By Rabbi Shlomo Cohen
Jewish learning has never been confined to classrooms, lectures, or printed books. Throughout our history, it has lived in the real questions people ask when life becomes complicated— when they marry and raise families, pay taxes to unfamiliar governments, navigate danger or displacement, or quietly prepare for Passover despite oppressive regimes. Throughout the centuries, these questions were carried to rabbis across the Jewish world, forming a vast treasury of responsa— real-life halachic inquiries and the rabbinic answers that guided Jewish communities through changing times. This winter, Chabad of Charlotte invites the Charlotte community to delve into this extraordinary tradition with a new six-session course,“ Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa.” Far from an abstract study, the course offers a front-row seat to the Jewish experience of our ancestors and the rabbinic wisdom that shaped their decisions Responsa are remarkable because they reveal two stories at once: The human story— what Jews faced in daily life across continents and centuries— and the halachic story— how sages used the tools of Torah to navigate new and unexpected realities.
Students will encounter questions that arose amid war and wandering, questions born of commerce and community life, and questions asked quietly under the threat of persecution. Each responsum becomes a window not only into the halachic process, but into Jewish resilience, creativity, and moral clarity.
In an age when the world shifts rapidly and communities face profound uncertainty, responsa remind us that Jews have always turned to learning— not
The Charlotte Jewish News- Janurary 2026- Page 21
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Encountering Jewish History Through Rabbinic Responsa
By Elizabeth Breyer Johnson
Few people in greater Charlotte approach Jewish cinema with the depth, discernment, and enthusiasm of Jeff Turk. A longtime member of The Levine JCC Charlotte Jewish Film Festival( CJFF) Board, Turk has become one of the community’ s most trusted voices on Jewish storytelling and the power of film to illuminate our shared experience.
As the 2026 CJFF prepares to launch its dynamic lineup from Jan. 24 through Feb. 22, he sat down with the Charlotte Jewish
News to share the stories that moved him, the films audiences won’ t want to miss, and why this year’ s slate offers some of the most compelling Jewish filmmaking in recent memory.
You reviewed 46 films to arrive at this year’ s slate. Which selections are you most excited for audiences to discover, and why? The lineup for this year’ s Festival is so strong that all 18 films immediately rise to the top of mind. Rather than narrowing it down, I’ d like to use this opportunity to highlight the films being featured during the first full week.( And I hope you’ ll interview me again next month so I can spotlight our February selections in the Charlotte Jewish News.)
“ YidLife Crisis: Swedishkayt Live!”
Opening Night— Saturday, Jan. 24, Carolina Theatre, Charlotte, N. C.
We always aim to make Opening Night a celebratory experience, and this year we’ re delivering in a big way. YidLife Crisis, the Seinfeld-esque comedy duo that drew the largest audience in CJFF history six years ago, returns with their new film, Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm. For this special engagement, they will not only accompany the film but will also perform their signature comedy shtick and close out the evening with live music. They will absolutely put the joy in Judaism.“ Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire” Sunday, Jan. 25 This wonderful and deeply insightful documentary about Elie Wiesel is a must-see for adults and teens alike. Personally, I have always admired Elie Wiesel, but after seeing this film, I am now inspired by all he accomplished in his lifetime, and I suspect the audience will be, as well.
“ The New Jew: Days of
War” Tuesday, Jan. 27 This is a very timely and compelling film where acclaimed Israeli comedian Guri Alfi explores the profound impact of Oct. 7 on the identity, security and status of Jews in the United States. Another excellent selection for both adults and teens.“ Lost in Territories” Wednesday, Jan. 28
A brand-new Israeli comedy inspired by the Academy Award – nominated Argentinian film“ Wild Tales,” this movie uses humorous vignettes to explore the complexities of coexistence in the West Bank. A funny film and a thought-provoking one at the same time.
“ Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause” Saturday, Jan. 31 This documentary celebrates the singular talent of Charles Grodin and chronicles his decades-long commitment to advocating for the release of wrongfully convicted individuals. Historically, whenever the CJFF screens a biographical documentary of a noted entertainer( i. e., Gene Wilder, David Steinberg, Marvin Hamlisch), it is a real crowd-pleaser, and I am confident this film will be, too.“ Mazel Tov” Saturday, Jan. 31 An engaging film from Argentina that explores the complicated bond among four siblings. It’ s told in a way that audiences will find moving, relatable and reflective of their own family dynamics.
Every film that makes the cut offers more than entertainment; it offers perspective. What conversations do you hope these films spark? I hope the conversations center on the quality of the films, the strength of this year’ s lineup, and the pride our audiences take in the Jewish stories each one tells. And of course, while each film is different, I hope they create a greater understanding of the diverse global Jewish experience and that this leads to further conversations.
Was there a moment, scene, or character in one of these as an escape from reality, but to meet it with rootedness and wisdom. They show how timeless Jewish values are applied to the complexities of real life, generation after generation.
The course also reflects a broader truth: Jewish learning is lifelong. Whether one is a seasoned scholar or encountering these texts for the first time, responsa offer an opportunity to engage with Jewish history in its raw and unfiltered form. They invite participants to become part of the chain of inquiry, namely, a chain defined not by perfect answers, but by the courage to ask meaningful questions.
Taught by Rabbi Yossi Groner and Rabbi Shlomo Cohen, the course will be offered
films that stayed with you long after the credits rolled? Something that shifted your own thinking or surprised you? Absolutely! Each film selected in the lineup has more than one moment that has stayed with me long after I screened it. I am very excited for the audience to see these films and have that same experience.
Programming a Jewish Film Festival requires balancing art, identity, history, and modern Jewish life. How did these films challenge or expand your own understanding of what“ Jewish cinema” can be in 2026? It is amazing how each year there are films that illuminate the Jewish experience through rich storytelling. Just in the first week of the lineup alone, the stories on screen have deepened my understanding and broadened my thinking about in both evening and daytime formats. Evening sessions begin Jan. 20 at 7:30 PM, in person or via Zoom. Daytime sessions begin in person on Jan. 21 at 11:00 AM. The cost is $ 99 per person or $ 180 per couple, with scholarships available. Additional fees may apply for attorneys or legal professionals seeking CLE credit. For details or registration, please visit www. chabadnc. org, www. myjli. com, or 704-366-3984.
The Final Cut: Inside the 2026 Charlotte Jewish Film Festival With Jeff Turk
Jeff Turk
what it means to be Jewish. I look forward to the audience having this same experience as well.
If someone is trying to decide what to see at this year’ s festival, how would you encourage them to choose a film and experience it on the big screen with a crowd? My advice to anyone sitting on the fence is to take the plunge and attend a film or two or three or even the entire film festival. Whoever attends, it is guaranteed they will come out better for the experience. A Taste of the Festival And for anyone interested in getting a“ taste of the CJFF,” we will offer a free screening of“ For the Living” on Jan. 21. The goal for this night is to build excitement for the festival and give both new and returning audience members a glimpse of the exceptional stories ahead.