Houston JCC

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Simone: Woman of the Century
2024-03-27 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
WOMEN’S NIGHT
Simone: Woman of the Century
Wednesday, March 27 | 7:30 PM
Drama | Directed by Oliver Dahan
2022 | France | French, with English subtitles | 135 Min. | Kaplan Theatre
Consul General of France in Houston Valérie Baraban in attendance
Renowned French stateswoman and Holocaust survivor Simone Veil led the fight for the legalization of abortion, women’s rights and prisoner rights as she rose to lead France’s health ministry. Director Olivier Dahan chronicles Simone’s remarkable, decades-spanning career as a human rights campaigner, feminist and first female president of the European Parliament in this intimate and epic portrait of an extraordinary woman who transformed her era defending a humanist message still relevant today.
Join us with friends for French wine and cheese before the film at 6:45 PM.
Reception sponsored by Elise Sheppard
Patron Sponsors: Maida Asofsky; Shelley and Matt Stein
Community Partners: Women of Beth Israel

Houston Jewish Film Festival: The Artist's Daughter
2024-03-28 17:00 | MFAH – Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, Texas, 77005
The Artist’s Daughter*
Thursday, March 28 | 5:00 PM
Documentary | Directed by Margarita Linton and Yaniv Linton
2022 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 60 Min.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: The Brown Auditorium Theater
Director Margarita Linton in attendance for Virtual Q&A following film
Long estranged from her father, an esteemed Russian-Israeli portrait painter, filmmaker Margarita Linton embarks on a documentary as an attempt to reconnect with him. As work on the film develops, she interviews other family members but meeting the man behind the portraits—and understanding his years of neglect—is her real challenge. Despite his broken promises and failure to reciprocate her interest, Margarita remains determined to make meaning of the void and comes up with an inspired and creative solution to his absence.
*Festival subscriptions and Patron benefits not accepted.
Tickets on sale soon!

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Martha Liebermann
2024-03-28 19:30 | MFAH – Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, Texas, 77005
Martha Liebermann*
Thursday, March 28 | 7:30 PM
Drama | Directed by Stefan Bühling
2022 Germany | German with English subtitles | 88 Min.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: The Brown Auditorium Theater
This award-winning film is the true story of Martha Liebermann, widow of towering German Jewish impressionist painter, Max Liebermann. In 1943 Berlin, Martha, age 85, is forced to choose whether to escape to Switzerland with a resistance group or to wait for almost certain deportation to a concentration camp. The film explores the choices people made to protect what was rightfully theirs—and also to protect one’s legacy during a time of brutality and persecution.
*Festival subscriptions and Patron benefits not accepted.
Tickets on sale soon!

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Matchmaking
2024-03-30 20:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Matchmaking
Saturday, March 30 | 8:30 PM
Comedy | Directed by Erez Tadmor
2022 | Israel Hebrew with English subtitles | 98 Min. | Kaplan Theatre
Moti Bernstein (Amit Rahav from Netflix’s Unorthodox) is the son every mother wants, the ideal Yeshiva student, and the perfect match for every young Ashkenazi bride. But he falls for the one choice he can’t have: his sister’s best friend Nechama from a Moroccan Mizrahi family. Moti follows his heart and decides to go out on a limb. Who wins—the system or his inner voice? Featuring an award-winning cast, this Israeli box office sensation delivers a healthy dose of laughter in this modern-day Romeo and Juliet.
Join us for a pre-film reception at 7:45 PM.
Reception supported by the Doreen and Basil Joffe Endowment
Patron Sponsors: Joanne and Bruce Levy; Bunny Radoff; Lynn and Armand Shapiro; Ellen and Daniel Trachtenberg; Helen Wils and Leonard Goldstein
Sponsored by June and Leonard Goldberg
Community Partners: Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism
For in-person tickets, click here. If you are interested in the online viewing ticket, click here.

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Shorts from Israel: A Tribute to Yahav Winner
2024-03-31 13:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Shorts from Israel: A Tribute to Yahav Winner
This program is a tribute to filmmaker of The Boy, Yahav Winner, a victim of the attacks on October 7. The film, The Boy will be introduced by our Shlichim, Shoshi and Harel Bassan, and followed by a brief live music performance.
Sunday, March 31 | 1:00 PM
The Boy
Directed by Yahav Winner | 2023 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 25 Min.
Avinoam and Barak, father and son from a Kibbutz bordering the Gaza strip, are forced to deal with another round of rockets and combat, each in their own way. One night, Barak reaches a boiling point and Avinoam is forced to absorb the heat.

