The movie is American Dreamz. It is absolutely hilarious -- all about assimilation into American society (of an Orthodox Jew and a Muslim suicide bomber no less!)
I suspect it isn't popular because most people are uncomfortable with the sheer truth of it.
I know many young Jews who have become religious as adults (the "baal'ei teshuva"). They did so not because they are rejecting their secular upbringing. Rather, they seek meaning in what they perceive to be a very confusing world -- where material goods matter more than other people, where one's value is determined by one's looks or one's wealth, where there is no sense of community or responsibility to one's fellow man. I do not find them at all fanatical. Most of my friends fall into this category, as do I myself. :)
Religion/belief do not have to be fundamentalist. One can be very much a believer and very committed to the ethics of the Torah without being fanatic (it is Shabbat and I am typing on DW but it doesn't alter my beliefs).
Many of the baalei teshuva will tell you that taking on a particular mitzvah makes them a better human being -- more considerate, compassionate, committed. I actually think those who have grown up in the Orthodox stronghold are much less "religious" than these newbies.
A very fascinating book by the former Elizabeth Fernea examines how women Behind the Veil perceive themselves (versus how we perceive them).
No religion doesn't have to be fundamentalist. The best religion never is. The real traditionalists tend to be the gentlest, wisest people one can imagine.
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http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465142/
I suspect it isn't popular because most people are uncomfortable with the sheer truth of it.
I know many young Jews who have become religious as adults (the "baal'ei teshuva"). They did so not because they are rejecting their secular upbringing. Rather, they seek meaning in what they perceive to be a very confusing world -- where material goods matter more than other people, where one's value is determined by one's looks or one's wealth, where there is no sense of community or responsibility to one's fellow man. I do not find them at all fanatical. Most of my friends fall into this category, as do I myself. :)
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Many of the baalei teshuva will tell you that taking on a particular mitzvah makes them a better human being -- more considerate, compassionate, committed. I actually think those who have grown up in the Orthodox stronghold are much less "religious" than these newbies.
A very fascinating book by the former Elizabeth Fernea examines how women Behind the Veil perceive themselves (versus how we perceive them).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Warnock_Fernea
I will look at your rec as well!
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