Do observant Jews watch movies?

Question:

I am now returning to a life of Torah and have been given different answers to whether or not observant Jews watch movies. Is there a reason not to, and if so, should I quit going to the theater or even watching movies at home?

Response:

I understand you confusion. Many religious Jews don't watch any movies, let alone visit a theater. Others might watch an occasional movie but won't go to a theater. And some do both.

Amongst the many concerns are:

The improper images, themes, and language in a movie.
The taking of two hours (or more) for something without any substance.
The perspective gained from watching movies. In a subtle manner, movies mold our mind and affect the way we think.
According to some opinions, going to a theater goes against the Torah's command "not to follow in the ways of the gentiles."

You ask about what you should do. A question like this depends so much on who you are and where you are holding in your journey towards a life of Torah and mitzvot. And for this it is best to turn to someone that knows you and your family well. You are probably aware of the words of our sages, "Make for yourself a rabbi" - advising each of us to have a spiritual mentor with whom to consult.

Especially for the baal teshuvah, it's often advisable that the change of lifestyle is gradual. First comes fulfilling basic mitzvot and avoiding those things the Torah specifically prohibits. Too much change too soon makes it difficult to remain balanced and stable. Only after this becomes routine, does one work on syncing the gray areas of life with Torah values.

This is a life-long journey. It takes constant avodah. It may eventually take you to a point where every moment of the day - word said or idea thought - is in sync with your service to G‑d. Needless to say, on such a level, a movie is not even a possibility.

So keep that ideal in the back of your mind, even if you are very far from it at the moment. And on a very practical level, keep the above-mentioned concerns in mind when choosing what you watch, how often you watch, and where you watch it.

Let me know if this helps.

Rabbi Yisrael Cotlar

By Yisroel Cotlar

Rabbi Yisroel Cotlar is a Chabad rabbi in Cary, North Carolina. He is also a member of the Chabad.org Ask the Rabbi team.

All names of persons and locations or other identifying features referenced in these questions have been omitted or changed to preserve the anonymity of the questioners.

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29 Comments

Lisa Providence, RI June 20, 2024

Jewish TV Channels exist, and they have Jewish movies! Reply

Matla Rochel Massachusetts February 26, 2024

The article makes sense to me even if I am not there yet. The only reason I can take issue with is the part about not following in the way of the gentiles... should I not drive a car because gentiles do? Should I not go for a walk because gentiles do?? I could go on, but I don't think it is necessary. I would really appreciate a response - my teacher at Bais Chana sent me this article and she suggested I ask. Thank you. Reply

Eliezer Zalmanov for Chabad.org February 27, 2024

in response to Matla Rochel:

Following in the ways of the gentiles is not the same as doing the same things that all human beings do. One is allowing yourself to become immersed in gentile culture while the other is just living your life. Watching movies, in addition to the content very often being inappropriate, is not something that was part of Jewish life, and doing so -- according to those opinions -- would be following in their ways. Reply

Matla Rochel Massachusetts February 29, 2024

in response to Eliezer Zalmanov:

Thank you for your reply. You say "it WAS not part of Jewish life". There are many things that were not part of Jewish life in the past - ie; computer use, zoom, cell phones - again, imho your other reasons for not watching movies can stand alone and not needed is this generalization of following in the ways of the gentiles. I really still do not see how it applies. Sorry. From many of the other comments. I am not alone. Reply

Gio Gilad New Haven, CT November 21, 2023

I have not gone to a movie theater till i was 18 because my college roommates said im boring i said fine I’ll go. While i thought the plot was good after the movie yes we got entertainment but that could have been more studying etc. Now how do you balance college, working, and religion you will be busy. I remember my roomate and his friend going out regularly and i would stay behind. Western world is spend lots time having a good time.

People find movies great for entertainment. While i do agree movies and games can be a total waste of time. Yes there is entertainment for people but i do agree you dont get much out of it, while i think watching history channel would benefit better versus some action movie with cops/robbers.

