Watch Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana

Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana is a heartfelt documentary film that explores the journey of a group of Ghanaians who have chosen to embrace the Jewish faith. Directed by Gabrielle Zilkha, the film takes viewers on a captivating journey into the seldom explored world of African Jews, delving deep into their faith, traditions, and the challenges they face in maintaining their identity.

The film introduces viewers to a small but committed community of Jews in Ghana. The community members, who are predominantly converts, speak of their spiritual connection to Judaism and how they feel a deep sense of belonging to the global Jewish community. However, they face several obstacles and are often met with hostility, discrimination, and ridicule from their fellow Africans who do not understand their faith.

The film does a fantastic job of highlighting the unique challenges faced by the Jewish community in Ghana. It sheds light on the difficulties they face, such as the lack of access to resources, including kosher food and Torah scrolls, and the relentless pressure to conform to the norms of their surroundings. The community members also speak of the tension they face with their families, who often reject them for choosing a faith that is foreign and unfamiliar.

The film's strength lies in its ability to showcase the beauty of the Jewish traditions through the eyes of the Ghanaian Jews. It features some of the community's most celebrated ceremonies, including the Passover Seder, Jewish weddings, and even a Bar Mitzvah ceremony. The filmmakers also capture some of the daily routines of community members, such as prayer, studying the Torah, and observing Jewish law.

The sense of community that is woven throughout the film is palpable. It is clear that the Jewish community in Ghana is a tight-knit group, and their connection to one another provides them with constant support and comfort as they navigate through the challenges of being a minority within a minority.

The documentary also touches on the role of identity in shaping one's worldview. The Ghanaians who converted to Judaism are often asked why they did not choose a more familiar faith, like Christianity. The filmmakers explore the individuals' answers to this question, which range from personal conviction to a sense of historical connection to the Jewish people.

What makes Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana a compelling watch is its ability to evoke a range of emotions in viewers. At times, the film is heart-warming, showcasing the deep love and camaraderie within the Ghanaian Jewish community. At other times, it is sad, as the community shares their experiences of facing discrimination and hostility from the broader African community. Yet, throughout the film, there is always a sense of hope, which is captured in the community's resilience, determination, and unwavering faith.

In conclusion, Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana is a powerful documentary that takes viewers on a captivating journey into the world of African Jews. It is a film that is sure to challenge viewers' preconceived notions of what it means to be Jewish and what it takes to maintain a sense of identity and belonging in the face of adversity. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexity of identity and the power of faith.

Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.