Director Robin Garbose is planning protest screenings of her film “A Light for Greytowers” at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Israel on December 13 and 15, coinciding with the Jerusalem Jewish Film Festival, which refused to screen the movie for women-only audiences.
Organizers of the weeklong festival at the Jerusalem Cinematheque originally accepted the film based on its artistic quality, but insisted on maintaining the usual policy of inviting the general public.
“Greytowers” is a musical set in 19th century Victorian England, featuring young Orthodox actresses as orphans forbidden to practice Judaism under the menacing rule of the orphanage headmistress, Miss Grimshaw.
Garbose, a theater and television director who became Orthodox 18 years ago, created the movie under rabbinic supervision. Consistent with Kol Isha laws in Orthodoxy that do not permit women to sing or dance in front of men, the film has screened exclusively for girls and women over the past year in New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles.
Aviad Hacohen, Garbose’s attorney and dean of Shaarey Mishpat Law College in Israel, said that according to Israeli law there is reason to claim that the festival discriminated against Garbose with an anti-religious motive.
“Even though the festival is a private entity, they are forced to act with equality because it’s a public function and especially because a large part of its budget is sponsored by the Israeli government and Jerusalem Municipality,” said Hacohen. “The only reason the festival won’t screen the film is based purely on Garbose’s will to obey her religious rule.”
Garbose is disappointed that a festival in the Jewish homeland won’t honor a tradition rooted in the same laws calling for separate dancing at weddings and a mechitza at the Kotel.
“Everything in Jewish life is about strengthening marriage and family through modesty,” Garbose said.
The filmmaker said that she welcomes the chance for dialogue on this topic at a special Q&A, doubling as a press conference following the Jerusalem screenings (the first time the movie will be shown in Israel), where Orthodox women eagerly await the film’s arrival.
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Good for you, Robin. I wish you the best of luck! I hope it all works out. Luv, Yali and all of Kol Neshama
Wishing you every success with this exquisite and sensitive film. How sad it is that in the Sate of Israel created for Jews, we have to fight for the right to be Jewish. It doesn't get more convoluted than that. Peace and Love to you, Chaya
It's my understanding that the women and girls who perform in "A Light for Greytowers" choose to adhere to the millenia-old traditional principle of modesty that encourages women to sing and dance among women, but not before men. This is their right, and I dare say that in the prevailing cultural milieu it is also an act of courage. Ms. Garbose displays admirable loyalty and commitment toward them in advocating for their right to make that choice, and in providing them with opportunities for creative expression. Should they then be denied artistic recognition by those who happen to disagree with that choice? How ironic that the culture of so-called 'pluralism' disenfranchises people of refined religious sensibilities, while allowing others to offend at will. Though the critical acclaim this film has received would ordinarily make me eager to see it, I am not offended by the fact that as a male I am requested to refrain. Quite the contrary - I applaud Ms. Garbose and her troupe, and hope that their intended audience will continue to grow and enjoy her work. Simcha Gottlieb, Miami FL
It's my understanding that the women and girls who perform in "A Light for Greytowers" choose to adhere to the millenia-old traditional principle of modesty that encourages women to sing and dance among women, but not before men. This is their right, and I dare say that in the prevailing cultural milieu it is also an act of courage. Ms. Garbose displays admirable loyalty and commitment toward them in advocating for their right to make that choice, and in providing them with opportunities for creative expression. Should they then be denied artistic recognition by those who happen to disagree with that choice? How ironic that the culture of so-called 'pluralism' disenfranchises people of refined religious sensibilities, while allowing others to offend at will. Though the critical acclaim this film has received would ordinarily make me eager to see it, I am not offended by the fact that as a male I am requested to refrain. Quite the contrary - I applaud Ms. Garbose and her troupe, and hope that their intended audience will continue to grow and enjoy her work. Simcha Gottlieb, Miami FL
B"H I join the Rabbinic protest against the Film Festival refusal to allow participation of this film because of its "by women for women only audiences" policy. If, indeed, this festival receives government funding, as reported here, then it must not exclude Jewish women who only wish to observe the dignified precepts of our religion. As a male, I humbly reiterate that I do not feel disrespected by this movie's policy. To the contrary, I am proud of the female director and staff who exhibit honor and dignity, in a generation which could benefit from these very attributes even more. As a tax payer, in Israel, I expect any government funded entity to be non exlusive of any citizen. If a religious Jewish female wishes to see this film, without the problem of viewing it with male co-viewers, she should have that right. Rabbi Fishel Jacobs www.rabbijacobs.com
how very sad to read that after last week's horrific tragedy in mumbai that we do not realize that perhaps this was a strong message from G-d that there is ahavat yisroel missing and that this is a very strong wake up call to us . we all should get the message to be more tolerant of each others religious beliefs. has Israel become so lacking, that we cannot have a womens only performance ? these women want nothing more than to share their talents with others who might have a wonderful time benefiting from these wonderful women!, perhaps we should rethink the "derech" this is going to1!