Time Out
Directed by Rita Borodiyanski | 2023 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 20 Min.
A portrait of a young woman from a struggling household, who serves as a soldier in the IDF checkpoint unit. When an emergency arises back home, she must leave immediately. She decides to catch a young trouble maker, in order to persuade her commander to let her go early.

Tariff
Directed by Shaked Gorbatt | 2021 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 5 Min.
In this sweet, unexpectedly fun vignette, an Arab taxi driver and Jewish passenger from Jaffa try to break the awkward discomfort when news of an outbreak of violence is heard on the radio.

Under her Wing: Rachel-Hadas & Nelly
Directed by Yael Lotem | 2023 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 7 Min.
Under Her Wing, a documentary series exploring that special kind of love between grandmothers and granddaughters. At age 90, Nelly decides to move to Israel from Brooklyn to be closer to her granddaughter.

Sirens
Directed by Erez Tadmor | 2017 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 20 Min.
As missiles rain down on Tel Aviv, a frustrated Israeli couple faces a series of misadventures after an early morning call from the fertility doctor, in this frantic, funny and surprise-filled Israeli Academy Award winner for Best Short Film.
This film contains adult themes including nudity and is intended for mature audiences.

Underwritten by The Maurice Amado Foundation
Underwritten by the Rosita and Albert Gaon Sephardic Heritage Program Endowment Fund
Community Partners: Friends of the IDF, South Texas Chapter

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Generation 1.5
2024-03-31 16:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Generation 1.5
Sunday, March 31 | 4:00 PM
Documentary | Directed by Roman Shumunov
2023 | Israel | Hebrew and Russian with English subtitles | 80 Min. | Kaplan Theatre
Over one million immigrants from the former Soviet Union arrived in Israel during the 1990’s. Generation 1.5 – those who made aliyah as children and teenager – are now adults, assimilated into Israeli society but still grappling with their identity and sense of belonging in their adopted homeland. This profound narrative of a truly mass exodus follows several immigrants, examining the discrimination they faced, compromises made by their families, and the indelible mark they have made on Israeli society.
Community Partners: Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest; Rice University’s Program in Jewish Studies

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Hummus Full Trailer
2024-03-31 19:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Hummus Full Trailer
Sunday, March 31 | 7:00 PM
Comedy | Directed by Asaf Kobrovsky
2022 Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 93 Min. | Kaplan Theatre
Three shipping containers of illegal goods get mixed up in the port city of Haifa. Russian smugglers, ultra-Orthodox gun dealers and Arab traffickers scramble to undo the mishap. Amid this mishugas a couple of gay florists attempts to plan a wedding for a mobster’s son. With a stellar troupe of top Israeli stars, this hilarious roller coaster ride is packed with over-the-top Tarantino-esque action and outlandish stereotypes.
Patron Sponsors: Leah Stolar and Bruce Kessler; Karol and Daniel Musher
Community Partners: Congregation Beth Yeshurun; HSPO/Hebrew Speakers Organization; CBS Women the Vibrant Sisterhood of Congregation Brith Shalom

Houston Jewish Film Festival: No Name Restaurant
2024-04-01 19:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
No Name Restaurant
Monday, April 1 | 7:30 PM
Directed by Stefan Sarazin
Comedy | Directed by Stefan Sarazin and Peter Keller
2023 | Germany | English, Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles | 121 Min. | Kaplan Theatre
Actor Luzer Twersky in attendance
Alexandria, Egypt. To save the once largest Jewish community in the world from being shut down, Ben, an ultra-Orthodox Brooklyn Jew, is sent out to be the desperately needed tenth man for the ceremonies of Pesach. Having missed his plane and been kicked out of the bus in the Sinai desert, his last hope is Adel, a grumpy Bedouin looking for his camel. When their car breaks down, it becomes a matter of their very survival.
Join us in celebrating our founders, Doreen Joffe and Sharon Kagan.
Luzer Twersky’s visit is underwritten by the Doreen Joffe and Sharon Kagan Founders Fund
Patron Sponsor: Doreen and Basil Joffe; Diane Kaplan
Community Partners: Jewish War Veterans – Post 574; Houston Chamber of Commerce

