This Summer's Hottest Jewish Films and Series

The hazy days of summer have arrived. School's out, pools are open, and Birkenstocks are back in style. Whether you're looking to beat the heat in a nice, air-conditioned theater or relax at home, here are eight films and series to check out this summer. Like an Israeli salad, these selections are light and refreshing with lots of color. Here are some of my favorite Jewish-themed movies and shows:

"TREASURE"

A new film by writer-director Julia von Heinz, "Treasure" follows a musical journalist (Lena Dunham) and her Holocaust survivor father (Stephen Fry) on a road trip through communist Poland. The film manages to balance the serious subject of generational trauma with a warm dose of humanity and plenty of laughs. Dunham fans and those familiar with Fry's work will take special pleasure in the duo's chemistry in this uplifting tale.

Now playing in theaters.

"DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE"

A new documentary by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton looks back on the life of celebrated fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg. Von Furstenberg was just 22 when she invented the wrap dress and soon found herself catapulted into the highest echelons of society, eventually marrying a prince! A testament to Von Furstenberg's mother who survived the Holocaust and pushed her daughter to dream big, "Woman in Charge " is a dazzling look at an unconventional life. 

Now streaming on Hulu.

"PALM SPRINGS"

This Andy Samberg-led rom-com about two cynical wedding attendees caught in a time loop may be the perfect re-watch of the summer. With its themes of atonement and forgiveness, this movie feels like the kind of frothy fare we're craving. What evokes the sunny season of summer more than wedding hijinks, pools, and romance? It's a movie you can enjoy over and over, kind of like an endless summer.

Now streaming on Hulu.

"LADY IN THE LAKE"

Perhaps the most anticipated limited series of the summer, "Lady in the Lake" stars Natalie Portman as a Jewish housewife who becomes obsessed with the murder of a black woman in 1960s Baltimore. The series is written and directed by Israeli-American filmmaker Alma Har'el, known for her sweeping visuals and reality-bending storytelling. "True Detective" fans will be sure to love this series!

Premieres July 19 on Apple TV+.

"SOMEBODY FEED PHIL"

Summer is often a time for vacations. Who better to crisscross the globe with than the clown prince of food, Jewish comedy writer and producer, Phillip Rosenthal? Join Phil as he takes us on humorous and entertaining jaunts to sample the cuisine of Kyoto, Mumbai, the "real" Orlando, Florida, and more.

Now streaming on Netflix.

"BETWEEN THE TEMPLES"

Another film I'm extremely excited to see is "Between The Temples," which stars Jason Schwartzman as a disaffected cantor who finds purpose again when his old music teacher, (played by Carol Kane), wants him to help her become bat mitzvah. It's a treat just to see Kane back on the big screen, this time in a role that really lets her flex her comedic chops. "Between the Temples" might be the best comedy of the summer!

In theaters August 23, 2024

"JULIA"

Now in its second season, "Julia" explores the life of cooking icon Julia Child. British actress Sarah Lancashire gives a star-making performance in the titular role, maybe even surpassing Meryl Streep's portrayal in the 2009 movie "Julie & Julia." The series is created by the writer of "the Marvelous Ms. Maisel," Daniel Goldfarb and also stars Jewish icons Judith Light and Bebe Neuwirth. What more do you need?

Now streaming on HBO Max.

"ROUGH DIAMONDS"

An Israeli-Belgian co-production, "Rough Diamonds"may be Netflix's best kept secret. Set in the Orthodox Jewish diamond dealing community of Antwerp, an estranged son (Kevin Janssens) returns to rescue the family diamond trading business after the death of his younger brother. Boasting outstanding performances all around, this is the crime drama binge you've been searching for!

Now streaming on Netflix.