Submission #22081 by Temple Israel Men'S Club - Charlotte, NC (1709)

I have read the 2021 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.
Club Name
Temple Israel Men'S Club - Charlotte, NC (1709)
Zoom Movie Night
Club Representative
Person completing form
Michael
Eisner
Club President at time of convention if known at this time
Michael
Eisner
Club President Now
Michael
Eisner
COVID-19

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We chose a movie we thought guys would like, Billy Crystal’s “Standing Up/ Falling Down,” invited guys to watch the movie on their own, then come together on Zoom for a discussion led by a member who is a professional performing arts critic. It was an easy, lively, and fun way to get together.
This was a free program. We gave guys two weeks to watch the movie on their own time with the movie available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services. Our critic first discussed his craft and talked about how he watches a performance in order to write a review. He then gave his brief review of the film, including what he thought were the Jewish themes. The discussion was lively around the questions “did you like it, why, and what was Jewish about it.” Planning was simple—choose a film, choose a date, set up the format, and invite people to participate. This could easily be done after Covid in person with added refreshments at the synagogue or a member’s home, or even at several homes in a pod format with Zoom.
Attachments
Self Assessment
The main impact was having guys who ordinarily wouldn’t get together to socialize join for the shared interest of talking about a movie. The added benefit of talking about the Jewish themes of the story and characters made it relevant to our club and guys.
This was about Community, pure and simple. Fun, easygoing evening talking about a fun, easygoing movie with Jewish themes.
We are looking forward to expanding this concept once the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival returns in person.

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Original Program
Previous Submission
Yes