With two current films, director Rachel Israel offers comic relief for Jewish trauma

Director Rachel Israel has released two new Jewish comedies, "The Floaters" and "Influenced," offering a counter-narrative to recent Jewish cultural themes of trauma and antisemitism. "The Floaters," set at a Jewish summer camp, stars Jackie Tohn and Seth Green, while "Influenced" is a satire of Manhattan influencer culture featuring Jill Kargman and David Krumholtz, culminating in a b'nai mitzvah.

"I didn't set out and decide I'm only going to make Jewish content, and I don't think I'm only going to make Jewish content," Israel stated.

Both films, which Israel made while pregnant and with a newborn, aim to celebrate Jewish community and identity, providing "Jewish joy" amidst rising antisemitism. "The Floaters" is currently in theaters with a video-on-demand release planned, and "Influenced" is available for rental on various platforms.