Filmmaker Kate Feiffer was six years old when her father told her she was Jewish. Since she celebrated Christmas and never attended synagogue, this information came as quite a surprise. In Matzo & Mistletoe, Feiffer interviews a fascinating cast of characters and uses archival footage, illustration, and television and film clips to ponder the paradox of American secular Judaism.

The film is an engaging exploration of personal identity. As a country populated by immigrants and their descendants, it is natural for concerns about assimilation and acculturation play heavily into the American national identity. Through an exploration of secular Judaism, Matzo & Mistletoe furthers dialogue about these confusing and important aspects of being a twenty-first-century American with warmth and humor.

Matzo & Mistletoe is an engaging exploration of personal identity. Many Americans struggle to hold on to their ethnic and religious heritage while conforming to an American identity. As a country populated by immigrants and the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of immigrants, it is natural that concerns about assimilation and acculturation play heavily into our national identity. Through an exploration of secular Jewish identity, Matzo & Mistletoe furthers dialogue and generates laughter about these confusing and important aspects of being an American in the 21st century.

“Feiffer’s fine film adds some horseradish to a heated debate.” Michael Elkin, The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent

"...[italics .for a few great minutes, the film is so good, so smooth and so beautifully done, it almost resembles a Hollywood feature with Oscar potential. Recommended for public library collections and academic library collections..." Educational Media Reviews Online

Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, 2007
Dayton Jewish International Film Festival, 2007
Boston Jewish Film Festival, 2007