PUNK JEWS DOCUMENTARY COMPLETE

As of 2 weeks ago the “Punk Jews” documentary, our feature length film, is officially complete.  After 5 years of hard work, the final stages of post-production have been finalized and we are now submitting to various film festivals all over the world.  We look forward to having an awesome premiere in 2012!  Production for the film began in 2007.  Since then, we have managed to raise over $10,000 through a kickstarter campaign, throw various insane and unforgettable fundraising events, have been invited to participate at the ROI Summit in Jerusalem and Limmud Oz in Australia, and have been covered by renowned national and international media outlets all before the film’s completion. 

We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support and encouragement.  The biggest success of this project to date is the grassroots community that has been built around it.   Over the past few years together we have created a network made up of the most diverse and interesting people from all over the world: A community, where stereotypes are challenged and divisions are broken down, where inclusion and freedom of expression are nurtured and respected, and Jewish identity is viewed as a living, organic thing that is constantly evolving, developing, and surviving, just as Judaism has for thousands of years. 

It is everyone’s participation, whether at events or through the Internet, that has really fueled this project and given it such a rich life.  Bringing diverse voices together in a spirit of mutual respect is the foundation of "Punk Jews."  As we move onto the distribution and screenings stage, it is this same unified energy that will continue to increase the vitality of “Punk Jews” and make for an ever-more intriguing conversation.

Now in 2012, the Punk Jews movement stands to get even bigger with the release of the documentary film.  Now you all get to see what we have been working on for so long and the direct result of your support.  So please tell all your friends and family and check our website and Facebook page for updates regarding the premiere.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the theater!

BET SHEMESH WOMEN FLASHMOB

Most people are aware by now of the gender segragation debate that is taking place in Israel.  Here is an amazing video that we just had to share with you where the Women of the city of Bet Shemesh (Sun House) are taking to the streets in the most hilarious, entertaining, and whimsical way.  Girl Power!!

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH JEWS AND BEARDS?

I have always wondered what is the root of the relationship between Jews and beards.  Does a beard make one more Jewish? More spiritual?  Or just more prone to having an ichy neck?  At one point, I remember learning from somewhere that a beard symbolizes wisdom in Judaism.  So ever since that's what I have used as justification when getting a little scruffy.  As everyone has heard by now everybody's favorite Hassidic Reggae Superstar has done the unthinkable.....no longer sporting his mammouth beard, Matisyahu, has got many up in arms and asking lots of questions.  No beard? what could this possibly mean?  Will the earth fall out of rotation?  Can Matisyahu still be everybody's favorite Hassidic Reggae Superstar? Can you still be a Hassid without a beard or is that the cost of admission?  Why does it all matter?  It's just facial hair.....If anyone is interested to know what Chabad has to say as a general reference about it I found this link: http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/160973/jewish/The-Beard.htm

And here is what Matisyahu had to say for himself on WNYC Radio.  I think he states it well at the end of the interview when he says: "The whole thing is contradictions.  Everything has multiple sides to it.  We’re so quick to make things black and white and to put things in their box but everything is mixture and that’s what this world really is, this blend of many things."

Punk Jews in Australia

While all the Americans are celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, the Punk Jews crew is all the way on the other side of the world in Melbourne, Australia to participate in the Limmud Oz Conference to give them a taste of what's coming once the film is complete in 2012.  Learn more about this awesomely progressive and inspiring event:  http://www.limmudozfest.com/

SHANAAAA TOVAAAA EVERYONE!!

The Punk Jews crew would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and empowering new year.  We expect lots of good things for this year, 5772, as we are beginning to submit to film festivals.  We can't wait to share the film with all of you and unleash it to the world.  Check out the latest coverage of the documentary in the Jerusalem Post featuring a video produced by Leadel.net.

http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishFeatures/Article.aspx?id=239996