This fascinating film documents the long-standing relationship between African-Americans and Jewish-Americans. The film features an incredible collection of archival footage and interviews with eyewitnesses, activists, Holocaust survivors, and leaders of the civil rights movement including members of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s family, Harry Belafonte, and John Lewis. In the wake of growing intolerance, racial bias, and hatred (including footage from Pittsburgh’s own Tree of Life tragedy), “Shared Legacies” affirms the need to rediscover this powerful bond and becomes an urgent call to action for diverse groups to work together for freedom and equality for all.

Rabbi Cutler was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City in 1990, where he also obtained his Master of Arts and Hebrew Letters. He graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Judaic Studies. Rabbi Matt believes that religious values are living values. He has advocated such beliefs by being one of the founders of the interfaith group Schenectady Clergy Against Hate, which is dedicated to crossing religious and political lines to foster healthy dialogue to build a strong community. He also serves as one of the Schenectady County Chaplains and is a former chair of the County’s Ethics Committee. He is the current chair of the Ethics Committee for the Town of Niskayuna.

More information: http://www.schenectadyjcc.org/events/jewish-film-festival/