As a Rabbi once said if you live the gentile life you wil be and thats what it is. You are what you eat and do most the time. While i think of it the logical perspective i also think to be religious it is to work provide and give your time to the creator. Reply

Dalton Pyron Sulphur Springs September 9, 2018

What about movies based on the Scriptures? I love the Prince of Egypt and it always inspires me. Reply

Daniël September 3, 2017

The way I look at it is this. G-d gave us life to enjoy. And most of the time this can mean going out and enjoying the outdoors, admiring HaShem's creation. I like doing this a lot too. I especially love the winter.
But enjoying life can also include being creative, and benefitting from other people's creativity. This is the category that movie watching falls under. Making a movie takes quite a long time to make. Weeks of story planning, weeks of character designs, scoring, acting, etc. films are a huge piece of art, and should be appreciated as such.
Now I understand the concerns. I am not condoning films with sexual content or excessive violence at all. As a matter of fact, one should avoid them. Movies do affect the way one thinks, as the rabbi said. That's why my goal is to create kosher movies- movies that tell a story with Jewish content and morals. Each one should be teaching a lesson on integrity and right living. Reply

Gem August 23, 2017

I just came on to get an opinion on letting my son see the new Wonder Woman with Gal Gadot. It goes against many of our values with immodesty and greek mythology but there is a lot of appeal to it too. Reply

K. Toronto August 30, 2017

in response to Gem:

In general, IMO, it depends on whether he's been exposed to other Western kids' superheros, like Batman or Superman... pretty difficult to shied them from everything .. you know there are some good/intelligent re-telling of Noah's story done by a British film company; i believe Darren Arronovsky (who is Jewish) did a noteworthy version of same story with a Hollywood budget. IMO, all good, though maybe not orthodox, but Good because it will incite intelligent discussion material ... and therefore an opportunity to keep that communication beginning or furthering good child parenting habits: i.e. discussion/communication, etc. A certain amount of exposure can be considered normal, and better you initiate discussion and make that act of exchange 'kosher' as to your views, than have your son exposed to it without your views being known. The 'goyim' are the majority, especially outside of Israel, & chances are, he really should known what you think; ... for all the right reasons. Reply

K. Toronto February 6, 2016

There are some really worthwhile films about the observant community out there just now - if those who follow the observant lifestyle don't critique them, who will and will they have a balanced viewpoint? ... something to consider. Reply

Yakov Israel Sheffield February 3, 2016

Thank you Rabbi Yisroel. Reply

Sam Haimm Princeton, New Jersey December 16, 2015

Chabad/Hollywood You know what I think would be really cool? A Chabad movie! Remember that Chabad and Modern Orthodox Judaism are very similar, because they are very much like secular versions of Hasidic and Orthodox Judaism. They may follow all the mitzvot, but they are still open to modern/secular society, even if they are living different lifestyles (For example, think about what the Rebbe did which was very special). So could there be a movie? Sure! Every single thing (as well as a personal relationship) that happens in real life in the real world can happen in a Hollywood movie. It can also happen in a song, in a Broadway show, on the radio, on television, etc. Things like that. It can make you laugh, cry, etc. Even music happens 24/7, all because it consists of both sound and silence. Only the other types of religious Jews are the ones who keep to themselves for the most part. In addition, there is still no hatred between each other in this sense. They are still are fellow Jews. Reply

Anonymous December 25, 2017

in response to Sam Haimm:

Modern Orthodoxy is all about being lenient and yes, being involved in secular matters. Yes as Lubavitchers we go out in the world, but only to transform the klipah. In some ways Chabad and the Modern Orthodox ways are opposite ends of what you may call the Orthodox spectrum. The Rebbeim taught us we could all be beinonim. Reply

Sam Haimm Princeton, New Jersey May 3, 2018

in response to Anonymous:

