Professor 2010
For nearly forty years, Rabbi Jay Holstein has redefined what it means to be a professor at the University of Iowa.
Director: Daniel Kraus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Professor (2010) about?
This documentary follows Rabbi Jay Holstein, a University of Iowa professor known for his blunt, humorous, and thought-provoking lectures. Over nearly four decades, he's challenged students to rethink fundamental concepts about life, death, and human nature in his massive classes.
Who directed Professor?
Professor was directed by Daniel Kraus, a filmmaker who specializes in character-driven documentaries.
Who stars in Professor?
The documentary centers on Rabbi Jay Holstein, a charismatic and controversial professor at the University of Iowa.
Is Professor (2010) worth watching?
If you enjoy documentaries that explore education, philosophy, or unconventional thinkers, Professor offers a fascinating and often hilarious look at one man's impact on generations of students. While not a mainstream entertainment film, its themes resonate with anyone curious about the power of teaching.
How long is Professor?
The runtime of Professor is 75 minutes.
About Professor (2010) — The Unfiltered Genius of Rabbi Jay Holstein
For nearly forty years, Rabbi Jay Holstein has redefined what it means to be a professor at the University of Iowa. With a provocative blend of sharp wit, unfiltered humor, and fearless intellect, Holstein tackles big questions in his legendary 500-student lectures—from the meaning of human destiny to the taboos of sex and suicide. Professor (2010) dives into his unconventional teaching style, capturing the electric atmosphere of his massive courses like "Quest for Human Destiny."
Daniel Kraus's documentary explores not just education, but the very idea of learning itself. Through Holstein's bold approach—where irreverence meets deep reflection—the film challenges viewers to reconsider what knowledge is for and who gets to shape it. It's a portrait of a teacher who refuses to soften the truth, even when it's uncomfortable, making for a compelling look at the power of ideas in the modern classroom.