The term “Jewish film” is widely utilized today. A common usage appears in the many Jewish film festivals held annually in most American cities and in contemporary film literature. Yet the term itself is ambiguous and is rather difficult to define. Is a Jewish film one that features Jewish actors or is made by a Jewish director? Is it one that deals with Jewish history, culture, or themes? Is an Israeli film a Jewish film? Or is it a film that appeals primarily to Jewish audiences? Some critics suggest that a film is a Jewish film if it answers one or even a few of the above criteria. It is arguably more useful to ask if a film deals with one or more aspects of Jewish identity to determine if it can be considered a Jewish film. Themes common in movies considered to be Jewish films include exploration of the immigrant experience, self-creation, and challenges of assimilation – all critical aspects of identity construction. This lecture will explore the emergence and development of Jewish films in America over the last 100 years. We will explore the role these films have played in American culture, particularly in regards to identity formation and boundary definition for American Jews.

Cliff Wilcox, PhD, is a historian who focuses on American intellectual and cultural history. His courses concentrate on the intersection of culture, ideas, education, and religion in American society. He lectures for Cal Lutheran’s Fifty and Better Program and at other local lifelong learning programs. He holds a Ph.D. in American intellectual history from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.