As the one-year mark approaches since the incredible occasion of hearing Judd Goodstein, the winner of a featured part in the Adam Sandler Movie, “You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah” (who was able to participate in that amazing opportunity due to his BBYO membership), spoke at International Convention, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on Jewish representation in media and it’s significance for Jewish people in the modern world. "You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah" symbolizes more than just a funny interpretation of Jewish tradition, it represents the new wave of normalized Jewish Media, allowing people of all different cultures to a peek into some of the rich culture we have, and how we blend with others all over the world! 

When reminiscing on classic Jewish cinematic treasures, images of "Fiddler on the Roof," "Yentl," and the recent gem "Shiva Baby" come to mind. Yet, there's an understated allure to classic films that were subtly imbedded with Jewish undertones, where the essence of Judaism interweaves seamlessly with the lives of characters and the plot lines, like "Goodfellas" or "Dirty Dancing." Whether celebrating a Bat Mitzvah, getting married under a Chupa, or offering a heartfelt "Mazel Tov”, witnessing interpretations of our culture on the big stage creates a profound feeling of validation and pride. The broader message these films convey is a testament to the normalcy and coexistence inherent in Jewish life. It's not solely about how we perceive ourselves but also about offering a window for others to witness the richness and diversity of Jewish existence.

These classics have sparked the flame of Judaism in media. From iconic characters like Schmidt in "New Girl" to Kyle in "South Park", the Marvelous Mrs. Maizle, to Disney princess Elena of Avalor, or even the MCU character Moon Knight! (in fact, his prime alter-ego, Marc Spector, is the son of a Rabbi!), Judaism is everywhere! And it doesn’t stop there, Judaism has begun to develop into reality television shows like "My Unorthodox Life" and "Jewish Matchmaking", further demonstrating how Jewish representation in pop culture continues to evolve and develop, and how there is an endless depth of Jewish experiences in contemporary media.

In a world where the Jewish community grapples with constant prejudice and antisemitism, it becomes imperative to acknowledge the strides we've made. These cinematic triumphs serve as reminders of our resilience and progress, urging us to embrace our heritage with pride and defiance against bigotry, while simultaneously proving that co-existence is entirely plausible and that Jewish people have so much more to offer the world, than what meets the eye.