Reel Encounters

CRO is excited to announce the selections for the ninth season of its critically acclaimed film series!

Join us for a curated film screening series at Congregation Ramath Orah. We showcase thought-provoking films with Jewish, cultural, and historical themes, followed by discussion and reflection.

*     *     *

Session 1: November 15 at 8 pm 

“The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob” (1973)

THE iconic French-Jewish comedy about a bigoted Frenchman who finds himself forced to impersonate a popular rabbi while on the run from a group of assassins and the police. Bonus features: there’s no frontal nudity in this one AND Tsilla Kogel’s father plays a minor role!

100 minutes; French with English subtitles

Watch trailer

*     *     *

Session 2: December 6 at 8 pm

“The Garden of Eden” (2012)

The story of Gan Ha-Shelosha, better known as the “Sakhne,” one of the largest and most popular parks in Israel. Over the course of a full year—through spring, summer, fall, and winter—the film captures the park’s transformation. And with striking cinematic beauty, it weaves together the stories of those who visit and work there, including Yaacov, abandoned by his wife and left to a life of sadness and solitude; Athir, preparing to emigrate to Canada in search of opportunities he cannot find in Israel; and Itzhak, still grieving the brother he lost in war, who finds solace in the park’s cool waters.

74 minutes; Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, and Yiddish with English subtitles

Watch trailer

*     *     *

Session 3: January 10 at 8 pm

“The Harmonists” (1997)

The film tells the story of Germany’s most celebrated a cappella group. In 1927, unemployed Jewish actor Harry Frommermann, inspired by the American ensemble The Revelers, sets out to form a German counterpart. After auditions, he assembles four singers and a pianist, and together they become the “Comedian Harmonists.” Their unique sound brings them international fame, but their success falters with the rise of the Nazis, as half the group is Jewish.

115 minutes; German with English subtitles

Watch trailer

*     *     *

Session 4: March 7 at 8 pm

“The Goldman Case” (2023)

Directed by Cédric Kahn, this French courtroom drama is based on the real-life 1976 trial of far-left activist Pierre Goldman. Accused of a double murder committed during an armed robbery, Goldman insisted on his innocence in those killings while openly admitting to other crimes. The film captures his defiant personality, the charged atmosphere of the courtroom, and the broader political and racial tensions of 1970s France, including the persistence of antisemitism.

116 minutes; French with English subtitles

Watch trailer 

*     *     *

Reel Encounters is free for CRO members, but we encourage you to be generous with your donations! 

Sponsorships available at the Director ($72), Lead Role ($54) and Walk-on ($36) levels.