A Separate Voice: Lives of the Traditional Orthodox and Chassidim

Those who enjoy learning about different religious cultures are likely to be drawn to this heartwarming film profiling traditional Orthodox and Chassidic Jews who feel it's an honor to respect the strict traditions of their faith. Combining interview footage with scenes of contemporary life, Carla Blair and Janice Michaelson's A Separate Voice examines the traditional Jewish clothing and hairstyles felt to be important to religious beliefs and culture, offers a glimpse of the dating practices that govern courtship, and looks at the division of roles and responsibilities between spouses. Many women don't feel that their religious traditions favor men, even though men tend to remain in charge of synagogue worship, as the women consider their roles in preparing proper foods and nurturing the children to be equally important to their faith and family's overall well-being. By way of contrast, Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum and a few others explain the ways that Modern Orthodox Jews differ from the more conservative groups focused on here. Sure to deepen viewers' understanding of the lifestyles preferred by these conservative Jews, A Separate Voice is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Smith)