The Times of Israel Daily Briefing 'The Ten Commandments': Put your hands up as iconic film turns 70
Apr 8, 2026
They celebrate the 70th anniversary of a classic biblical spectacle and unpack its Technicolor grandeur and acting style. They trace the film’s cultural echoes and frequent parodies. They delve into its Jewish and Midrashic sourcing and talk casting and postwar studio context. They flag moments of violence and surprising feminist beats amid dated treatments of women.
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Three Part Viewing Made The 4 Hour Film Doable
- Both hosts watched The Ten Commandments in three installments to manage its nearly four-hour runtime, making the film more digestible for first-time viewers.
- Amanda and Jordan split viewing across sessions and compared notes about pacing and memorable scenes between installments.
Suki Lahav's E Street Band Connection
- Jordan shared the obituary of Suki Lahav, an Israeli violinist and backup vocalist for Bruce Springsteen, and Springsteen's tribute to her Jungleland violin and Sandy vocals.
- He recalled her early role in the E Street Band, later replaced by Susie Terrio, and Lahav's return to Israel as a writer and musician.
DeMille's Film Sticks To Traditional Sources
- The Ten Commandments hews more closely to biblical text than The Prince of Egypt, relying on scripture and Midrash consultants credited in the opening.
- Amanda watched with her biblical Hebrew–scholar husband who noted specific faithful choices like Aaron performing miracles rather than Moses alone.