FILM | "Rosenwald," with director Aviva Kempner

Description

The incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, who never finished high school but rose to become the president of Sears. Influenced by the writings of Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African-American communities in the Jim Crow South to build more than 5,300 schools. Inspired by the Jewish ideals of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), and a deep concern over racial inequality in America, Rosenwald used his wealth to become one of America’s most effective philanthropists. Aviva Kempner will be at the screening to introduce the film and take questions from the audience. An award-winning director, writer, and producer, Kempner makes films that investigate non-stereotypical images of Jews in history and celebrate the untold stories of Jewish heroes. Her works include Partisans of Vilna, the Peabody-winning and Emmy-nominated The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg, and Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg. Kempner founded the Washington Jewish Film Festival in 1990. She’s received many honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship. USA, 2015, 95 minutes, color. Director: Aviva Kempner.