My Father My Lord
random
Yesterday I saw My Father My Lord, a film at the Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival. The description from Israeli films:
Living with his wife and son in the ultra-orthodox community of Jerusalem, Rabbi Abraham devotes his life to the study of Torah and Jewish Law. His son Menahem is at an age where he absorbs the world around him as a place of wonder. He does not resist but follows listlessly as his father leads him along the straight and narrow path that must be pursued by men of faith. But Abraham’s guidance can count for only so much in the scheme of the universe. On a summer vacation to the Dead Sea, his faith is put to the test.
Ultimately Rabbi Abraham’s fanatic devotion leads to the death of his son. I didn’t see this as an anti-Jewish or anit-religions film, but more a display of the danger of over-zealousness and blindness in faith. While the film depicts an obvious love within the family, Rabbi Abraham’s communication with his son seems to be only to condition him in the Jewish teachings. Menahem is curious about photos depicting other cultures, is fascinated with the devotion of a dog and is enthralled with birds and fish. Rather than embrace the innocence of these simple excitements, Rabbi Abraham uses them to teach his son to destroy anything idyllic and to give a lesson on the existence of animals, along with those who to not follow the Torah, to serve those of faith. In this way Rabbi Abraham steals part of Menahem’s childhood. Finally, as he is 'wrapped in the arms of the Almighty’ praying, he robs Menahem of the rest.
Faith and religion are not the cause of Menahem’s death. Disregard in favor of following religious law is neither a display nor a directive of faith.
runnings
Yesterday I saw My Father My Lord, a film at the Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival. The description from Israeli films:
Living with his wife and son in the ultra-orthodox community of Jerusalem, Rabbi Abraham devotes his life to the study of Torah and Jewish Law. His son Menahem is at an age where he absorbs the world around him as a place of wonder. He does not resist but follows listlessly as his father leads him along the straight and narrow path that must be pursued by men of faith. But Abraham’s guidance can count for only so much in the scheme of the universe. On a summer vacation to the Dead Sea, his faith is put to the test.
Ultimately Rabbi Abraham’s fanatic devotion leads to the death of his son. I didn’t see this as an anti-Jewish or anit-religions film, but more a display of the danger of over-zealousness and blindness in faith. While the film depicts an obvious love within the family, Rabbi Abraham’s communication with his son seems to be only to condition him in the Jewish teachings. Menahem is curious about photos depicting other cultures, is fascinated with the devotion of a dog and is enthralled with birds and fish. Rather than embrace the innocence of these simple excitements, Rabbi Abraham uses them to teach his son to destroy anything idyllic and to give a lesson on the existence of animals, along with those who to not follow the Torah, to serve those of faith. In this way Rabbi Abraham steals part of Menahem’s childhood. Finally, as he is 'wrapped in the arms of the Almighty’ praying, he robs Menahem of the rest.
Faith and religion are not the cause of Menahem’s death. Disregard in favor of following religious law is neither a display nor a directive of faith.
runnings
posted by randomrunnings at 10:42 PM
1 Comments:
The Ancient One is pondering this posting...and, smiling. Perhaps you are right and the Ancient One should give it another try.
Nah....The Ancient One is too old, stubborn, and crochety to change.
But, he greatly appreciates and respects the thought and passion behind this posting. Perhaps there is hope after all.
Sincerely, thank you.
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