It's Not In Heaven: The Comedy of Yisrael Campbell, a.k.a. Circumcise Me

Talk about a journey: Philadelphia native Chris Campbell not only fell in love with an Israeli woman and moved to Jerusalem, but he also converted to Conservative Judaism, then Reform, then Orthodox. On each step of his religious path, Campbell faced ritual circumcisions, which have since become fodder for a standup comedy act that is often quite funny, as Yisrael (“Chris”) riffs on his experiences and new life in Jerusalem. Discussing his days of exploration and indulgence with drugs and spiritual meandering, Campbell jokes about his intense encounters with Judaism and the meaning of Israel in his life. Campbell's father, who is also interviewed, expresses no surprise over his son's wholesale transformation, although he had doubts earlier that it would last. An offbeat documentary that offers an insightful look at contemporary Jewish life while also illuminating the differences between various forms of Judaism, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)