barbie Archives – Jewish Journal

From Pen to Print: Insights from Prolific Professor Susan Shapiro

Lisa Ellen Niver July 23, 2023

VIDEO: The Tribe (The Barbie Doll and the History of the Jewish People)

Jewish Journal September 8, 2008

What can the most successful doll on the planet show us about being Jewish today? Narrated by Peter Coyote, the film mixes old school narration with a new school visual style. The Tribe weaves together archival footage, graphics, animation, Barbie dioramas, and slam poetry to take audiences on an electric ride through the complex history of both the Barbie doll and the Jewish people- from Biblical times to present day. By tracing Barbie\’s history, the film sheds light on the questions: What does it mean to be an American Jew today? What does it mean to be a member of any tribe in the 21st Century? Finally available fee online.

Bratz : They’re cool, hot and controversial

Lisa Keys November 2, 2007

Depending on whom you ask, Bratz are odd-looking multiethnic dolls with big eyes and skimpy clothes – or they\’re, like, the coolest things ever.

A Blizzard of Flicks for Jewish Eyes

Naomi Pfefferman January 19, 2006

At the Sundance wintertime festival, which began Jan. 19 and runs through Jan. 29, Jewish viewers can check out a blizzard of flicks.

Barbie Meet Gali

Emily Pauker June 23, 2005

For generations, Barbie\’s hourglass \”perfect\” figure has confounded experts in anatomy, while giving girls a role model of debatable merit.

Now there\’s a doll whose appearance is more modest, who looks like kids and whose values are distinctly Jewish.

Created by Aliza Stein of Teaneck, N.J., Gali Girls wear clothes that are not made to accentuate their bodies. Accessories include a matching Magen David bracelet for the owner and the doll, a Hebrew and English birth certificate and a separate wooden Shabbat kit that can be painted.

Gali Girls are designed to encourage girls to bring positive Jewish values, such as kindness, respect, and charity, into their doll play, Stein said.