Our program begins with a screening of Ushpizin, a recent film by Shuli Rand and Gidi Dar. Ushipizin centers on an orthodox Jewish family and their unusual Succot holiday.  When Moshe, a poor Hasidic Jew, and his wife Malli receive a charity gift, they believe that their prayers have been answered, since they can now afford to build a sukkah of their own.  But things take an unfortunate turn when two escaped convicts, former acquaintances of Moshe, take up residence in the couple’s sukkah and immediately begin testing Moshe and Malli’s patience and faith.  Can the presence of such “ushpizin” (guests) in the sukkah really be a mitzvah?  The film explores very serious questions of faith and family integrity in a thoughtful and humorous manner. 

Critics have remarked on Ushpizin as follows:

“An unexpected delight from an unlikely source, Ushpizin is the first feature film set inside the closed community of Jerusalem's ultra-Orthodox Jews.”
         --Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Amid intense teachings of Hasidic tenets that all life challenges are a test from God, the surprise is a warm and funny relationship movie that should win your heart.”
         --Michael Booth,  Denver Post

We’ve set aside a half hour for a discussion of the film, following which Rabbi Miller and Cantor Padorr will lead us in the beautiful and moving Selihot service, which will usher in the High Holiday season.  The musical accompaniment will enhance the spirit of
this special event.

Please join us for what promises to be an entertaining, thought-provoking, and inspiring evening!