Screening: Hester Street

Part of EJC's Sidewalks of New York Summer Film series: Eastside (Jewish Commons), West Side (come on over!), all around the town, three films that showcase the Jewish experience in New York.

Our first film in the series, is Hester Street . A Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe, Gitl (Carol Kane in her Academy Award nominated role) and her son arrive on the Lower East Side of New York in 1896 to join her husband Jake (Keats). They soon find that Jake, who has taken a job in a sweatshop, has completely embraced America, including picking up an English-speaking girlfriend. Gitl, on the other hand, clings to her old country ways, refusing to dress or act differently. Gitl’s journey of assimilation also becomes a journey of liberation from the abusive and unfaithful Jake.

“A magnificent performance by Carol Kane. An unconditionally happy achievement.” – The New York Times

All Ages (Please note though that this film has an MPAA rating of PG)/Suggested Donation $5-$8/Person