This is the Canadian West that the traveller seldom sees, each film an intimate look at some facet of life of the three Prairie provinces. From the west, the east, the NFB and independent filmmakers, the films in this series show Canadians in many walks of life--the whole colorful mosaic that spreads from the plains of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to the towering peaks of Alberta's mountains.
This short documentary tells the story of the first Jewish settlers to Winnipeg, people who fled European persecution at the turn of the century and founded a new community in a Canadian city.
Ages 12 to 17
Diversity - Identity
Geography - Territory: Regional
Have a class discussion about whether or not the traditions of the Jewish population continue in your local community as we have seen in this video. In a journal response have students answer this question: Do you think there is too much pressure to be successful in the Jewish community? What would happen if you couldn't live up to those expectations? At the end of the film, we hear that the Jewish community isn't as visible as it used to be, whose responsibility is it to carry on the traditions and keep the community strong so its identity isn't lost? See what's happening in the Jewish community these days by going to this website.