Ep 3. A Leap of Faith

The Story of the Jews season 1 episode 3, titled "A Leap of Faith," explores the idea of worship and faith in the Jewish religion. The episode begins by delving into the story of Abraham, the first Jew, and how his willingness to follow the commandments of God set the foundation for Judaism. It then moves on to discuss how their religion has evolved over time and the different ways in which Jews around the world practice their faith.

One notable example discussed is the story of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492. As they were forced to migrate to other parts of Europe and beyond, they brought with them their unique traditions and customs, influencing the development of Judaism in different places. The documentary also explores how the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 played a significant role in the religious identity of Jews around the world as it became a symbol of hope and redemption.

The episode also highlights how individual acts of faith and courage can shape the future of a religion. The story of the Talmud, a compilation of Jewish law and tradition, is used to demonstrate this. We are introduced to Rabbi Akiva, a legendary figure in Jewish history whose faith in the Talmud inspired him to teach others and fight the Roman oppressors. He eventually died a martyr's death for his beliefs, making him a symbol of the Jewish people's resilience and strength in the face of persecution.

Throughout the episode, the differences and similarities between the different branches of Judaism are explored. We learn about the two primary branches of Judaism – Orthodox and Reform, which differ on how strictly they follow religious law and how they interpret the Torah. This is illustrated through interviews with Jews around the world and footage of their different religious practices.

The theme of faith is further explored when the documentary discusses the Holocaust and the impact it had on the Jewish community. Survivors share their personal stories, and we see how their faith helped them persevere through the unimaginable horrors they faced. The episode also explores how the establishment of the State of Israel has been both a source of hope and controversy for Jews around the world.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when we hear from Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who survived the shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in 2019. He talks about the role his faith played in helping him through the trauma and how he believes that his religion gives him the strength to continue living and spreading hope to others.

Overall, The Story of the Jews season 1 episode 3 "A Leap of Faith," is an in-depth exploration of the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people. It celebrates the faith, resilience, and courage of the Jewish people throughout history and provides insight into the different ways in which Jews around the world practice their religion. Above all, it demonstrates how faith can be a powerful tool in the face of adversity.