I think it is also fair to say how amazing and fascinating it is about the fact that the founders of Hollywood were Eastern European Jewish immigrants. So there you have it, and I am certainly aware about the different levels of observance on the Orthodox spectrum as well. From what I have once read, the Modern Orthodox world tends to align a little bit with Conservative Judaism, which is a cross path between the Orthodox and the Reform. So there's pretty much some parallels, but to from what I've heard, Chabad is like what you would call the modern orthodox Hasidim. LOL. After all, the benefit of being a Baal Teshuva is integrating into both the religious and secular worlds. Reply

Sam Leon April 13, 2015

Many religious Jews don't watch any movies, let alone visit a theater Not true. I am newly frum and I'm a huge fan of Bollywood films. The life! The colors! The music! Talk about feasting your eyes. It really depends on the person, and their comfort level with watching films. Reply

Abe Orangeville February 27, 2015

Do not underestimate God and his mysteries i always preview movies before even considering it.

And i don't do this as voyeurism; i am aware that sometimes it is given for a jew to learn something from 'seeing how gentiles live' ... we are all human. And we are sharing global consciousness together.

A well chosen film can be a source of inspiration, a needed reminder that a life choice of orthodoxy is the better choice - worth taking the time to choose it again. And again. This is what any relationship is based on - choosing to love. There are some very good writers out there writing about Biblical themes: and then the kids' movies: Prince of Egypt, Young Abraham and hopefully others in the future.

Attendance need'nt discourage a chosen path, but enhance and inspire it to go further - answer questions. Let it be a timely reminder of each days' closeness to him Reply

Nicholas Detroit October 8, 2014

Silliness The argument following in the ways of the gentile is invalid because it can equally be argued that religious Jews run after the gentile lifestyle by pursuing the American dream of living in suburbia with its detached house and newer model-car and often a college education (packaged American dream), which is at the top of priorities for almost every Christian or Muslim or whatever.
I watch movies, but I do not enjoy images of nudity, intimacy or kissing. I am unfazed by images of violence and I do not act these out.
Opposing movies is probably not a strategy that will influence others and will only win sympathy from people who already feel movies have a corrupting influence. I also know Christians who feel the same way and avert the gaze when inappropriate images appear. No one cares about this. I will watch more movies this weekend when I have time. Reply

nate April 6, 2014

Movies and many other areas of our lives in this galus put us in a situation where sin is unavoidable.
Watching movies is not halachicly valid because of the many inappropriate images.
Many religious Jews still watch movies anyway. We also fall to many other temptations in this unparalleled galus.
We have to keep our eyes on the main goals of being a proud and productive Jew, and understand how to properly deal with the less desirable things.
We have Yom Kippur to attach to our better selves and admit to the way we really desire to live. Do not waste this opportunity to wash yourself clean. Do not trick yourself that it is all ok and does not need cleaning. Don't worry if you will go back to your regular ways. Be sad about that too, but don't let it stop you from reaching your higher self on that holy day. Also be cognizant year round that there is a better time coming when Moshiach comes and wipes away the tumah. Hope for that with all your heart. God will love you for it. Reply

Yoshi CT June 17, 2013

A little overboard. This seems like authorities really wanted to be able to say that we shouldn't see movies and they were just scraping the bottom of the barrel for reasons. Walking in the ways of the gentiles? First of all, as someone else said, going into any building in which gentiles happen to go cannot fall into this. Secondly, Adolph Zukor, Samuel Goldwyn, Louis B. Mayer and many other of the founding fathers of Hollywood were Jewish. This should be a proud part of our history.

Also, to Anonymous from New York. It seems like you're looking for reasons to be able to accuse observant Jews of being prejudice. I have walked through Crown Heights many times with people who aren't covering their heads, and they don't get any weird looks. Nor do I get any weird looks covering mine but not having a beard. And, don't say it's an ethnic thing. In most communities in which Jews are high in number, we are outnumbered 10:1 by non-whites with whom we almost never have trouble. Reply

