Challah Rising in the Desert: The Jews of New Mexico

A revelatory mosaic of faith and cultural pride amidst a remote landscape, Challah Rising in the Desert celebrates the history, influences and people of New Mexico’s Jewish community. From green chile challah and Navajo-styled prayer shawls, to rabbis in cowboy boots and bolo ties, this unique population drew from waves of immigration. From the Spanish Inquisition to Santa Fe Trail pioneers, through Los Alamos scientists the ‘40s, and the ‘60s counterculture, multiple generations defined Southwestern Jewish identity. This unknown story is vibrantly told through rare archival materials, magnificent imagery of New Mexico’s natural beauty, as well as interviews with community leaders, historians, and descendants of early colonial and pioneer Jews. (Atlanta Jewish Film Festival)