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Purim is Tonight—And Passover is Just Around the Corner!

03/13/2025 01:48:08 PM

Mar13

Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss

Our Seder registration is now open, and if you want a seat at the table, don’t wait—our early bird prices will vanish faster than gluten-free matzah at HEB!

But while we’re on the subject of hegemonic powers conspiring against the Jewish people—both historically and, all too often, today—I want to strongly encourage you to see a powerful new documentary premiering this weekend: October 8.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, October 8, directed by Wendy Sachs and produced by a team that includes Debra Messing, explores the rise in antisemitism following the massacre of October 7, 2023.

A crucial caveat—this film examines the surge in antisemitism before Israel even began to retaliate.

Why October 8 is a Must-See
1. It exposes the alarming surge of anti-Zionism on college campuses. The film lays bare how, in the aftermath of October 7, anti-Israel rhetoric has increasingly targeted Jewish students, making no distinction between criticism of Israel and outright antisemitism. If you’re unsure whether that’s true, ask yourself this: When Israel is viciously attacked in the tiny space of a college campus, who ends up bearing the brunt of the hostility?

2. The battle to bring this film to the public was hard-fought. Sachs and her team struggled to find a distributor—doors were slammed shut, calls went unanswered, and even threats were made. Ultimately, thanks to Briarcliff Entertainment and AMC Theatres, this critically important documentary found a home. And now, it needs an audience.

3. It sheds light on a shocking truth about campus protests. Many of the most vocal and violent demonstrators at institutions like Columbia and Barnard aren’t even students. These outside agitators are trespassing, inflaming tensions, and making campuses hostile—if not outright dangerous—for Jewish students.

The Bigger Picture

There’s a well-known psychological truth: the more intensely someone hurls accusations, the more likely they are projecting their own guilt.

In this case, that pattern is clear. There is indeed a calculated campaign—a hegemonic conspiracy—to weaponize the events of October 7 against Israel and Jews. This is a movement that seeks to justify unspeakable atrocities—rape, murder, and kidnapping—while condemning those who defend themselves against such horrors.

Blaming Jews for protecting themselves from those who openly vow to annihilate them is not just dishonest; it’s gaslighting on a massive scale. It’s a tale as old as time.

This is why October 8 matters.

This is why you should see it.

And this is why you should make sure others see it, too.

Here is a link to help you find the showing near you (in Houston): https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/october-8-78587

Sun, March 23 2025 23 Adar 5785