Anonymous monroe, ny October 30, 2011

Unfair generalizations I'm a Jew, I've walked around plenty of tight-knit Jewish communities wearing a kipa (just like you claim you did) and strolled into their shuls, and I didn't get glared at. What do they have to glare at? Because my facial hair is different or because I have a different color shirt? Is that something to glare at? I have news for you, no one has any idea you're a gentile, especially if you're wearing a kipa! They probably think you're a Jew. And it is really unfair to label all Orthodox Jews because of an encounter with one or a few of them (if your claim is even true). I work with gentiles and many of my best friends are gentiles, so who do you think you are to judge all Jews like me? Instead of telling Jews what you think Torah requires of us, why don't you make it your business as a gentile to find out what the Torah requires of you? Maybe you are so paranoid you misinterpret something as glaring which isn't even there. Try TALKING to people! Reply

Anonymous October 26, 2011

You have no basis for what you say In response to Anonymous, I think you have too small a sample size of experiences. Modern Orthodox Jews work with non-Jews and have non-Jewish friends. Non-Jewish teachers work at Orthodox Jewish schools. Respectful non-Jews are welcomed at my shul, and we even had an instance of an old man's non-Jewish caretaker deciding to convert because he fell in love with Judaism.

Please don't say things that you don't have enough basis to say. A handful of experiences don't define a whole group of people. Reply

Anonymous NYC, NY October 24, 2011

I asked for someone to answer... I asked a question above and no one replied. As a gentile, I have found the Jewish orthodox community largely intolerant and rude to those of us who are non-Jews. I've been snubbed walking through Orthodox communities and glared at when I stepped into a tight-knit community shul, though I was dressed modestly and wore a kippah.

In short, if a gentile gave a Jew the kind of treatment I've received by Jews, the gentile would be called an anti-Semite.

Your Torah asks better from you. Reply

didier raymond saint martin, France October 23, 2011

Movies are a way to destroy the Mind Thank you Rabbi this helped much, and let us realize, in a gentle way, that being a Jew is not really about the world and what it does when it goes against Jewish law, rather, it's about being with Hashem all the time... Reply

Tom NYC, NY December 27, 2010

I shake my head in consternation.. As a non-Jew, I simply don't understand the reluctance of many orthodox Jews to remove themselves from places that Non-Jews occupy?

Does not your covenant require that you be a light unto the world? How can you be a light for other people if you constantly recoil and run from them.

My question is NOT rhetorical. Someone please answer. Are you ONLY supposed to obey 613 laws that touch upon dietary, wardrobe and personal grooming concerns? Or is there a LARGER purpose to being the chosen people? Reply

Anon June 9, 2022

in response to Tom:

The law pertaining following in the ways of gentiles is in no way putting down others.
Rather think of it as someone who has an intolerance to certain foods and tries to avoid them.
Yes, some things are not beneficial for everyone.

Being the chosen people comes with a set of unique responsibilities. One is to care for our body and soul in the purest manner possible, which obviously has many levels, and not to get sidetracked by 'the ways of the gentiles' - any trend that can be problematic and is best to be avoided.

By Jews acting in this manner they ARE a light unto the nations. Automatically it raises the level of morality and purifies the world.

A Jew is obligated to keep 613 commandments - a deep and meaningful way of life which covers just about everything, and whomever he encounters, he should spread awareness of G-D and the message that we need to always improve and increase in good deeds. Reply

S Gold June 10, 2024

in response to Tom:

It's not because we don't like you. it's simply because we need to live in places that has the infastractures we need. Non-jewish restuarants are certainly not gonna be kosher, and non-jewish schools will only teach bible (if they do) in the way christians learn it, not jews. Reply

Anonymous September 9, 2009

Ways of the gentiles? I became religious, and I found it strange to see above that some people consider going to a movie theater "walking in the ways of gentiles." I still go to movie theaters since I have become religious, and that's not something I plan on changing. If a movie theater, a place that is completely unrelated to any religion, is the "way of a gentile," that would mean that anywhere non-Jews go falls into this category. Unless you live in Israel, it is not possible to avoid non-Jewish places. The prohibition against chukat goyim (the way of the gentiles) must be applied on a level today that is more similar to that mentioned in the previous comment. Reply

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