The LSS Film Committee is thrilled to screen Above and Beyond, the story of a group of World War II pilots, mostly American, who volunteered to fight for Israel in its 1948 War of Independence. As members of “Machal”—volunteers from abroad—this ragtag band of brothers risked their citizenship, their futures and even their lives to help a fledgling nation under attack. They not only turned the tide of the war but also laid the groundwork for the Israeli Air Force. The film, produced by Nancy Spielberg, is the first major feature-length documentary to tell this inspiring but little-known story.

Following the film, we will hear from Rabbi Dr. Benjamin “Benny” Lau, Head of the Israel Democracy Institute’s Human Rights and Judaism in Action project and rabbi of the modern Orthodox Ramban Synagogue in southern Jerusalem.

“Rav Benny,” as he is known by students, is a noted thinker and bridge-builder, who speaks widely across Israeli media about Jewish and modern values. A Torah scholar and activist for social equality, Rabbi Lau is also the Director of Beit Morasha’s Center for Judaism and Society and its Institute for Social Justice.

A noted author, he has published scores of books and research articles on the Jewish heritage. His prolific writings focus on Jewish philosophy, issues of Halakhah and society, and the connection between Biblical, Mishnaic, and Talmudic sources and contemporary social and political realities.

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