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Rabbi on the Block
2024-04-02 19:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Rabbi on the Block
Tuesday, April 2 | 7:30 PM
Documentary | Directed by Brad Rothschild
2023 | USA | English | 88 Min. | Kaplan Theatre
Director Brad Rothschild and Rabbi Tamar Manasseh in attendance
In this engaging documentary, Tamar Menasseh, an African-American rabbi, mother and anti-gun violence advocate, brings her unusual background to the streets of Chicago. Growing up in Chicago’s Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation while also attending a conservative Jewish day school, she creates spaces for Jews and Blacks to communicate and grow as allies.
Community Partners: Congregation Brith Shalom

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Rabbi on the Block
2024-04-03 19:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Rabbi on the Block
Teen Night: Wednesday, April 3 | 7:00 PM
Documentary | Directed by Brad Rothschild
2023 | USA | English | 88 Min. | Kaplan Theatre
Director Brad Rothschild and Rabbi Tamar Manasseh in attendance
In this engaging documentary, Tamar Menasseh, an African-American rabbi, mother and anti-gun violence advocate, brings her unusual background to the streets of Chicago. Growing up in Chicago’s Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation while also attending a conservative Jewish day school, she creates spaces for Jews and Blacks to communicate and grow as allies.
In collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s Kehillah High, J Teens, and Helfman Religious School of Congregation Emanu El

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Love Gets a Room
2024-04-03 19:00 | Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX, 77004, United States
Love Gets a Room*
Wednesday, April 3 | 7:30 PM
Drama | Directed by Rodrigo Cortés
2022 | Spain/UK English | 103 Min. | Holocaust Museum Houston
Warsaw Ghetto, 1942. Surrounded by starvation, cold and threatening Nazis, one dilapidated theater is alive with Jewish actors and musicians putting on a musical comedy for a full house. As the play-within-a-film unfolds both on stage and off, Stefcia must decide whether to abandon her current love to attempt a risky escape from the ghetto. Featuring excerpts from Jerzy Jurandot’s play, Love Looks for an Apartment, which was performed by Jews in the ghetto, this award-winning film offers insight into a little-known aspect of life in the Warsaw ghetto.
*Festival subscriptions and Patron benefits not accepted.
Tickets on sale soon!

Houston Jewish Film Festival: The Monkey House
2024-04-04 19:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
CLOSING NIGHT
The Monkey House
Thursday, April 4 | 7:30 PM
Drama/Comedy | Directed by Avi Nesher
2023 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 128 Min. | Kaplan Theatre
Nominated for 11 Ophirs (Israeli Academy Awards), acclaimed director Avi Nesher’s intricate literary mystery follows a plot by forgotten novelist Amitay to resuscitate his reputation and win over Tamar, his now-widowed childhood love. Assisting Amitay is Margo, an eccentric young actress who has her own vision for orchestrating her personal success. Will their intrigue work out as planned? A Nesher classic with irreverent humor, a vibrant visual sense and moving character studies.
Underwritten by the Doreen and Basil Joffe Endowment
Closing Night reception follows film
Reception supported by the Doreen and Basil Joffe Endowment
Community Partners: IAC – Israeli American Council
For in-person tickets, click here. If you are interested in the online viewing ticket, click here.

The Road to Eilat
2024-06-20 19:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
A Film by Yona Rozenkier
Israel | 1hr 45m | Hebrew
Winner of Haggiag Award for best Israeli Feature – Jerusalem Film Festival
Best Actor and Best Cinematography – Jerusalem Film Festival
Nominated for 8 Ophir Awards including Best Picture
Albert, an aging war veteran, brilliantly played by Shmuel Vilozni, makes a drunken bet: he will drive his beat-up tractor (top speed: 35km/hour… downhill) the length of Israel to Eilat, in one week. Ben, his grumpy unemployed son, is obligated to join him. Their funny and bittersweet journey towards forgiveness and understanding takes them on a road trip from their kibbutz through Israel’s neglected backyard, meeting others along the way who also strive for a better life.