I applaud Robin's Garbose's persistence and wish her every success with this project. At the same time, I respectfully object to Chaya Vance's statement. Indeed there are many patterns that Orthodox Jews (myself among them) would like to see changed in Israel. But it is a far leap from there to say that we have to "fight for the right to be Jewish." Shalva BenDavid Beit Shemesh
Way to go Robin!I'm rooting for you back here & sending people to represent me in Israel...!!!
B"H A couple of additional thoughts regarding the Israel Film Festival's refusal to present a "by women for women only" film. I believe the claim: This policy discriminates against the male populace, is one not too many members of this very populace will take to the streets to fight for. In simple terms, I've spoken it over with my men friends, and none of them feel discriminated against. One actually agreed with me saying: In the crazy modern world we live in, I'm proud that some women still have modest behavior. (That guy wasn't a one of my Christian friend from back in the States. He was my Thursday night l'chaim partner from here in Israel, but that's another story.) The Film Festival's Mission link says: "The annual event plays a vital educational role in today's world, providing an intercultural exchange that advances tolerance and understanding and enriches America's vision of Israel's impressive social and cultural diversity." Guys, guys, guys. Come on now. Take a walk through Jerusalem in any given neighborhood, on any given night. Looks to me like there are a lot of people out there who can't watch a movie if it's not kosher in content, and if the audience is not kosher --meaning not all females. What about tolerance and understanding to these people? On a final note. I have served in official Israel government rabbinical positions for over thirty years. From army to prison service. Every single event we sponsored -- with tax dollars -- had to be kosher for all of our staff, public, and even our prisoners. To the degree that the Israel Film Festival receives government money, I for one would want to see those same rules apply to my tax dollars as it relates to this issue. Women who wish to see a "by women for women only" film, even if they are Jewish and religious, should be able to do that. Or I want my dollar back. Rabbi Fishel Jacobs www.rabbijacobs.com
I can't help but wonder...If Arab Israeli women produced a film and, for reasons of religious beliefs and modesty requested that it be screened for women only, would the festival have refused to screen the film?
Ms. Garbose maintains that “Everything in Jewish life is about strengthening marriage and family through modesty." That is, I believe, a bit exaggerated. I know of at least one mitzva unrelated to family status, yishuv ha'aretz (living in Israel), which our sages of blessed memory maintained is weightier than all the other mitzvot combined, including kol isha, which, according to many opinions, is a Rabbinic decree. Might I suggest that Ms. Garbose, who lives in exile, reexamine her Halakhic priorities, move to Israel, understand deeply the complexities of contemporary Israeli society, and only then formulate her opinion on the Film Festival's decision. Chuck Davidson, Israel
In response to Chuck Davidson: Firstly I admire your dedication to Eretz Yisroel. I am a firm believer in the importance of yishuv ha'aretz. I have a sister in Ramat Beit Shemesh, a brother in Kiryat Sefer, and I intend to live in Israel when I am old enough to make such decisions. I disagree, however, with your affirmation that yishuv ha'aretz is a "mitzva unrelated to family status." First of all, in tractate Avodah Zarah, 13a, permission is granted to leave Israel in order to marry; thus we see how Torah places marriage on the highest pedestal- it is in fact true that marriage and family is the focal point of Jewish life. But to really understand how yishuv ha'aretz connects with marriage, we must look at the reason behind this mitzvah. Rabbi Herschel Shachter writes that there is "an all-around more intimate relationship that exists between Hashem and His people living in the Land of Israel...there exists a unique, more personal connection to God in His chosen land." In Israel it is easier for one to see Hashem and to be holy, and Hashem commanded us to live in Israel so we would be able to connect with Him and be holy. According to Judaism, marriage is the holiest institution that exists. Through marriage, one imitates G-d, The Creator, by creating children. Furthermore, through the relationship of constant giving to one's spouse, one gets as close to G-d, the ultimate Giver, as possible. Next, while I totally agree with the Zionistic sentiment, you cannot judge those who do not live in Israel, nor can you simply order them to "move to Israel." In Baba Bathra25 we learn that one who who cannot make a comfortable living in Israel is not required to live there. There are other exemptions to yishuv ha'aretz as well. My family does not live in Eretz Yisroel because to do so would mean abandoning my elderly grandparents here in America. Also, those involved in Kiruv, who feel