Hester Street is a 1975 independent film directed by Joan Micklin Silver and set in the Lower East Side of New York City in the late 19th century. The film explores the tension between traditional Jewish values and the lure of assimilation in the face of Americanization and modernization.
The main character, Yankel Bogovnik (played by Steven Keats), is a Russian Jewish immigrant who has successfully assimilated into American culture and fashion. He works as a tailor and dresses in the latest fashions, unlike his fellow Jewish immigrants who still adhere to traditional dress. Yankel has cut his beard and changed his name to Jake, and he is proud of his success in becoming an American.
However, when Yankel's wife, Gitl (played by Carol Kane), arrives from Russia, she is still firmly rooted in traditional Jewish culture. She wears a wig, dresses modestly, and speaks little English. Yankel is shocked and embarrassed by his wife's appearance and does not want her to attend social events with him. He is also frustrated by her resistance to assimilating into American culture and constantly belittles her.
As the story unfolds, Gitl becomes more independent and begins to embrace her own culture. She reconnects with old friends, starts learning English, and becomes involved with a young Jewish scholar who encourages her to stay true to her roots. Meanwhile, Yankel struggles to maintain his newfound American identity and tries to push Gitl further into assimilation.
The tension between the couple builds to a climax when Yankel discovers that Gitl has been secretly saving money to bring her young son to America. Yankel believes that the boy should stay in Russia with his grandparents, as he is already too Americanized to fit into their traditional culture. This disagreement forces Yankel and Gitl to confront the cultural divide between them and decide whether they can overcome their differences and build a life together in the New World.
Overall, Hester Street is a touching and humorous portrayal of the immigrant experience in America, exploring issues of culture, gender, and assimilation.