The Place for Films
Just like the name says HAMAKOM is the place for films! We love how movies entertain us, teach us and inspire up. Their stories touch our hearts and open minds - so come join our cine-mishpocha for movies and conversation. We'll laugh, cry, boo and cheer together.
Watch films on your own, at your convenience and then join fellow film buffs on the third Thursday of the month (dates may very during holiday) to talk about them, usually on Zoom, occasionally in person, to talk about them. Our films are selected for their insights, their Jewish themes, to make you think and to make you laugh.
Our monthly films alternate between our two Film Groups:
West Valley Jewish Film Society (8 movies/year)
Cinema Journey (4 movies/year, quarterly)
Click here to get on our email list for the latest information on Cinema Journey and West Valley Jewish Film Society movies and programs.
West Valley Jewish Film Society
Just like any book club, HAMAKOM's West Valley Jewish Film Society watches movies from around the world made by talented filmmakers in many genres– including drama, suspense, action, science fiction, romance, comedy and documentary. Our films touch on anything and everything related to Jews and Judaism. You can visit our website here.
Cinema Journey
HAMAKOM's Cinema Journey film series engages people in personal journeys of spiritual growth through movies. Four movies each season portray different perspectives on the season's theme. Our film conversations, either on Zoom or in-person, create an inspiring space for participants to explore and share their experiences of the film - and to discover it's underlying life lessons and hidden spiritual truths. You can visit our website here.
Meet Our Leaders
WEST VALLEY JEWISH FILM SOCIETY
Al Rudis was a long-time Temple Aliyah congregant and is a current HAMAKOM member who has spent the last 18 years screening between 20 and 35 new Jewish films each year as a member of the selection committee of the Long Beach Jewish Film Festival.
CINEMA JOURNEY
Valerie Edwards is an urban planner, a musician and a filmmaker. She was a long-time member of Shomrei Torah Synagogue and has continued with HAMAKOM. She has previously hosted the STS Film Conversation Series and currently teaches Wisdom Journey and Wise Aging courses.
A PLACE FOR FILMS
(WVJFS & Cinema Journey)
Rabbi David Mendelson is a graduate of The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, CA. As a film buff and Jewish leader, "A Place for Films" brings both of Rabbi Mendelson's passions together! Click here to view Rabbi Mendelson's letterboxd account.
