FALL FEST FALL FEST
What's New?
We are back and better than ever!
We are beyond thrilled to welcome you back to Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media (PJFM), home of the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival You may have noticed a few things have changed over the last month, such as a new name, a new look, and an enhanced mission. I am excited to share the advances the organization has made to keep bringing you the best in Jewish cinema and beyond. However, before I talk about all the sensational new things at PJFM, I first want to thank you. Thank you for supporting the organization. Thank you for showing up online and navigating a new way of experiencing PJFM We are indeed so grateful for your support, patience, understanding, and above all, your belief in the organization's work within the community and the necessary need to share Jewish stories.
We can't wait to We can't wait to connect with you! connect with you!
The most notable change is the new name and enhanced mission. Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media (PJFM). Many of you may be asking, "So why the name change?" "Why add media?" “What does media even mean?” Good questions, and I have excellent answers for you! It all stems from how we as a collective society choose to experience and share stories in this day and technological age It seems the internet has changed just about everything in our lives, such as how we communicate, educate, and entertain to how we receive our groceries and news. The quick accessibility across multiple devices such as a smartphone, computer, iPad or tablet, and even gaming systems adds another level and depth of convenience Americans average four hours on their phone and 184 minutes on the internet each day People are connecting, sharing, and creating through many ways, such as social media, podcasts, YouTube, and other digital platforms. What we are seeing is a massive investment of society's time online. Knowing this, the organization asked, "Why stop at presenting film to share Jewish stories?" Clearly, the answer was to embrace the evolution of storytelling, film, and new media.
PJFM has adapted its mission to include the media arts and amplify Jewish stories through various platforms The organization is using "media" as an umbrella term to embody "new media," "media arts," and "digital storytelling." In essence, we have expanded the programmatic offerings to include things you are probably already engaging with; podcasts, streaming TV shows and films, YouTube videos, and other digitally based content The organization further believes new media facilitates interaction across social, economic, cultural, political, religious, and ideological boundaries, allowing for increased understanding.
The next thing you might have noticed is PJFM's digital presence is improved. PhillyJFM.org is the organization's new web address We have upgraded our website to allow more interaction and streamline your ticket-buying experience It is even easier to donate to PJFM through the website Now you can choose to make monthly or future scheduled gifts at your convenience. I am most excited to share that we are launching the PJFM mobile app in the beginning of October. You can find the app in the Google and Apple app store. You can share content, trailers, film schedules, and PJFM app live-stream events right from your phone or other chosen device It is easy to use, and the app will enable you to engage with PJFM and other audience members in ways you've not been able to do previously. Lastly, we've boosted the offerings on our streaming channel, Watch.PhillyJFM.org. Watching films in the comfort of your home is now easier than ever!
It feels like the last 18 months have been the most prolonged intermission ever That's what makes it ten times sweeter to finally announce that this fall season, you can experience a select number of in-person opportunities. The staff and board are diligent about making the in-person experience safe and enjoyable. Of course, we realize in-person events are not in the cards for everyone quite yet. That is perfectly fine as we have many more films you can stream instead PJFM is eager and delighted to connect with you this year, however you feel the most comfortable. Tune in and enjoy the future of Jewish storytelling at PJFM!
We welcome you back and hope you tune in to all PJFM has to offer.
LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES!
BIG NIGHTS
Wet Dog – Opening Night Film
Sunday, November 7
Virtual Live Stream | 7 PM EST
In-Person Screening | 7 PM EST @ Philadelphia Film Center
Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media is thrilled to present the Philadelphia Premiere of writer/director Damir Lukacevic’s WET DOG in its 41st Annual Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival.
Based on the provocative autobiography by Arye Sharuz Shalicar, this thrilling, coming-of-age tale follows an Iranian Jewish teenager who, upon moving to a predominantly Muslim neighborhood in Berlin, joins a street gang whose Muslim members harbor anti-Semitic beliefs Caught between hiding his identity to save his close friendships with his gang leader, Husseyn, and high school crush, Selma, or losing everything to live openly as a Jew, there is one thing Soheil knows for sure: his next move will change the course of his life and that of his loved ones forever.
