Most Americans know little about Hasidism, the movement of Orthodox Jews who adhere to strict styles of dress and grooming and who are seldom found outside their own communities. The product of Jewish filmmakers of Hasidic background, A LIFE APART is a conventional but balanced
documentary that reveals these people as only an insider could.
Set primarily in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, A LIFE APART opens with footage of a traditional wedding for the daughter of a respected Rebbe, which includes a public parade. Prof. Arthur Hertzberg, who offers commentary throughout much of the film, notes that the Hasidim do not
consider themselves of any nationality. A minority among Jews, they reject modern culture and refuse to send their children to public schools or universities. Most came to the United States in the 1950s, when immigrants were expected to assimilate into American culture. That they were able to
resist this pressure is credited to the efforts of their leaders, who insisted on re-creating their old societies.
The historical background of Hasidism is discussed, from its beginnings in 18th-century Poland as a movement to make religion accessible to ordinary people and not just scholars. Founder Baal Shem Tov also rejected asceticism, teaching that the search for God could take place in any everyday task
and through such joyous activities as music and dance. The movement began to fade in the 19th century as younger Jews looked to movements like socialism and communism. Despite the rise of fascistic anti-Semitism in Europe in the early 20th century, few Hasidim emigrated to America: in the words of
one scholar, "Our bodies are in grave danger here, but our souls are in greater danger in America." It is estimated that eighty percent of all Hasidim were killed in WWII.
The practice of Hasidism in everyday life is shown through interviews and news footage. Hertzberg discusses how Hasidim who flocked to America in the 1950s (almost all of whom settled in Brooklyn) consciously decided not to let their children partake of the fruits of America, ironically rejecting
liberties which were available to many of them for the first time. American universities were particularly scorned because they put sexually susceptible young men and women together. Women are considered to have the most important function of taking care of the home, and are schooled accordingly.
A contrasting viewpoint is offered in interviews with Pearl Gluck, who left Hasidism when she was 15. She felt that as a woman she was not allowed even to asks questions about the world. She argues that the Hasidim have become too isolated from other people. This is reflected in the attitudes of
non-Hasidic Brooklynites, who speak of how they are ignored or condescended to; one speaks of their "spiritual arrogance." Michal Springer, a female (non-Hasidic) rabbi who works in a Manhattan hospital, speaks of how Hasidic parents told her to stop visiting their children because she was
confusing to them.
Because Hasidic families often have 12 or more children, economic opportunities within the community are increasingly limited, forcing many to seek jobs in Manhattan. This is viewed as another potential danger to Hasidism. On the other hand, positive aspects of change are seen when members of the
Brooklyn Hasidim go to Russia after the collapse of communism to lead a pride rally, at which the Red Army band plays traditional Jewish songs.
A LIFE APART is not a wholly satisfying documentary, leaving some nagging questions unanswered: Why do some but not all Hasidim wear traditional garb? If they reject all things American, do they vote? Do they have any political organization? What exactly are the philosophical differences between
them and other modern forms of Judaism? Nevertheless, it is an informative look at an obscure subject. (Adult situations.)
