Waubonsee Community College

Days of awe, produced and directed by Karen Kramer

eng

videorecording

For College; Adult audiences

Days of awe

electronic resource

747798165

produced and directed by Karen Kramer

44

Throughout New York City, Orthodox Jews practice ancient customs that are little known to outsiders. Though often closed to strangers, the filmmaker was able to follow one ultra orthodox community in Brooklyn during their most sacred season. While ancient Jewish traditions are carried out year-round, there is one month in autumn when the most important holidays are observed. Prayer, song, ecstatic dance, and celebration mark this time of year. Against the backdrop of modern New York, the thousand year-old-traditions come alive in processions, street dancing, candle lighting, and the building of temporary houses adorned with greenery. As the celebrants speak about the history and meaning of their customs they become part of the cultural mosaic that is New York. The result is a sympathetic and lyrical portrait of a people during their most holy time of year

general