The documentary “Body and Soul — The State of the Jewish Nation” is making its local premiere at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU.

The Zionist Organization of America collaborates with the Jewish Museum, 301 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach, on Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. for the screening of award-winning director Gloria Greenfield’s new documentary. The film presents a comprehensive examination of the broad and deep connections between the Jewish People and the Land of Israel as world-renowned historians, archaeologists, political scientists, religious leaders, and international law and media experts trace the evocative evolution of the relationship between the Jewish People and their homeland that is more than 3,000 years old.

The film is presented by Doc Emet Productions, an independent non-profit film production organization that Greenfield founded in 2007.

“As a filmmaker who is committed to producing, directing and distributing educational films for the purpose of strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish nationhood and the values of freedom and democracy, I consider making the film as Stage 1. Stage 2 is taking the film out into the world to create community conversations around the issues raised in the film,” Greenfield, who is also the film’s producer, said.

Greenfield is thrilled that the film’s Florida premiere will be in Miami-Dade County, which she calls “an important center for Jewish life.” She explained the goals for the film.

“The primary intentions for the film are to increase awareness of the centrality of the land of Israel to Jewish identity; to present a preview of the more than 3,500-year history of the relationship between the Jewish people and the land of Israel, and thereby encourage people to further their learning about Jewish history, Jewish texts and Jewish liturgy; to increase pride in Zionism, the Jewish people, and the rebirth of Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel and to sound the alarm among all good and decent people about the growing campaign by Israel’s enemies to erase Jewish history and fabricate pseudo-history,” she explained.

Sharona Whisler, executive director for Zionist Organization of America’s Florida Region, said that ZOA is proud to be an associate producer of the film.

“ZOA’s mission is to fight for the Jewish People and the Jewish Homeland of Israel to ensure a prosperous future for both. The film serves as an excellent educational tool,” she added. “It eloquently and comprehensively sets the record straight about the fundamental connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. Equally important, the film debunks the false Arab narratives, propaganda, myths, and fabrication that have regrettably become accepted as truth by so many.”

Whisler added “ZOA’s hosting of the Miami premiere with the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is a natural collaboration of our mutual goals of keeping Jewish history alive with an eye towards a bright Jewish future.”

Jo Ann Arnowitz, the Jewish Museum’s executive director, said “JMOF-FIU enjoys partnering with other organizations in order to bring cultural awareness within the broader community. When ZOA contacted us about this potential program, we gladly fit it into our schedule and we are happy to present the Miami premiere of this important film.

A meet and greet reception with Greenfield takes place before the screening. Greenfield will both present the film and do a question and answer session following the screening. Space is limited so RSVP as soon as possible at 786-972-3175 or at [email protected]. Screening is $10 for museum and ZOA members, $18 for non-members, and free for FIU faculty, staff, and students with valid ID. Trailer can be viewed at bodyandsoulthemovie.com and tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/JMOFbodyandsoul.

This article was published by the Sun-Sentinel and may be found here.