The Blues Brothers was a massive inspiration for us on many levels. Co-written and directed by John Landis, the music in the film brought soul back into the spotlight. The dance numbers were impressive. Car chase scenes--unbelievable. A+ comedy.
We also find many Jewish themes in the film--- including the fact that Jake and Elwood are brothers on a "Holy Mission from G-d" as well as the fact that they had to "get the band back together" in order to "make the move toward redemption." Reminded us of basic "gathering of Holy Sparks" concepts and the importance of Jewish Unity before the great redemption of the Jewish People. We also found the "Hasidic diamond merchant" reference to their choice in wardrobe both funny and significant.
Although the following scene does take place in a non-Jewish religious facility, we can appreciate the fact that the brothers are trying to figure out an honest way to make a living in order to save the orphanage. We enjoy the biblical references of "lost souls" and to "not be lost when the time comes," and "going down to the river." The spiritual "awakening" happens as Jake "sees the light" and realizes that the best way to save the orphanage would be through getting the band back together. Again, we associate this with the gathering of Jewish Holy Sparks and the importance of Jewish Unity:
(in light of recent controversy of black churches in Chicago, we wish they were more like the aforementioned video, and not the likes of people like Pastor Jeremiah Wright)
Most importantly, The JIDF learned the lessons about the wiping out of platforms of hatred in the film The Blues Brothers:
