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The Cantor's Voice
June 2006

Keeping Up With The Steins is a new Miramax release that follows the transformation of the fictional Fiedler family from Brentwood, CA, during what you know can be an extremely meaningful and significant time for a family, a childÕs Bar Mitzvah. Laura and I were the guests of our friends, KM members Dede and Rob Lipp, at a special screening of the film, put on by the Jewish Federation for their donors.

Before the film began, one of the actors from the movie, Larry Miller, addressed the audience. Miller (no relation!) is a familiar character actor, and is a big donor and supporter of the work of the Federation, as well as an ardent Zionist.

Miller told the audience that we would enjoy the film, because it is funny, and also because it portrayed Jews in a positive, rather than a negative light, something that TV and film often fail to do. I was delighted.

Without commenting on my view of the quality of the acting, writing and production, I am sorry to say that this film does in fact portray Jewish characters negatively.

And since this movie is written by Jews, about Jewish characters, and will no doubt play to mostly Jewish audiences because of the subject matter, this film is of particular embarrassment. In no particular order, Jewish characters are shown cursing (the rabbi), getting drunk, discussing sexually related themes and using profanity (13 year old boys), as well as being ostentatious, shallow, materialistic, and money-grubbing (everyone else).

The rabbi, in particular, is uncaring and superficial.

The story hinges on the relationship between the Bar Mitzvah-to-be and his grandfather (portrayed by Garry Marshall) who left the boyÕs grandmother and father and is currently shacking up with a gentile woman less than half his age in a motor-home. What a mensch?!?

The reconciliation at the filmÕs conclusion, and the 9th inning turn-around of the charactersÕ attitudes about the true meaning and significance of this important ritual, fail to redeem this story. This movie is a major disappointment.

Save your $$ and go out and see United 93. This film puts you in the control tower and in the passenger compartment on the flight where true American heroes fought back against Islamic terrorists and prevented that plane from flying into the US Capitol Building. The film is shot in real-time and as difficult as this film is to see, it is necessary.

In this case, the film becomes a vehicle to help us remember the feelings and emotions we all shared that day and in the months that followed.

I left the theater with tears in my eyes and a renewed attitude of pride in being an American and appreciation for our freedoms, and a new resolve against those terrorists who wish to turn our country and the entire world into a Muslim sharia-style theocracy.

One word of caution: I would suggest to fellow parents to wait to have children below age 15 (or older if particularly sensitive) see this movie, as it is both graphic and disturbing. However, older teenagers should see it, too.

Keith Miller
Hazzan
Director of Education