“In America, every Jew is, in some way, a Jew by choice.” Such is the premise of The New Jew, a four-part documentary series showcasing the many facets of culture, practice and identity in America’s Jewish community. Co-created and hosted by Guri Alfi, one of Israel’s most well-known television personalities, the series crisscrosses the United States, where Guri meets individuals and groups who have, in many cases, gone to innovative, surprising (and delightful) lengths to live rich Jewish lives and keep Judaism relevant and strong into the next generations. Guri’s Israeli perspective – that of someone whose Jewish identity has always been the default (having grown up with Jews in the majority, where Hebrew is the native language, and Shabbat is the entire country’s day of rest) – is both lighthearted and respectful, and the mirror he holds up to American Jewry gives him, and us, plenty to think about.

Please note: Episodes 3 & 4 will be available online on May 27, after the live screening

Episode 3: “My Rabbi Used to Say, ‘You Need to Upgrade the Software”  Guri is introduced to individuals and organizations who protect and preserve Judaism in ways both creative and profound.