Customer Reviews

Heritage - Civilization and the Jews [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This DVD is a re-issue of a 9-hour mini-series that first aired in the 1980s, and was recently (Nov-Dec. 2001) aired again on PBS. Each segment is 1 hour long, making it a useful tool in history classes covering many different periods. Since the "history of civilization" textbooks rarely mention what the Jews were doing in the 1900-year period between the rise of Christianity and the Nazi Holocaust, this series plays an important role in helping to make the curriculum more inclusive. Plus, The DVD version has a lot of additional resource materials not in the original PBS series.

Regarding classroom appropriateness in public schools, this is a documentary, not a "religion" series. Yes, the series does talk about religion in some places, but it's called "Civilization and the Jews" for a reason. To be Jewish is not just a "religion," it is also a culture, with its own art, music, literature, etc. The approach is a mix of history, theology, archaeology, art, architecture, etc. that is intended to inform, not preach. The series clearly shows how Jews have contributed to the various civilizations where they lived, and how, in turn, the Jews benefitted from interaction with many of the different cultures where the Jewish communities were located. Yes, it also covers the pesecutions of the Jews, but it's well-balanced with positive experiences and events. Highly recommended!

WOW! This is an incredible set to have. The DVD is a reprint from a PBS special in 1984 (Peabody winner, at that). Abba Eban is an incredible, captivating speaker. My only problem is that there is so much information, I can only watch about two hours at a time. This is a must have whether you are Jewish or not. The series pulls together world history unlike any class I took in college. The addition of the DVD-Rom with tons of maps, historical documents, and video clips is awesome. It has answered most of the questions I had, and let me view a moving graphical history by sliding the scroll bar. Super buy for a history buff!

This nine-part documentary is not only a history of the Jews, it's a history of the western world! Hundreds of thousands of dollars were probably spent in the production of this series. Abba Eban takes the viewer all over the world to examine one of the world's most gifted and intriguing people - the Jews. These tapes will not put you to sleep. The music and images allows the viewer to relive Jewish history. And consequently, come to understand the world we live in today much better. I know the tapes are pricey, but own this documentary if you ever have the chance. You'll never regret it.

It takes 9 hours to watch a complete set and it worths it. It interesting that my 6 years old daughter was watching some parts with me and we both enjoyed. There are a lot of reasons to watch the program. First, it gives a good overview of the western civilization from sumerians. Second, the quality of the material is superb. You'll see a lot of beautiful places around the globe. Third, you'll learn about the jews.

Some things are quite surpising. The program is focused on dates, places and events. It tells you what happened and where but not much about why. Also it doesn't tell much jewish religion or traditions. If you want to know about jewish holidays, what kosher is etc, you'll need to look for other sources.

Overall, it's a great history program!

Abba Eban was not only the most accomplished and articulate of all Israeli diplomats, he was also a person of immense learning and intelligence. Had he wished he could have taken a different road in life and become like his close friend, Bernard Lewis, a great scholar. Instead he made a certain sacrifice and devoted his life to the cause of helping the Jewish state come into being and survive.
This nine- part series is not concentrated on Israel but rather is a survey of Jewish civilization. Eban tries to show us how Jews interacted with the surrounding world, both learning and giving to the larger native socieities. From Babylon and Egypt to the Western Civlization of the present day Eban relates a story of a small people's long journey and meetings with others.
This is an illuminating survey and will give anyone who wishes to know more about Jewish life and history a real opportunity to do so.

Tov Me'od! Toda raba PBS and Arnold Labaton for this incredible journey into our Jewish Heritage. This is an excellently produced documentary in several series which explores the development of the cultural, historical, social and religious contributions of Jews throughout history. Abba Eban's narration is stellar. As mentioned, "using paintings, artifacts, modern cinematography of ancient sites, readings and theatrical music" presents a dramatic and splendid setting for this "masterpiece". It is presented with all the mellifluousness which we have come to expect from PBS. Bravo!

There can be no debate: this is one of TV's best cultural contributions ever. Despite a few production values which are a bit dated even in this restored dvd, it's entertaining and visually rich. The content is true to the title, and this IS the history of the Jewish people, but Heritage is also very much about all of western civilization. Abba Eban is the perfect narrator,and also part of the Jewish history on which he expounds. It's not apparent from his scripted role, but the late Dr. Eban was an extraordinarily articulate scholar turned politician. I remember him as Israel's ambassador to the UN, and his ability to speak extemporaneously, clearly, and persuasively stood out in the 60s, and would still today.

It is so great that I want to install the Interactive Multimedia DVD in my new PC but seems it doesn't work with Windows Vista. Did anybody solved this problem?

The set of 5 tapes arrived in an insulated box but the tape box itself had
a dent in it. That first tape on that side of the box had split in two on
the plastic. I did write the company about it and they answered very quickly and said to send the tape back and they would replace it. My husband decided he would try to clue the broken piece. Fortunately it
worked so we decided to forgo the mailing back of the tape. The outer box
that this set was mailed in was not dented and we think that the box with
the tapes was damaged before it was put in the mailing box. Accidents do
happen and it would not prevent me from ordering again from this company.

Rosamond S.

and sisters. One realizes how alike we are andwonder how we could have persecuted our Jewish brothers for the past 2000 years.