Over the Top Judaism offers criticism of scores of television episodes and films, mainly between 1980 and 2002, that highlight the beliefs and practices of Judaism, real or perceived. Author Elliot Gertel examines parallels and precedents in both media, and organizes the works topically, concluding with the most promising efforts. Chapters on classic television episodes cite interviews with writers and producers from Gertel's rare oral histories.
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Anyone who thinks that Jewish characters and themes don’t get a look in on TV will probably change their mind after reading Over The Top Judaism, a new book which takes a detailed look at how the small screen has treated Jewish issues over the decades, and how the portrayal of Jews on TV has changed. (Caroline Westbrook Http://Www.Somethingjewish.Co.Uk )
Elliot Gertel has presented a well-written and very readable book that goes beyond the interests of film and TV buffs. It is a reflection of our culture's response to the "others" in society and how they are presented to the general public. The author's approach to sensitive Jewish issues make it an excellent source book for both synagogue discussion groups and interfaith dialogues. (Bernard Glassman Conservative Judaism )
This very interesting book well research, well written, and quite readable. It will find a place in many popular culture and communication courses. (Michael Gesin The Journal Of Popular Culture )
Why is it importantly to have a book like this? Because more people go to movies and watch the television in one week than listen to all the sermons of all the rabbis combined in one decade. And therefore, we need to understand and to respond to the image of Jews and image of Judaism that these films foster...Rabbi Gertel is eminently fair. (Rabbi Jack Riemer Judaism On The Big And Small Screen )
Elliot Gertel has presented a well-written and very readable book that goes beyond the interests of film and TV buffs. It is a reflection of our culture's response to the "others" in society and how they are presented to the general public. The author's approach to sensitive Jewish issues make it an excellent source book for both synagogue discussion groups and interfaith dialogues. (Bernard Glassman Conservative Judaism )
This very interesting book well research, well written, and quite readable. It will find a place in many popular culture and communication courses. (Michael Gesin The Journal Of Popular Culture )
Why is it importantly to have a book like this? Because more people go to movies and watch the television in one week than listen to all the sermons of all the rabbis combined in one decade. And therefore, we need to understand and to respond to the image of Jews and image of Judaism that these films foster...Rabbi Gertel is eminently fair. (Rabbi Jack Riemer Judaism On The Big And Small Screen )
About the Author
Rabbi Elliot B. Gertel is the film and television critic for the National Jewish Post and Opinion.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleaning the airwaves for Jewish viewers of film and televis,
By Dorothy M. (Chicago area, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Over the Top Judaism: Precedents and Trends in the Depiction of Jewish Beliefs and Observances in Film and Television (Paperback)
This is definitely a book for all who have a television or have gone to the movies. It works on two levels, nostalgia and teaching about Judaism. Published in 2003, it covers popular productions from the last 23 years. The first level is that of nostalgia because it covers many television shows and films with Jewish characters or themes, a trip down memory lane.
The second level, that of teaching, contrasts what we have viewed with undistorted Judaism and Jewish culture. It is here that Rabbi Gertel chides rather than lectures, contrasting the production with what might have been told or explained. Taking us step by step thru plots and character development, we learn why the cliches are wrong and harmful to the community's view of Jews and Judaism. Credit is given to those who have presented accurate view of Bar Mitzvahs, Conversions, Minyans, Yom Kippur, etc. You will find yourself moving from one remembered show to another, contrasting what was shown to true Judaism on shows like L.A. Law, Seinfeld, Sisters, Northern Exposure, and films such as A Stranger Among Us. The content and writing style will appeal to both the academic and general reader. It can successfully be used for Jewish Community Center classes and other discussion groups.
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