and resulting in the collapse of the entire structure. The argument that ensues is predictable, as each child blames the other for “ruining” the fun. As an adult, I wonder about the need to attribute blame. Will assigning blame be instrumental in rebuilding the structure?

Taste-of-Lomdus-logo
Judaism → Parsha

In this week’s parshah the Torah discusses the halachos of when one steals from another and when confronted in beis din, the thief swears falsely with his denial that he stole. This parshah was already taught in parshas Vayikra; however, there are two halachos that the Torah adds in this parshah to this topic.

Judaism → Halacha & Hashkafa

In order to carry from one’s home into the street (even when the area is enclosed by a properly constructed eruv), the eruvin ceremony must be performed. This ceremony involves the placing of food in one designated home on behalf of all Sabbath observers in the enclosed area. In order for the eruvin ceremony to be valid, however, it must be performed on behalf of all owners of streets and homes in the enclosed area.

Business-Halacha-logo
Judaism → Halacha & Hashkafa

Hymie was visiting Israel and enjoying an afternoon with his grandchildren in the park. After pushing them on the swings and watching them slither down the slides, he went to sit down on a bench in the corner of the park.

Judaism → Halacha & Hashkafa

Question: On Friday night the chazzan in many shuls ascends the bimah for Kabbalat Shabbos but goes to the amud starting for Barchu. Why?

Judaism → Ask the Rabbi

Question: As Shavuot is fast approaching – a holiday on which we dwell on the story of Ruth and the origins of the royal house of David – I was wondering if you could help me resolve something. Some people say that Rabbi Yehudah HaNassi, the redactor of the six orders of the Mishnah and a scion of King David, purposely kept any mention of Chanukah and the Hasmonean kings out of the Mishnah because the Hasmoneans improperly crowned themselves and ignored the rule that all Jewish kings are supposed to come from the tribe of Yehudah. Is this true?

Menachem
(Via E-Mail)

Judaism → Parsha

The Rema writes (Ohr Hachaim, 494:4), “It is customary to spread branches of trees in our synagogues and homes [on Shavuos] in order to commemorate that which the sages say [Rosh Hashanah 16a] that on Shavuos the world is judged concerning [how many] fruits the trees will produce [that year].”

Judaism → Halacha & Hashkafa

Summer Eruvin
‘A Separate Contribution From Each’
(Eruvin 72b)

Judaism → Parsha

If a man suspects his wife of infidelity, he is to bring witnesses and warn her not to go into private quarters with the man in question. If she violates that warning, he is to bring her to the kohen, who will give her the “bitter waters” to drink. If she was falsely accused and was innocent, she will be blessed with children. If she was guilty, she will die a gruesome death.

Judaism → Columns → Lessons In Emunah

A flash of red caught my eye, and I looked up and saw a cardinal perched on the picnic table on my deck. What a miracle, I marveled. You’re beautiful. Thanks, Hashem. And then my mind’s wheels began to roll, and it struck me that several miracle stories had come my way this week. The stories prodded me to think of and feel Hashem’s presence as a more tangible and vivid reality.

Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

Over the years I’ve received letters from all over the world in which people share feelings and thoughts they’ve experienced upon becoming became Torah observant. Usually these letters arrive not long after the writers had heard one of my speeches. No matter where a particular speech took place, and no matter whether I spoke the language or had to use a translator, the magic always works. In reality, it’s not magic at all but a little voice in the soul – the “Pintele Yid,” that spark of G-d’s Word engraved on all our neshamahs. Here is one recent letter.

Judaism → Parsha

By the time these words are printed, there will be only a few more days left before Shavuos. We hope that up until that point, we will still have been counting the days of Sefiras Ha’Omer with a bracha, but we also know that too often, despite our best efforts, we drop out of counting with a bracha some time before the count is complete.

