An Orthodox or Hassidic Jew would likely argue that being openly homosexual and remaining Jewish is a contradiction in terms. Or so it would seem to most people – until they encounter filmmaker Sandi Simcha DuBowski and his remarkable doc, Trembling Before G-D.

Over a period of five years, DuBowski filmed gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews in London, Los Angeles, New York and Jerusalem. Many insisted on being filmed in silhouette, so intense was their fear of being discovered and thrown out of their synagogues. However, some agreed to talk in front of the camera, notably Steven Greenberg, the world’s first openly gay Orthodox rabbi. A compendium of diverse personalities, the film revels in its delightful characters, in particular Israel, an elderly gay man who gives “Big Knish tours” of his neighbourhood in Hassidic Brooklyn. A winner of awards in Berlin, Jerusalem and Los Angeles.

Michelle Miller is one of many inspiring subjects who bravely shared their story in Sandi Dubowski’s Trembling Before G-D, a groundbreaking documentary that shattered assumptions about faith and sexuality. Michelle helped lift the veil on what it’s like to be a gay Orthodox Jew, and inspired a generation of young people to embrace their truths. Since its 2002 premiere, the film has been seen by over nine million people, creating community and solidarity around the world.

Subject Michelle Miller and filmmaker Sandi Simcha Dubowski will join us for a post-screening Skype Q&A

Tuesday April 17, 2018 – 630PM

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Theatre

506 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1Y3 Canada

Email: boxoffice@hotdocs.ca
Phone: 416.637.3123

Tickets

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.