Have You Heard of This Dish? Moroccan Fish
2025-03-20 19:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Kick off the film festival with a flavorful culinary adventure inspired by the movie Seven Blessings! Join Chef Emily as she guides you in preparing traditional Moroccan fish, blending vibrant spices and cultural heritage in this hands-on cooking class.
Advanced purchase required by March 17

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Opening Night: Seven Blessings
2025-03-22 20:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Seven Blessings
Drama | Directed by Ayelet Menahemi | 2023 | Israel | Hebrew, French, Moroccan with English subtitles | 111 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
Winner of 10 Ophir Awards (Israeli Oscars), including Best Picture, Ayelet Menahemi’s captivating drama about culture and forgiveness brings us inside an extended family celebrating the union of a Moroccan-Jewish bride and French-Ashkenazi groom with the traditional Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings). As the week of festivities unfolds—behind the boisterous, multi-lingual conversations and elaborate, home-cooked meals—lies a painful family secret inspired by true events.

Underwritten by The Margolis Family
Sponsored by June and Leonard Goldberg

Shabbos Goy
Short | Directed by Adam Goott and Alex Szlezinger | 2022 | United Kingdom | English | 5 minutes | Kaplan Theatre (preceding Seven Blessings)
Self-proclaimed “complete atheist” Terry Neville is caretaker at the Radlett United Synagogue north of London in this poignant, charmingly wry short.

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Family Film: An American Tail
2025-03-23 14:00, 2025-03-31 10:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Animation | Directed by Don Bluth | 1986 | USA | English | 80 minutes | At the J
Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-nominated 1986 animated feature tells the story of Fievel Mousekewitz, a mischievous Russian Jewish mouse who sails with his family to America in 1885 to escape antisemitism. With a beautiful score and star-studded vocal cast, this family-friendly adventure highlights the challenges of the immigrant experience.
Community Partners: Camp Young Judea

Houston Jewish Film Festival: The Blond Boy From the Casbah
2025-03-23 15:00 | MFAH – Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, Texas, 77005
Comedy, Drama | Directed by Alexandre Arcady | 2023 | France | French with English subtitles | 128 minutes | The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: The Wyatt Theater
Successful filmmaker Antoine Lisner returns to Algiers with his son to screen a feature-length film about his childhood leading up to the Algerian war of independence. As he wanders the city, bittersweet memories of a lost world flood back—the daily life of his Sephardic family, his lively and eclectic neighborhood, his crush on Josette and his early introduction to the magic of cinema. Based on the life of director Alexandre Arcady, we are transported back to an era when multiculturalism flourished in North Africa.
Not included in Film Festival subscriptions or Patron of the Arts offerings.

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Spotlight on October 7
2025-03-23 19:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Of Dogs and Men
Drama | Directed by Dani Rosenberg | 2024 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 82 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
October 7 survivor Hila Berdichevsky in attendance.
Filmed at Kibbutz Nir Oz just a few weeks after the October 7 attack, Dani Rosenberg’s experiential dramatic account follows Israeli teenager Dar as she returns alone to her once-bucolic community to look for her lost dog. We follow Dar through a landscape marked by grief and destruction as she talks to neighbors, visits her abandoned home and searches her Telegram app for signs of her kidnapped mother.
This film contains disturbing content.
Patron Sponsors: Esther and Gary Polland; Shelley and Matt Stein; Ellen and Daniel Trachtenberg
Community Partners: Americans for Ben Gurion University, Israel Bonds Houston, Temple Sinai, Women’s Philanthropy of Jewish Federation.

Partners in Fate
Drama | 2023 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 7 minutes | Kaplan Theatre (precedes Of Dogs and Men)
This film is made possible by the nonprofit, Have You Seen the Horizon Lately?
A story of hope amid the horrors of October 7: four Bedouin family members of a Kibbutz Be’eri cafeteria worker save a kibbutznik cyclist and dozens of Nova festivalgoers.

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
2025-03-24 19:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Documentary | Directed by Varda Bar-Kar | 2024 | USA | English |110 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
Janis Ian, a Grammy Award-winning Jewish singer-songwriter inspired by Joan Baez and Nina Simone, started performing in Greenwich Village at age 13. With hits such as the controversial “Society’s Child” (1966) and “At Seventeen” (1975), Janis braved numerous personal struggles to produce a critically acclaimed body of songs dealing with serious societal issues that has earned her a devoted following. This documentary shares her journey.
Sponsored by the Lillian Kaiser Lewis Foundation in honor of Dolores Wilkenfeld
Patron Sponsors: Diane Kaplan; Lynn and Armand Shapiro
Community Partners: Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood, Houston Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Feminist Reading Group, Texas Medical Center Orchestra