Judaism → Parsha

In this week’s parshah the Torah tells us that the bechorim were replaced by the levi’im to serve in the Mikdash. The Torah says that there were 273 more bechorim than levi’im. Those bechorim could not simply be replaced, and had to be redeemed. Hashem told Moshe that each bechor should give five shekalim to Moshe, who, in turn, should give them to Aharon and his sons. With that, they would be redeemed.

Judaism → Halacha & Hashkafa

Question: Is there anything special that one should do on Yom Yerushalayim?

Judaism → Ask the Rabbi

Question: As the shamash in a small community shul with an aging population, I am faced with numerous challenges. The following is only one of them. During sefirah, different people daven for the amud for Ma’ariv. Once, a bar mitzvah was one of them. On another occasion, a very recent ger lead the service. Were these individuals allowed to lead the congregation in counting sefirah? I also wonder, in general, if everyone should be trusted to lead the counting. What if someone forgot to count on one of the previous nights but does not inform anyone of this?

No Name
(Via E-Mail)

More Articles from Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis
Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis
Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

Over the years I’ve received letters from all over the world in which people share feelings and thoughts they’ve experienced upon becoming became Torah observant. Usually these letters arrive not long after the writers had heard one of my speeches. No matter where a particular speech took place, and no matter whether I spoke the language or had to use a translator, the magic always works. In reality, it’s not magic at all but a little voice in the soul – the “Pintele Yid,” that spark of G-d’s Word engraved on all our neshamahs. Here is one recent letter.

Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis
Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

Last week I wrote about the many disappointments in life. So often we dream of something, wish for something, pray for something – only to discover that when it happens, it is not quite the way we envisioned it. I illustrated this concept through a Hungarian story I recalled from my childhood about a little boy who more than anything else wanted a rocking horse, a coveted toy in Hungary.

Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

There is a Hungarian tale I’ve always found meaningful and yet sad. It is about a little boy who always wanted his own rocking horse. (In Hungry a rocking horse was a toy that belonged to only the privileged few.)

Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

For several weeks now we’ve been discussing lack of gratitude – one of the most destructive forces in our society. When people think everything is coming to them, they become selfish, angry individuals. They do not know how to reciprocate. They do not know how to be grateful and, worse still, they become bitter and destructive elements in society. They make miserable sons, daughters and marriage partners. They have no regard for parents, grandparents, Torah teachers and the elderly.

Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

As I’ve noted in recent weeks, appreciation is a lost concept in our society. Even when we are blessed by the many kindnesses of G-d, we tend to take them for granted and delude ourselves into thinking we are responsible for them all. In vain did our Torah warn us not to fall into the trap of “my strength and the power of my own hand accomplished this.”

Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

My saintly father, HaRav HaGoan HaTzaddik Avraham HaLevi Jungreis, zt”l, taught me that before I address an audience I should ask myself, “What will the people take home from my message? What am I giving? Will it enhance their lives? Will it bring the individual closer to Hashem? Will it be a life-altering experience?”

Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

Nachman and Raizy Glauber, a”h, were killed in a horrific automobile accident. Their unborn baby survived for a short time but then joined his parents in olam haba. The tragedy shocked us all.

Judaism → Rebbetzin's Viewpoint

Last week I published excerpts from a letter written by a suffering mother whose rebellious son had not only turned his back on his family but had also rejected his Jewish faith. This woman’s husband had given up on the young man but she was determined to keep the door open in the hope he would yet come back.

    Latest Poll

    Which is the most beautiful location in Jerusalem?









    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...

Printed from: http://www.jewishpress.com/judaism/rebbetzins-viewpointrebbetzin-jungreis/more-than-a-film/2009/08/26/

Scan this QR code to visit this page online:

Related posts:

  1. Film on Moroccan Jews Survives Zionist Propaganda Charges (Video)
  2. When Hatred Turns Lethal: An Interview with Filmmaker Gloria Greenfield
  3. French Arabs Beat Up Israel Director Critical of ‘Occupation’
Close