Fringes: New Adventures in Jewish Living

Interweaving personal stories set at the Stoney Lonesome Farm in Virginia, the Ghetto Shul Café in Montreal, and the Secular Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Fringes is a compelling documentary that examines three examples of young people living at the so-called fringes of Jewish society who are trying to create new paths through faith in the contemporary world. At Stoney Lonesome, married couple Esther and Pablo live on a farm where they utilize sustainable practices while also trying to integrate progressive methods into such Jewish traditions as Shabbat (since Shabbat falls on Saturdays, Esther and Pablo—the latter converted to marry Esther—don't participate in weekend farmers' markets; instead they co-created a separate market to accommodate the local Jewish community). At the Ghetto Shul Café, a young rabbi and his wife have created an informal environment for drawing in college students and professionals to meet one another and engage in dialogue about Judaism. And the Secular Yeshiva is an informal learning space where Israelis on the fence about orthodoxy—yet still curious about exploring the Talmud and other sacred scholarship—can learn without pressure. An illuminating film spotlighting people who are finding novel ways to broaden Jewish culture in the 21st century, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)