Between the Temples

Between the Temples

Year: 2024

Runtime: 1 h 51 m

Language: english

Director: Nathan Silver

Echo Score: 76
Comedy

A cantor's deeply held faith is shaken when he's unexpectedly confronted by a former music teacher who is now his adult Bat Mitzvah student. As his spiritual certainty unravels, he finds himself navigating a series of comical and unexpected events. Carol Kane brings her signature humor to the film, alongside Jason Schwartzman in this offbeat comedy.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Between the Temples yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Between the Temples (2024)

Trace every key event in Between the Temples (2024) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ruth's Death

Musical cantor Ben Gottlieb experiences the tragic loss of his wife, Ruth, after she slips on a patch of ice. This event triggers a profound crisis of faith for Ben, leaving him unable to sing and struggling to cope with his grief.

Over a year ago
2

Moving Back Home

Following Ruth's death, Ben decides to move back in with his mothers, Meira and Judith, seeking comfort and support. Living with his family, he tries to piece his life back together amidst his lingering sorrow.

3

Meeting Carla Kessler

In a chance encounter at a bar after a fight, Ben reconnects with Carla Kessler, who was his music teacher during his childhood. This meeting marks the beginning of an evolving relationship as they delve into their past lives.

Bar
4

Carla's Bat Mitzvah Wish

Carla expresses to Ben her long-held desire to have a bat mitzvah, which she was denied as a child by her communist parents. Ben, touched by her story, agrees to teach her and seeks approval for the ceremony from rabbi Bruce.

School
5

Bonding Over Memories

Ben brings a tape of his bar mitzvah to Carla's house to share fond memories. They enjoy watching it together, deepening their bond as he reflects on his own upbringing and their shared cultural heritage.

Carla's house
6

Drugged Tea Incident

While at Carla's home, Ben and Carla mistakenly consume drugged tea offered by Carla's friend. This leads Ben to hallucinate and interact with his younger self, further stirring emotions about his past.

Carla's house
7

Comfort in Nat's Bed

After the tea incident, Carla lets Ben sleep in her son Nat's bed where he finds comfort and finally manages to get some restful sleep. This moment signifies a turning point in Ben's healing process following his wife's death.

Carla's house
8

Family Dinner & Tensions

Nat's family visits the next day for dinner, but tension rises when Nat objects to Carla’s decision to have a bat mitzvah. He declares his atheism, causing a divide between supportive family members and those opposing the ceremony.

Restaurant
9

Judith and Meira's Attempts

Ben's mothers, Judith and Meira, try setting him up with women, including Bruce's daughter Gabby. Gabby's attraction to Ben is revealed when she expresses her interest after reading a provocative book written by Ruth, leading to a brief romantic encounter.

Ruth's grave
10

Carla's Stroke

Carla suffers a stroke, which deeply impacts Ben. Although Nat chooses not to visit her in the hospital, Ben shows his support and dedication by attending her bedside, further strengthening their bond.

Hospital
11

Rushing the Bat Mitzvah

Despite the complications, Ben pushes rabbi Bruce to expedite Carla's bat mitzvah ceremony to that upcoming weekend. This urgency reflects his commitment to Carla and the significance of the event for her.

12

Shabbat Meal Invitation

In preparation for Carla's ceremony, Ben invites her over for a Shabbat meal with his family. The gathering includes rabbi Bruce, his wife, and Gabby, highlighting the blend of support and tension among the characters.

Gottlieb's home
13

Confession of Love

During the Shabbat meal, Ben confesses his feelings for Carla, leading to a dramatic reaction from the attendees. Gabby breaks down in tears, and amidst the ensuing chaos, Carla feels overwhelmed and escapes the scene.

Gottlieb's home
14

Injury on Ice

After the meal, Ben slips on ice while pursuing Carla outside her house, injuring his head. This incident illustrates his desperation and drive to connect with Carla, marking a significant and vulnerable moment.

Outside Carla's house
15

Performing the Bat Mitzvah

Recalling an important detail about the history of bat mitzvahs, Ben performs the ceremony for Carla in her backyard. With a newfound sense of purpose, he sings alongside her as she chants her Torah reading, bringing closure and joy to their journey.

Carla's backyard

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 at 07:51

Unlock the Full Story of Between the Temples

Don't stop at just watching — explore Between the Temples in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Between the Temples is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Between the Temples Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Between the Temples, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Between the Temples Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Between the Temples

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Between the Temples. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Between the Temples

More About Between the Temples

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Between the Temples: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Between the Temples

Similar Movies to Between the Temples

Discover movies like Between the Temples that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.