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Colleyville
2025-03-25 19:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Documentary | Directed Dani Menkin | 2024 | USA | English | 80 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
Director Dani Menkin and Documentary subject Jeff Cohen in attendance.
Israeli-American filmmaker Dani Menkin’s timely documentary walks us step-by-step through the 2022 Beth Israel synagogue hostage crisis in Colleyville, Texas, using a gold mine of rare, recorded footage and in-depth personal interviews. Colleyville details the day’s bizarre demands from the British-Pakistani gunman and how the 11-hour episode was resolved by the hostages and law enforcement.
This film contains disturbing content.
Community Partners: Congregation Emanu El, IAC- Israel American Council, Rice Jewish Studies

Houston Jewish Film Festival: The Catskils
2025-03-26 13:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Documentary | Directed by Lex Gillespie | 2024 | USA | English | 86 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
Director Lex Gillespie in attendance for both screenings
Overflowing with nostalgic archival footage, this delightful documentary chronicles the rise, heyday and eventual decline of the so-called Borscht Belt—the storied mountain region north of New York City that served for decades as a getaway for Jewish families and inspired films such as Dirty Dancing. From troves of mid-century home movies to interviews with famous comedians sharing their memories, Lex Gillespie’s documentary pays homage to these many resorts and bungalow colonies and their contributions to the cultural fabric of Jewish-American life.
Matinee screening sponsored by Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital
Community Partners: Houston Yiddish Vinkel, United Orthodox Synagogues

Houston Jewish Film Festival: The Catskils
2025-03-26 19:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Documentary | Directed by Lex Gillespie | 2024 | USA | English | 86 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
Director Lex Gillespie in attendance for both screenings
Overflowing with nostalgic archival footage, this delightful documentary chronicles the rise, heyday and eventual decline of the so-called Borscht Belt—the storied mountain region north of New York City that served for decades as a getaway for Jewish families and inspired films such as Dirty Dancing. From troves of mid-century home movies to interviews with famous comedians sharing their memories, Lex Gillespie’s documentary pays homage to these many resorts and bungalow colonies and their contributions to the cultural fabric of Jewish-American life.
Community Partners: Houston Yiddish Vinkel, United Orthodox Synagogues
Join us for a Catskill inspired dinner before the film at 6:00 PM. Buy your tickets here!

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Vishniac
2025-03-27 19:00 | MFAH – Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, Texas, 77005
Documentary | Directed by Laura Bialis | 2023 | USA | English | 93 minutes | The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: The Wyatt Theater
Preceded by remarks from Beth B. Schneider, MFAH Consulting Curator, Judaica Collection
Best known for his now-iconic photographs documenting Eastern European Jewish communities before the Holocaust, Russian-born Roman Vishniac was originally a pioneering microbiologist. Director Laura Bialis’ exceptional documentary examines his decades of groundbreaking work, weaving in many of Vishniac’s photographs and writings, archival footage, interviews with his daughter and commentary from historians to present a penetrating, nuanced look at one of the most pivotal photographers of the 20th century.
Not included in Film Festival subscriptions or Patron of the Arts offerings.

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Friday Night Lights
2025-03-28 19:00 | Maggiano’s Little Italy, 2019 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX, 77056, United States
Friday, March 28 | 7:00 PM | Maggiano’s Little Italy | 2019 Post Oak Blvd
Experience Shabbat in a sophisticated setting featuring a three-course dinner, paired with two short films.
Sponsored in memory of Susan Farb Morris
Advanced registration required

In The Garden of Tulips
Drama | Directed by Julia Elihu | 2023 | USA | Persian with English subtitles | 14 minutes
Persian-Jewish teenager Caroline takes a final car ride with her father through the Iranian countryside before she is smuggled out of the country.

The Last Cowboy in Salford
Drama | Directed by Jake Lancaster 2023 | UK | English | 14 minutes
Jewish teenager Jonny Richman is convinced he is a real modern-day cowboy, much to his parent’s frustration. A darkly comic neo-Western set in Manchester, England.
Not included in Film Festival subscriptions or all Patron of the Arts offerings.

