"TRIUMPH OF THE SPIRIT"
A new film on the life of Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis
BY: FERN SIDMAN
Holocaust films and literature are, to say the least, depressing and devastating - how else can they be? Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis' new film entitled, "Triumph of the Spirit", however, stands alone in the genre of Holocaust documentaries. While it depicts the Holocaust in all its horror and savage brutality, its dominant theme is hope, faith, and the triumph of the Jewish spirit. The film demonstrates that the spirit of man is infinitely more powerful than Hitler or his mighty armies and that the flame of faith is more intense than the fires of the crematorium. This long awaited film is a must see for secular, religious, young and old as it speaks to every heart. While the vintage photos, the music and the images are all captivating, it is Rebbetzin Jungreis' personal story and voice that penetrates the soul and touches the deepest recesses of the heart in this compelling documentary.
In twenty minutes, the Rebbetzin conveys the history of this most satanic period in the annals of mankind in all its horrific detail, but remarkably, at the film's conclusion the audience is left inspired rather than despondent. This was recently evidenced at special screenings at the Pierre Hotel in New York City and at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel in Jerusalem as the audience responded in unison. The Jerusalem screening saw an overflow crowd of over 1000 people and those who could not get a seat sat on the floor. Tears welled in every eye and the hushed silence in the room spoke volumes. The tears and the silence, however, were not tears of despair, but tears of pride - a determination to build a better world. This film dedicates itself to re-creating a new generation of Jews who are devoted to G-d and Torah by serving as a joyous inspiration and moral compass on the trajectory of life. "Triumph of the Spirit" can only be defined as an authentic testament to the triumph of the soul in the face of unspeakable adversities. As such, this stellar documentary has been accepted as an entry in the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival and has been entered in over 30 international film festivals.
Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis' personal saga is a welcome and urgently needed contribution to the corpus of films on the history of the Holocaust. Among the few survivors of that evil period who can still relate the story it is Rebbetzin Jungreis who has been blessed with the ability to speak to the hearts and souls of our generation. Said Rebbetzin Jungreis, "The screening of this film comes at an important time. Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the premiere Holocaust denier and rabid Jew hater will be coming to New York to speak at the same time that this film will be shown. We consider this film to be a counter protest of sorts to the venomous lies that will be spewed forth by this hater of America, Israel and the entire western world."
"Triumph of the Spirit" will premiere for the general public on Tuesday evening, September 22nd at 8:00 p.m. at the Paris Theater in Manhattan. The theater is located at 4 West 58th Street, near 5th Avenue. Following the film, the Rebbetzin will address the audience. For tickets and information, please call Hineni at 212-496-1660 or visit Hineni on the web at www.hineni.org.
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