Children Of Jerusalem: Yehuda

One of a series of films which focus on lives of Palestinian and Israeli children, Yehuda is narrated by Yehuda Witt, a ten-year-old Hasidic Jew from West Jerusalem. We follow him through his daily routine of school (Talmud, Torah and secular subjects); play (learning to ride a bike, visiting the zoo with his 10 brothers and sisters) and daily prayer ("the highest moments"). We observe Yehuda and his family during the seven day feast of Sukkot: visiting the market to purchase materials; selecting foods; and building the shelter where the family will live and celebrate during this time. A short but sweet portrait of a modern day boy immersed in an ancient culture--but not so different after all. Designed to be enjoyed on several levels of complexity, this film is suitable for grade school children on up. The handy guide, cleverly slipped inside the cassette sleeve, contains a glossary of Hebrew terms used in the film. Recommended, where budgets permit. (J. Reed)