Wet Dog November 7
Neighbors – Centerpiece Film
Saturday, November 13
Virtual Live Stream | 7 PM EST
Neighbors November 13
Set in the 1970's in a small Kurdish village in northeastern Syria, Mano Khalil's masterful film comes to life through the eyes of its endearing young hero, Sero. Sero's vivid recollections of childhood transport us to familiar terrain: the living room of our family home, a first-grade classroom, a dirt road we once played on as kids, and simultaneously offer a slice of life we would otherwise never know
Determined to eliminate all remnants of Kurdish cultural identity in his students, Sero’s new grade schoolteacher instills the tenets of Arab Ba’ath Party nationalism. While some of his classmates come to embrace their teacher’s enthusiasm for fascist ideology, Sero continues to dream of better ways to spend his time. He would much sooner watch his favorite cartoons or spend time with his uncle helping his Jewish neighbors on the Sabbath While life at school grows increasingly intolerable for Sero, nothing could prepare him for the pain he would soon endure at the hands of a Turkish border guard’s stray bullet
With stunning cinematography, a heartrending screenplay, and exceptional performances by a cast of professional and non-professional actors, NEIGHBORS is sure to be among this season’s most beloved festival offerings.
BE THERE
Not Going Quietly – Closing Night Film
Saturday, November 20
Virtual Live Stream | 7 PM EST
In-Person Screening | 7 PM EST @ National Museum of American Jewish History
Ady Barkan had his whole life ahead of him A rising star in political organizing and a new father, life was good Then came the diagnosis: ALS, a life-threatening disease that would ultimately paralyze Ady's entire body. He knew he had every right to feel despair. The diagnosis felt like a death sentence. He also knew that he had to make a choice. Returning to his activist roots, Ady vows to fight for healthcare justice so that folks like him, folks that rely on governmentsponsored healthcare programs, have the means to survive
Not Going Quietly November 20
After a chance encounter with a powerful senator is caught on video and goes viral, Ady suddenly finds himself with a platform. Capitalizing on his newfound celebrity, he launches the "Be a Hero" campaign. With support from a talented cohort of young activists, Ady travels the country and builds his people-powered healthcare movement from the ground up. Though Ady's voice eventually fades, his message remains clear: he's not going quietly Not until every person has the right to affordable healthcare Not until he can leave this world a better place for his son to inherit This impactful documentary, brimming with inspiration, took home the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at SXSW 2021.
Not Going Quietly
November 20
100 Million Views November 14-21
100 Million Views
On-Demand November 14-21
This amusing and illuminating documentary by Itamar Rose follows the Israeli comedian/activist/YouTuber around the world in his quest to uncover the secret to “going viral” and becoming a YouTube sensation. In his trademark satirical style, Rose interviews international YouTube legends of yore and reveals deep truths about the global video-sharing platform and its far-reaching impact on culture and society.
Exile and Redemption: A Neo-Hasidic Rock Opera
On-Demand November 14-21
Philadelphia-based musician Aryeh Shalom's EXILE AND REDEMPTION: A NEO-HASIDIC ROCK OPERA is a mystical tale of divine providence, shattered dreams, and resilient transformation, drawing from Hasidic legend and refracted through the lens of one family's existential struggle and triumph of spirit Aryeh’s twelve musical short films, which he wrote, directed, and scored, invite viewers on a symphonic journey exploring the mysteries of Judaism and the meaning of life
NEW MED
Journey of the Lost: Theater on Film
Streaming November 14-21
In-Person Screening | 1 PM EST @ Bryn Mawr Film Institute
In 1939, nearly a thousand German Jewish refugees boarded the MS St. Louis in Hamburg, Germany, pursuing sanctuary in Cuba. Desperate to escape the atrocities of their homeland, most passengers gave up everything they had to finance the arduous journey, only to be barred entry upon reaching Havana. For the next 30 days, the MS St. Louis endeavored refuge along every shore in the Americas but was refused by all. With superb performances and stellar direction, this expertly filmed stage adaptation of Daniel Kehlmann’s German play, Die Reise der Verlorenen, delivers a riveting reprisal of the events portrayed in the 1976 film, Voyage of the Damned
Exile and Redemption November 14-21
Today’s Storytellers Are Tomorrow’s Changemakers:
Spotlight on Lacey Schwartz Delgado, Co-Founder of Truth Aid
On-Demand November 14-20
In 2014, Lacey Schwartz Delgado (then Lacey Schwartz) presented the Philadelphia Premiere of her critically acclaimed documentary feature, Little White Lie, as part of the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival. While exploring a personal family secret, Lacey discovered the identity of her biological father She quickly understood why her skin had always appeared darker than that of her friends growing up – it was darker Lacey discovered she was both Black and Jewish
DIA DAY
DIA DAY!
