Between the Temples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.