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Bliss (Hemda)
2025-03-29 20:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Drama | Directed by Shemi Zarhin | 2024 | Israel | Hebrew, Arabic with English subtitles | 125 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
Renowned Israeli actors Sasson Gabai and Asi Levi play Sassi and Efi, an aging married couple burdened with multiple jobs and complications from their past lives. Despite a notable age gap, Sassi and Efi demonstrate an emotional equilibrium in their relationship, using humor and empathy to support each other through life’s unpredictable physical, financial and personal stresses.
Available for virtual viewing with purchase.
Join us for a pre-film reception at 7:45 PM
Pre-film reception sponsored by the Doreen and Basil Joffe Endowment Fund
Patron Sponsors: Doreen and Basil Joffe
Community Partners: Alexander Jewish Family Service, Hebrew Speakers Professional Organization, Houston Hillel

Yes, Chef: Pickling 101
2025-03-30 11:00 | Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio @ the J, 5601 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096
Discover the art of pickling and add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes with our special “Crossing Delancey”-inspired pickling class!
Led by Chef Emily Hersh, a culinary expert and fan favorite from “Hell’s Kitchen,” this class is designed for food lovers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a pickling novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll learn professional techniques to create your own delicious pickles from scratch.
Advanced purchase required by March 26

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Golda's War Diaries
2025-03-30 14:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Documentary | Directed by Yariv Mozer | 2023 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 73 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
Archives from the Yom Kippur War, recently declassified after 50 years, challenge myths and perceptions about Prime Minister Golda Meir’s leadership during the critical conflict with Egyptian and Syrian forces. Memos and other contemporaneous documents, expert commentary and archival footage offer a compelling reassessment that Golda managed the war effort vigorously and assertively, leading to Israel’s victory and opening a path to peace with Egypt five years later.
Available for virtual viewing with purchase.
Underwritten by The Albert and Rosita Gaon Sephardic Heritage Program Endowment Fund
Community Partners: Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Brith Shalom, Congregation Shma Koleinu, Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest, Friends of the IDF, South Texas Chapter, JWV Houston -Levy Post 574, Rice Jewish Studies

Houston Jewish Film Festival: An Evening of Shorts
2025-03-30 19:00 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Director Julia Elihu in attendance
Girl No. 60427
Drama | Directed by Shulamit Lifshitz | 2022 | Israel | Hebrew with English subtitles | 22 minutes
Tel Aviv, 1998. Reut finds her grandmother’s hidden Holocaust diary, transforming her carefree summer into a profound connection with her past. A true story from director Shulamit Lifshitz, a third-generation survivor.
Winter of ’79
Drama | Directed by Julia Elihu | 2022 | USA | Persian with English subtitles | 20 minutes
In writer/director Julia Elihu’s acclaimed student film project, a Persian-Jewish mother’s faith in her country is shaken when her husband is arrested. Based on her own family’s experiences escaping Iran during the 1979 Revolution.

SEVAP/MITZVAH
Drama | Directed by Sabina Vajrača | 2023 | Bosnia, Herzegovina | English, Bosnian with English subtitles | 20 minutes
In Nazi-occupied Bosnia, a Muslim woman risks everything to save her Jewish friends. Fifty years later, during the Balkan War, the tables have turned in this uplifting, true story of cross-cultural humanity.
In The Garden of Tulips
Drama | Directed by Julia Elihu | 2023 | USA | Persian with English subtitles | 14 minutes
Julia Elihu’s tender father-daughter portrayal, set at the height of the Iran-Iraq War, follows a final Persian-Jewish teenager’s final car ride with her father through the countryside before she is smuggled out of the country. Aspen Shortsfest “Youth Jury Award” winner.

Underwritten by The Maurice Amado Foundation
Patron Sponsors: Joanne and Bruce Levy
Community Partners: CBS Women the Vibrant Sisterhood of Congregation Brith Shalom, Houston Chapter of Hadassah, Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism

Houston Jewish Film Festival: Classic Film Night: Crossing Delancey
2025-03-31 19:30 | Kaplan Theatre @ the J, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77096
Comedy, Romance | Directed by Joan Micklin Silver | 1988 | USA | English | 97 minutes | Kaplan Theatre
In this delightful, nostalgic romantic comedy, Izzy Grossman (Amy Irving) works at a bookstore on the Upper West Side, where she enjoys an intellectually fulfilling life mingling with renowned authors. Meanwhile, her grandmother Ida plots to set her up with a nice Jewish guy. Courted by two men—Anton, the worldly novelist, and Sam, a mensch of a pickle vendor from the Lower East Side—who will she pick?
Patron Sponsors: Suzan and Jeremy Samuels
Community Partners: Hebrew Order of David