The realization of Lacey's dual identity changed her life, making the personal political and the political personal. Today, Lacey is an award-winning producer, writer, director, and outreach strategist who draws on her interdisciplinary background to create compelling stories that span documentary and fiction As the co-founder of the production company Truth Aid, Lacey produces inspiring and empowering multi-media content to affect social change in communities worldwide In this exclusive interview, PJFM sits down with Lacey – screen-to-screen – to discuss the impact of her past and current projects – precisely how she uses storytelling to affect positive change in society and empower others to do so the same
Beshert/Romantic Destiny: An Inevitable Evening of Burlesque, Storytelling & Short Films
Virtual Live Stream | 7 PM EST
Potions 101: The Enchanted World of Eastern European Botanical Elixirs
Virtual Live Stream | 6 PM EST
Inside this Harry Potteresque "happier hour," Rebecca An Founder of Elixirology, takes viewers on a wild, rollicking through the fascinating and sometimes kooky world of Ea European Folk medicines Rebecca blends familial anecdo and forgotten ancestral wisdom with her unique brand of Russian-Jewish humor, making her cocktail hour and mix workshop a fun way to connect to Jewish culture and her In helping participants craft their own authentic Eastern European potions, she reimagines old-world botanical eli for modern tastebuds
*There is no cost to view Rebecca's presentation. However, to fully participate in this immersive experience, we encourage you to pre-purchase an Herbal Mixology Toolkit by October 7th (available to USA residents only) to assure delivery in time for the festival. All orders will be shipped ground. You may expedite your order for an additional fee.
The Jewish concept of beshert usually refers to the idea that each of us has a “soulmate” or an “other half” we were destined for In fact, the literal translation of beshert from Yiddish means “destiny ” Do you believe in destiny? Are you convinced we are preordained to meet the people that we meet, love the people that we love, and live the life that we are living? If so, how does the concept of beshert reconcile with our notion of free will? Or, for the religious among us, how does free will cohabitate with divine providence – the idea that God watches over us, guides us, and even interferes with our affairs?
Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media and Roxie Roz (aka Shellie Shmals and friends) invite you to explore these ideas (and all their contradictions) in an inevitably fun evening of burlesque performance, storytelling, and
September 30 | 7:00 pm
In-Person Screening:
On-Demand Streaming: (7 Days)
Gratz College (Mandell Education Campus) 7605 Old York Rd Elkins Park, PA 19027
Open to PA, NJ & DE residents only
October 14 | 7:00 pm
In-Person Screening:
On-Demand Streaming: (7 Days)
Gratz College (Mandell Education Campus) 7605 Old York Rd
Elkins Park, PA 19027
Open to PA, NJ & DE residents only
PETER DECHERNEY
"I became passionate about photography and filmmaking in second grade. I had an inspiring art teacher who supported me as I started to spend all of my free time in the darkroom. I’ve been lucky to have great teachers and mentors throughout my life."
Peter Decherney Co-Director of DREAMING OF JERUSALEM Coming Soon to PJFM
WHAT INSPIRED "DREAMING OF JERUSALEM"?
I spent time in Israel in 1990 and had an opportunity to work alongside Ethiopian Jews who had recently made aliyah. I’ve tried to stay informed about the Ethiopian Jewish community in the intervening decades. Following recent political debates about immigration from Ethiopia to Israel, I wanted to know more
about the community that remains in Ethiopia My colleague at the University of Pennsylvania, Ethiopian-American filmmaker Sosena Solomon, and I had been talking about our shared interest in the Ethiopian Jewish community for years. We applied for funds from Penn and traveled to Ethiopia in 2019 and 2020 to learn more about the community and help amplify some of their incredible stories.
WHAT OTHER FILMS HAVE YOU DONE?
I’ve made documentary and virtual reality films in Myanmar, Kenya, and the U.S. You can find links at Decherney org Several years ago, I made a virtual reality documentary series, THE HEART OF PUERTO RICO, about artists in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. We finished 6 of the 13 episodes, and some episodes showed at festivals (and even won awards). We recently got a grant to complete all of the episodes, and we are on track to have those done by the spring. Can’t wait to show them.
WHAT SHOULD VIEWERS KNOW?
Viewers of DREAMING OF JERUSALEM have consistently asked for more: more history, more context, and more stories "I’ve been planning to return to Gondar, where the film was shot, to create a book of photographs and text that provides the larger context of the story. I was hoping to go this fall, but I’ve had to delay my trip because of the civil war that is spreading beyond the Tigray region I hope that there will be a peaceful resolution soon, and that I will be able to return."
