Originally published in the May 31, 2021 issue.
Thursday, June 24, 8 pm, Sandler Family Campus, socially distant family-friendly cookout, 6:30 pm
Tickets: $12 per person, children ages 12 and under are free Reservations by June 17
Robyn Sidersky
The Bar and Bat Mitzvah experience is one most Jewish boys and girls will never forget—whether it’s because of all the work that goes into preparing for it, the milestone and its meaning, or the great big celebration that accompanies it.
The classic film that takes this monumental occasion and adds a dose of humor, Keeping Up With the Steins, is the centerpiece of the final showing in the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Patricia & Avraham Ashkenazi and Alma & Howard Laderberg Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, in partnership with the Simon Family JCC Summer Camp.
“When I think about classic films with a Jewish theme, Keeping Up With the Steins is top on my list,” says Anne Fleder, co-chair of the film festival. “With the Bar Mitzvah theme, it goes without saying that it resonates with all Jews who have had this experience.”
First released in 2006, the film has themes that resonate widely in the Jewish community.
“At the end of the day, if you take away the fluff, the theme, the band, the flowers, the giveaways, the food—what really matters is being true to yourself and being genuine,” Fleder says. “I think this movie does a really good job of that and it doesn’t matter whether it was the 1990s, the 2000s, or 2021, it still resonates with audiences today.”
The film stars Jeremy Piven, Garry Marshall, Doris Roberts, and others. It is directed by Scott Marshall.
Families are invited for a socially distant cookout before the film begins.
“It’s just a really good feel-good movie for people of all ages and it sends a powerful message that at the end of the day, relationships matter and family matters and it’s how you treat others and how you make other people feel that really determines good character,” Fleder says.
Find more information at JewishVa.org/FilmFest or contact Jill Grossman, director, arts + ideas at jgrossman@ujft.org or 757-965-6137.
Got Bar and Bat Mitzvah
photos to share?
Remember braces and voice changes? Memorizing your Torah portion? Giving a speech? Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah was probably one of the most memorable days in your Jewish life. We want to see your favorite (and awkward!) pictures from the occasion.
Send photos, including your name and the year, to Jill Grossman at jgrossman@ujft.org. We will post a picture a day on social media leading up to our outdoor cookout and screening of Keeping Up with the Steins, with an opportunity for the community to take a guess!