Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a panel discussion on Zoom of the independent American film Arranged.  The 2007 drama tells the story of a friendship between an Orthodox Jewish woman (Rochel) and a Syrian Muslim woman (Nasira), both of whom are new teachers in New York City.

 

Rochel and Nasira each dress “modestly,” but in different ways.  One covers her hair, and one wears long skirts. Both live at home with their parents and siblings. Both grew up in cultures where arranged marriages are the norm, but in different ways. Both face scorn from those who don't understand their cultures, and each comes to realize how truly alike they are. The film won six international awards.

 

Advance registration for the panel discussion is required. Click here to register. Registrants will receive a playbill and Zoom link about a day before the program, followed by a last-minute reminder shortly before the program. 

 

Where to Watch:  The film may be viewed in advance free on Hoopla and Kanopy (with public library membership) and is available for rental from Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services.