"Filmmaking is almost always a collaborative effort. Being part of a team and working toward a shared goal keeps me going. Documentary filmmaking also means collaborating with the subjects of your films, who remain a part of your life, which is also one of the great rewards."
MORE ABOUT PETER DECHERNEY:
Peter Decherney is Professor of Cinema & Media Studies and Faculty Director of the Online Learning Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania. He holds a secondary appointment at the Annenberg School for Communication He is an award-winning documentary and virtual reality filmmaker, who has shot films in Africa, Asia, and the U.S.
Prof. Decherney has been an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Scholar. He is an awardwinning teacher, whose open online course on the history of Hollywood has enrolled more than 65,000 learners.
VISIT PETER DECHERNEY'S WEBSITE
Screening In-Person
Wednesday, November 3
7 PM @ Bruce Montgomery Theatre (Annenberg Center)
*Masks REQUIRED
Tickets & Info
Streaming – Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival: Fall Fest
November 14-20
Tickets & Info
Greater Than Normal: What’s Special About “The Specials”
Sometimes things are lost in translation. For instance, the title of THE SPECIALS in French is “Hors normes”, which literally means “outside (or beyond) the norm.” The French title conveys many more layers of meaning, but those are layers the moviegoer can uncover when they watch this warm and crowd-pleasing film
Based on a real program in France that helps people on the autism spectrum achieve higher levels of dignity and selfreliance (people that mainstream programs refused to work with), it is filled with remarkable and relatable performances. Chief among them is Vincent Cassel, playing a fierce and strong-willed advocate for those discarded by the system Cassel, so often cast as tough guys, leads with his vulnerability in a tour-de-force of character building
The directors, Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, who also wrote the screenplay, take care to show – not tell – that Bruno (Cassel’s character) is living his Jewish values. He doesn’t talk about his Judaism, nor are we told about it. A minute after he removes his Yankees cap, however, we see his kippah Later, we see the fringes of his tallit Eventually, we come to understand that his work is an expression of Tikkun Olam and caring for the stranger The program, after all, is called Voice of the Righteous.
AMERICAN BIRTHRIGHT is a wonderful documentary by Becky Tahel Bordo, a young woman questioning her faith and life as a Jewish person. This quest takes her across the globe as she searches for the answers on faith. A story of self-examination, it has universal appeal, as she tries to answer the ultimate existential question of who and what makes her what she is. A well-designed film that flows through with the added bonus of great music!
The title characters of THE SPECIALS are the people with special needs, but they could also be the two main characters: Bruno, an Orthodox Jew who has trouble navigating aspects of everyday life, given his strict adherence to Jewish law and round-theclock devotion to his job, and Malik, a Muslim (Reda Kateb), the charming and resourceful founder of a jobs program for underserved youth from the rough suburbs of Paris.
Malik connects workers with Bruno’s program. Malik’s charges, who are struggling with their own form of marginalization, form ironclad bonds with the autistic individuals that Bruno works with. Both groups are pushed away by mainstream French society, represented here by a blinked bureaucracy investigating Bruno’s group
The maverick versus the bureaucracy storyline is pretty welltrod territory, but it works, not least because of the work turned in by supporting players, who you will bond with and whose lives you will become invested in.
Michael Riccardi Screening Committee Member
F A L L F E S T
N O T G O I N G Q U I E T L Y
This was my first year as a screener for Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media (PJFM), formerly the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival As a newbie, I considered myself a tough critic, rarely giving films the maximum 5 rating NOT GOING QUIETLY was an exception You’d think that a documentary about a man diagnosed with ALS at age 32 would be super depressing, but for me, it was just the opposite. I found this film about Ady Barkan uplifting, a story about turning one’s passion for a cause into action, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit against all odds.
Prior to his diagnosis in 2016, just after the birth of his son, Barkan was a liberal activist, a rising star in progressive politics. As someone who considers herself a progressive Jew I’m a member of the social justice committee at Temple Har Zion in Mt. Holly, NJ, and a core leader of the newly formed Moral Minyan for Bend the Arc: Jewish Action South Jersey I am embarrassed to say I had not heard of him prior to this film.
