AMERICAN BIRTHRIGHT

In Celebration of Women’s History Month!

Q&A WITH BECKY TAHEL BORDO, FILMMAKER FOLLOWING FILM!

Join LAJFF and partners for an inside view of one woman’s quest to understand the experience and deeper meaning of “being Jewish”. A Jewish millennial embarks on a conversational journey with family, friends, and faith leaders as she grapples with her sister’s intermarriage as well as her own Israeli birthright and Jewish values.

In a thought-provoking and deeply authentic trek to truth, the award-winning, first-time filmmaker, Becky Tahel wrestles with religion, love, and identity after her sister’s interfaith marriage. Becky journeys to carve out her identity as an Israeli immigrant in Los Angeles by consulting a handful of Rabbis (including LA’s own Rabbi Wolpe and Rabbi Susan Goldberg), religious experts, mentors and her family around her initial question, “should I marry Jewish?” After Becky’s 6-year journey including trip to Grenada and Israel, engaging in conversations with locals and studing Torah, what she finds changes her initial question to “why be Jewish?” Her quest shifts the very course of her own life and understanding. ‘American Birthright’ isn’t a solely Jewish story though — Becky gives an authentic voice to those struggling to fit in, find their own purpose and identity, and own their unique individuality.

Becky Tahel | Documentary | USA | 2020 | English | 65m 

In partnership with Laemmle Theatres, Sinai Temple and ATID, and lilspace