they will be most effective influencing Jews in chutz la'aretz, are permitted to live outside Eretz Yisroel. In short, you can't judge those who don't live in Israel, because it is perfectly plausible that they might have a particular reason why they cannot do so at this time. Lastly, you wrote that Ms. Garbose should "move to Israel" and "understand deeply the complexities of contemporary Israeli society and only then formulate her opinion on the Film Festival's decision." But I fail to see why the festival's location in Israel is relevant to this debate. The fact is that a Jewish festival refused to screen a film because the director wished it to be screened only in accordance with Halacha. This has nothing to do with location. It has nothing to do with personal or societal views about kol isha, either. It just has to do with people having respect and derech eretz for others' religious beliefs, and I believe derech eretz should be one of the most important concerns of "contemporary Israeli society," and in fact all society. My main source for information on yishuv ha'aretz is the following site, by Rabbi Herschel Shachter: http://www.wzo.org.il/en/resources/view.asp?id=1442
In response to Yocheved: Regarding the relationship between making aliyah and marriage, the Gemara says much more than just your quote. Let us not forget the authority of either spouse to force the other to make aliyah (Ketubot 110b) תלמוד בבלי מסכת כתובות דף קי עמוד ב ת"ר: הוא אומר לעלות, והיא אומרת שלא לעלות - כופין אותה לעלות, ואם לאו - תצא בלא כתובה, היא אומרת לעלות, והוא אומר שלא לעלות - כופין אותו לעלות, ואם לאו - יוציא ויתן כתובה I did not order anyone to move to Israel. (God already did that, according to many rishonim). I suggested that someone who lives in chu"l should think twice before formulating and publicizing an opinion on the Film Festival's decision. The film festival's location is very relevant to the debate. Alas, contemporary Israeli society is very complex. Regarding your reference to Bava Bathra, it is both a mis-reference and mis-quote. The relvant passage is on 91a, not 25. And this is what it says. תלמוד בבלי מסכת בבא בתרא דף צא עמוד א וכן היה ר"ש בן יוחאי אומר: אלימלך, מחלון וכליון, גדולי הדור היו ופרנסי הדור היו, ומפני מה נענשו? מפני שיצאו מארץ לחוצה לארץ, שנאמר: +רות א'+ ותהם כל העיר עליהן ותאמרנה הזאת נעמי. מאי הזאת נעמי? א"ר יצחק, אמרו: חזיתם, נעמי שיצאת מארץ לחו"ל מה עלתה לה? I see no reference to "comfortable". To the contrary, that passage states that Mahlon and Kilyon were punished for leaving Israel despite the fact that they left under the livelihood pressures of a famine in the land. Regarding your elderly grandparents, if that is the only factor holding you back from making aliyah, I will be happy to help you find the perfect framework for them here in Israel. Regarding your reference to R. Shachter, he is a huge Talmudic scholar. But he has chosen to remain in self-imposed exile. It is thus hard to take him too seriously on matters of Jewish peoplehood. This conversation can be taken offline if you wish to cpd1815s2@gmail.com Chuck
One more comment for Yocheved. I would never judge anyone for not moving to Israel. That being said, Reish Lakish did: תלמוד בבלי מסכת יומא דף ט עמוד ב ריש לקיש הוי סחי בירדנא, אתא רבה בר בר חנה יהב ליה ידא. אמר ליה: אלהא! סנינא לכו
I apologize for any errors in my previous post; as I said, all my information came from that website, I did not look the Gemara up. However, yishuv ha'aretz is not really the subject of this discussion, which I would like to go back to. You have written that "contemporary Israeli society is very complex"- what are these complexities that non-Israelis cannot understand, and how are they relevant to the festival's decision?
Unlike the United States, Israel is not a finished product. We are in the midst of an intense cultural "war". The results of that war are important to everyone living here. The phenomenon of a movie made by women for women in the context of Halakhic motivations plays, whether intended or not, a role in that war. On a personal level, when I moved here 17 years ago, I would have been very much in favor of the screening of this movie for women only. Today, that is not the case. I'm guessing I'm not alone in shifts of positions such as these. That is my point. Consider moving here, understanding the complexities of Israeli society, and only then formulating and publicizing an opinion on issues like this.
This time, as a religious woman I must disagree that the festival is guilty of anti-religious sentiment in not agreeing to exclude men from the audience for this film. The festival organizers recognized the quality of the film in accepting it for screening. They have no obligation to set different conditions for this film than for the other films in the festival, especially since as a film, and not a live performance, a screening is Kol Isha only under a stringent interpretation of the law. Nothing prevents the filmmaker from screening her film independently, as she is doing. I hope that this film will be screened in New York and look forward to attending a performance there. Congratulations on your effort.