Barkan, a lawyer, does not let ALS stop his fight. He and a group of activists have formed the “Be a Hero” political movement, demanding healthcare justice. He was named one of Time’s top 100 most influential people of 2020. He has also been credited with pressuring President Biden to waive the COVID-19 vaccine patent. His causes have included rights for immigrants and low-income individuals More recently, he has fought tax cuts that would negatively impact Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
The film follows Barkan and his crew across the country prior to the 2020 election, as they talked to voters and politicians about healthcare. From his motorized wheelchair, Barkan cuts an impressive figure. As his speech becomes increasingly garbled, subtitles provide clarity for the viewer Yet one thing is crystal clear: Barkan is passionate about healthcare equity
I was so impressed with his work that I purchased his book, Eyes to the Wind: A Memoir of Love and Death, Hope and Resistance. However, I’ve been so busy reviewing films that I confess I haven’t started it yet! Barkan has been called “the most powerful activist in America” and this film is a powerful tribute to him. It shows that even if you can’t physically speak, you can use your voice to make a difference
Have you ever heard the quip: “The Germans will never forgive the Jews for the Holocaust?” MAZEL TOV COCKTAIL skewers today’s German attitudes towards the Jews. Dima is a teen whose family relocated from Russia as an act of German atonement He’s caught between his Russian, Jewish and German identities. His classmates think it’s funny to act out asphyxiation at Auschwitz. His teachers show that philoSemitism is the other side of the anti-Semitism coin. The German public thinks 29% of Germans helped saved Jews from the Nazis (it’s 0.2%). His parents just want him to get along and keep his head down. Dima just wants to be a normal teenager, but he fights back against the insults and stereotypes Enjoy the ride while Dima confronts all this and still keeps his sense of humor!
Darcy Grabenstein Screening Committee Member
Shorts
CHAI FIVE
Giving you a five/hand in media.
PODCASTS
1 Unorthodox by Tablet
2. Can We Talk?
3. Two Nice Jewish Boys
4. Jew Oughta Know
5. Judaism Unbound
TV SERIES
1. The Kominsky Method | Netflix
2 Scenes from a Marriage | HBO Max
3 Unorthodox | Netflix
4 Our Boys | HBO Max
5. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Amazon Prime
BOOKS
1. The Last Words We Said | Leah Scheier
2. What I Like About You | Marisa Kanter
3 Color Me In | Natasha Diaz
4 The Bloom Girls | Amy Pine
5. Today, Tomorrow, Tonight | Rachel Lynn Solomon
FEATURE FILMS
1 Yentl | YouTube
2. Tel Aviv on Fire | Amazon Prime
3. Uncut Gems | Netflix
4. Incitement | Tubi
5. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas | Hulu
TOP YOUTUBE CHANNELS
1. J-TV: Jewish Ideas. Global Relevance
2. My Jewish Mommy Life
3 Ashley Waxman Bakshi
4 Sugar Zaza
5. SeriOusly Yours
DIGITAL COMICS
1. From Krakow to Krypton | Arie Kaplan
2. Old Jewish Comedians | Drew Friedman
3 SCI The Jewish Comics Anthology
4 Up, Up, and Oy Vey | Simcha Weinstein
5. Exit Wounds | Rutu Modan
Chickadee Theatre Company
PJFM continue connecting community by spotlighting Jewish organizations that care.
MEET CTC
Based on compassion, Chickadee Theatre Company is a collaborative, welcoming community that thrives on providing an opportunity for artists to have an outlet to express their individual quirkiness. Their goal is to create energetic, colorful, and meaningful art through down-to-earth, open-hearted collaborations with undiscovered theatre artists and musicians throughout the city.
CTC HISTORY
Chickadee was founded by Liat Kovnator in July 2018, as she was seeking a music-based, inclusive, and noncompetitive environment for Philadelphia-based artists. After roducing several cabarets, she unched Chickadee as a venture hrough the Tribe 12 Fellowship rogram. Liat joined forces with Aimee oldstein to continue the original mission of Chickadee Theatre Company. he two have been producing theatre ver since. During the pandemic, they ave produced virtual work together.
Liat Kovnator
Aimee Goldstein
WHY CHICKADEES?
Don’t underestimate these cheerful, truthful, and flexible songbirds! Black-Capped Chickadees possess an unassuming amount of bravery. Not only are these underdogs sharp-witted and social, they are also incredibly adaptable to any circumstance that comes their way. They represent kindness, protection, vulnerability, and big ideas. It is these values that inspire and inform their mission and identity as Chickadee Theatre Company.
Chickadee is still a fairly new company that is looking to collaborate and expand! Come connect with them. They are always looking for more performers, directors, social media/marketing experts, and producers to work with.
