New Jewish Film Faces Controversy Over Portrayal

The recently released film 'Between the Temples' has received mixed reviews, with critics giving it an 86% rating while general audiences only rated it 40%. The film follows a young cantor named Ben, who grapples with personal loss and faith, forming a unique bond with an older woman who missed her bat mitzvah. In contrast, Rabbi Shagar's newly published discourses explore Jewish philosophy and encourage secular education, differing from traditional ultra-Orthodox teachings. Meanwhile, the stories of South African hostages Aviva Siegel and Rabbi Doron Perez underscore the human cost of conflict, highlighting their faith amidst pain. Filmmaker Estelle Kohen aims to promote Jewish unity through her film 'Set Me Free', which depicts the relationship between a secular student and a rabbi, emphasizing acceptance and understanding across different levels of observance. Kohen advocates for a new genre of Jewish faith-based films that inspire dialogue and connection.