Breaking the Silence presents a respectfully honest view of the origins and legacy of the Amish and how they became who they are today. Through personal stories of former Amish people and interviews with Church leaders and historians it provides both a broad and an intimate perspective.
“You will be amazed at what you learn in this series. The facts are interesting and the individual stories and testimonies are just as fascinating.” – The Dove Foundation
“In Breaking the Silence, my parents, Lester and Rebecca Graber tell this story in their own words. We will also provide a rich backdrop of who the Amish are today, and how they came to be. Along the way we will interview a variety of people, engage in some major re-enactments, and visit pivotal historical locations.
“This film is also part of my personal quest to discover what my Amish heritage really means. Join me in uncovering an Amish legacy that has been hidden for centuries!” -Joseph J Graber
The Two Disc DVD set includes all 6 episodes of Breaking The Silence. See descriptions below.
EPISODE I: The Secret Strength of the Amish Church Run time: 42:30
Opening with an inside view of an Amish Church service, giving a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Amish culture. What has made it possible for the Amish to remain apart from the technologically advanced culture that surrounds them?
EPISODE II: Silencing the Grabers Run time: 42:30
Soon after Lester and Rebecca got married as a young Amish couple Lester was ordained as an Amish minister. Determined to be good Amish people and to keep all the rules, they began studying the Bible. They soon ran into unexpected opposition- from their own family and the Amish Church and are forced to make some very difficult decisions. Where does their allegiance really lie?
EPISODE III: An Amish Romance Run time: 42:30
Three people that were leaving the Amish, Joe from Ohio, Sam from Indiana, and Polly from Missouri. Their stories started out in different times and places, but eventually their lives intertwined. Can Sam and Polly survive the efforts of their families to pull them back into the Amish?
EPISODE IV: Birth of the Amish Church Run time: 42:30
The Reformation Era was a turbulent time in Church history. Names like Wycliffe, Tyndale, and Luther are familiar to many people. But where did the Amish come from and how does their story fit into the Reformation Era?
EPISODE V: Amish In Our Midst Run time: 42:30
Frequently asked questions about the Amish including some little know facts and aspects of the Amish Church and culture.
EPISODE VI: Our Amish Heritage: Silent No More Run time: 42:30
Many people who have come out of the Amish struggle with reconciling their past to their new lives on the outside. How should they react to their families who are convinced that they are going to hell because they are no longer part of the Amish church and culture? If their heritage rejects them, is it still their heritage? Are the people who leave orphans of society without a people and no place to belong?
“Breaking the Silence is a wonderful, enlightening and educational tool for those who have always wondered about the Amish and exactly who they are. Who are these people that shun modern advances in technology and live without electricity? Who are these people that ride in their horse-driven buggies? The perfect man to tackle these questions is former Amish Joseph Graber, the host of this six-episode series. ”
“Graber gives illumination to the church services and practices of the Amish and shows an appreciation for his heritage which he historically explores, along with the help of others, some as far away as Switzerland and France. He speaks of the Anabaptists, the Reformed church, and a man named Jakob Ammann, who founded the Amish belief system, incorporating the shunning and ex-communication facets. Graber is clear that there are wonderful and good-hearted people in the Amish culture, and many others have also broken off from the system due to what they perceive as legalistic practices within the older form of the Amish community.”
“This reviewer has met a few Amish people, having seen a couple in the hospital about to have a baby at the same time my wife had our son. I have bought Amish food and enjoyed it. But I learned a lot in this eye-opening video series. Joseph Graber has done people everywhere a great service by producing this fantastic documentary which is easy to watch, understand, and yet it’s educational in a very powerful way. The cinematography is beautiful, which features scenic images in Switzerland and France, in addition to various beautiful country images in the United States.”
“We highly recommend this fantastic, educational and yet entertaining series. It exalts the Lord and the Holy Scriptures above traditions, cultures and legalism. We award it the 12+ Seal. You won’t regret the time spent watching this interesting series.”
For the entire review and to learn more, visit The Dove Foundation