Website: ChickadeeTheatre.com
Chickadee Theater Company Instagram: @chickadeetheatreco Email: chickadeetheatreco@gmail.com
GIVINGTUESDAY IS A
GLOBAL GENEROSITY MOVEMENT, UNLEASHING THE POWER OF RADICAL GENEROSITY TO TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES AND THE WORLD.
Being able to give, your way is a gift within itself Not only are you able to help someone else, but you have fulfilled supporting something you care about. We live in a world that is continuously evolving and so are the things we love. GivingTuesday emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities that allow for social connection and kindness, even while still practicing physical distancing GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encour do good. Over the past nine ye has grown into a global movem inspires hundreds of millions o give, collaborate, and celebrat
This year's goals for GivingTue expand the PJFM community, p exploration of Jewish culture t and digital storytelling, and ra the 2021-2022 season.
People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during GivingTuesday whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts. Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media's vision is to share, celebrate, and advance Jewish storytelling through film and new media programs and events in Philadelphia and beyond.
PJFM has made giving as easy as 1, 2, 3 with a quick guide with ways you can give this GivingTuesday.
GivingTuesday Ways to Help
02 Become a Sponsor
Begin your philanthropic journey with PJFM and choose the plan for you.
01 Donate
Give to causes that you care about, like PJFM, and watch your gift grow.
03 Become a Volunteer
Bring that love for media arts, that beautiful smile, and a willingness to help PJFM today.
Giving Your Way
05 Tell a Friend
PJFM creates a captivating line-up to keep the audience drawn in. What better way to experience PJFM than with a friend?
04 Attend a Virtual Screening
PJFM has some incredible screenings this season. You can find the full lineup at PhillyJFM.org.
06 Download Our App
Our new app makes your experience even better throughout the year, giving you the information you need, right at your fingertips.
THROWBACK THROWBACK TRIVIA TRIVIA
This is the cover from our 18TH
FESTIVAL. Which film is the woman with the turtleneck from?
A. A Fish in the Bathtub B. Of Pure Blood C. Nick and Rachel D. Soleil
E. The Long Way Home
INDIVIDUAL
As presenter of the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival – now in its 41st season – PJFM will continue to bring Philadelphia film lovers the best in Jewish international cinema through its signature program: its two-week annual November Fall Fest, taking place both in theaters and venues throughout Philadelphia and streaming ondemand in your living room.
Forms may be mailed to our address: Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media 1613 Walnut St, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103
YOUNG FRIEND
Join the Young Friends of Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media (PJFM) and connect with young professionals, film lovers, and emerging creatives ages 21-39
Mingle with filmmakers and educators, get invites to specialized programs, attend private screenings, enjoy movie meet-ups, receive discounts on Young Friends events and so much more
Contact Matt Bussy mbussy@phillyjfm.org or Ainyae Straxkson astraxkson@phillyjfm.org to learn more, become a Young Friend, and be a part of an influential growing community
Sephardic Jeweled Rice
Not only is this dish vibrant, but it is also delicious and full of savory spices. This sweet and fragrant dish is sure to make your holiday season one for the books. Try this recipe at home this fall.
This recipe was written by Vicky Cohen and Ruth Fox. You can find the full article and recipe at The Nosher here. Below are the ingredients and instructions for this meal.
I N G R E D I E N T S
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cumin
⅛ tsp black pepper
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided, plus 1 teaspoon
2 medium-size onions, diced small
10 dried apricots, quartered
6 dried figs (we used Smyrna), quartered ¼ cup dried cherries
¼ cups pistachios or pumpkin seeds
1 cup long-grain rice (we used Jasmine, but you can use Basmati or whatever you prefer)
1 ⅓ cups of water or vegetable broth
1 ½ tsp fresh lemon or orange zest
1 cup pomegranate seeds
H O W T O M A K E :
Combine salt, sweet paprika, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep, nonstick skillet with a lid. Add rice and spices and stir well. Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly and making sure the rice gets well coated with the oil and the spices.
Add 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, remove from heat and let it sit for 15 minutes covered.
In the meantime, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick skillet. Add onions and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes stirring frequently, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time if necessary, to prevent burning.
Transfer onions to a plate and in the same skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add dried fruit and pistachios or pumpkin seeds and cook over medium-low for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently
Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork, add onions, dried fruit, pistachios, and lemon or orange zest, and toss well.
Right before serving sprinkle pomegranate seeds on the rice.
Thank you for supporting the organization. Thank you for supporting the organization.