Sunday films at Temple Habonim

Temple Habonim’s Sunday afternoon film series kicks off this year on April 29 with “In Search of Israeli Cuisine,” part of Rhode Island’s Israel At 70 celebration, and continues with two films in May. All films are shown at 3:30 and include popcorn.

In Search of Israeli Cuisine - Sunday, April 29 at 3:30 p.m.

Writer-director Roger Sherman’s documentary explores the seemingly contradictory question: Is there such a thing as Israeli food? What we learn, as award-winning Israeli-American chef and restaurateur  Michael Solomonov tours Israel, meeting a diverse array of chefs, journalists, food purveyors, farmers and home cooks, is that the country may be too relatively nascent to claim its own official “cuisine.” Instead, what more accurately exists is so-called new Israeli cuisine, which utilizes and blends the land’s many cultural and traditional influences – North African, Middle Eastern, French, Italian, Eastern European – to create an eclectic fusion of signature dishes. Sherman and Solomonov buoyantly capture the art and joy of preparing and savoring Israel’s raft of gastronomic choices, largely drawn from localized ingredients with a concentration on lemon, olive oil, vegetables, lamb and fish. The film is a portrait of Israeli people through food.

This event is part of Rhode Island’s Israel at 70 Celebration sponsored by the Jewish Alliance of Great Rhode Island and is generously funded by the Dr. James Yashar & Judge Marjorie Yashar Fund at the Jewish Federation Foundation.

Septembers of Shiraz – Sunday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m.

Based on true events, this film follows a prosperous Jewish family whose lives are turned upside down in the wake of the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

When Isaac (Adrian Brody) is suddenly arrested and taken to a secret prison, his wife (Salma Hayek) is left to make sense of what has happened and must somehow secure Isaac’s release and her family’s safety.

The film, directed by Wayne Blair (The Sapphires), is based on the New York Times bestseller by Dalia Sofer and was adapted for the screen by Hanna Weg. It was launched at the Berlin Film EFM in February 2016.

 Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Sunday, June 3 at 3:30 p.m.

This is the life story of the prolific famed songwriter, arranger and pianist, Harold Arlen.

Such noted performers as Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Cab Calloway, Johnny Mercer, Bing Crosby and Judy Garland are featured performing Arlen’s simple melodies. The power of his genius songwriting ability is demonstrated in memorable songs such as “Stormy Weather” and the Academy Award-winning “Over The Rainbow.” Come walk down memory lane and listen to interviews about and the music of this brilliant, acclaimed individual, Harold Arlen.

Temple Habonim is located at 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Call 401-245-6536 information.