‘Rachel’ is controversial, but we’re still Jews.

Yes, the film Rachel is controversial and it definitely caused a stir; it addressed an issue that had been boiling near the surface for quite some time in the Jewish community. I have an opinion on the actual film and its content, but that is not what I am writing to address, though I do think the film was rather flat, but the content striking and important. The quality of the film has nothing to do with the outcry it sparked. In fact, the controversy started before many even saw the film, over whether or not is should be screened at a Jewish film festival.

Many are angry that such a taboo subject is being aired out, and many are angry that it caused such uproar among those who didn’t want it to be screened at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival; the point is, there are people who are fueled with opinions from whichever angle they are looking at this phenomenon.

The faults in the Bay Area Jewish community have become vivid and now need to be addressed, but how? The first step is to look at how real the issues are, but to put that aside for a moment and to think first that we are all Jews and part of a thriving Jewish community. Jews have had differing opinions for years; we’re actually known for it, so what’s the big deal now? Diversity in opinion has been playing a lead role in our survival, so why are we so anxious to thwart it?

I am not saying that the film should or should not have been screened, or that the content is valid or invalid, but rather, that the people behind these viewpoints deserve to be heard, and that we have a responsibility, as Jews, to grapple with them.

There is no need for booing and hissing, rather, applaud, for the diverse Jewish community we are so fortunate to be a part of.

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