Imagine Gen Xers in ny City — that’s what these people were attempting to do. These were attempting to be hip and cool. The rabbi and priest were wanting to conduct by themselves and provide just just exactly what could be compelling to Manhattanites and urbanites. ”
Rabbi Joseph Ebony, Temple Emanuel, Denver: “If we was an assistant rabbi, as well as the termination of a solution we thought to the cantor, ‘Hold on a moment, modification of plans … overlook the track you wish to sing, I’ve got one thing better, ’ I would personally be fired a day later. ”
From the relationship
Norry: “One critique I’ve heard is the film appears to accept or tolerate interfaith relationships and casual intercourse relationships for rabbis. … You learn at the conclusion that she’s contemplating transforming to Judaism perhaps, kinda, sorta. However for the many component, right right here’s a rabbi who’s involved profoundly, and intimately, with a lady who’s not Jewish, also to whom he’s maybe maybe maybe not married. My reaction to which includes for ages been, ‘Who do you consider our company is? That do you might think rabbis are? ’ Or these priests — who you think they’ve been? It is simply a truthful depiction about one thing and about someone. Their failings are peoples failings. The non-Jewish thing? Needless to say it is problematic. But that is why it is a beneficial tale. ”
Rabbi Leah Berkowitz, Congregation Kol Ami, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania: “I liked the way they had both an awful Jewish date and a great Jewish date early within the film to exhibit it wasn’t exactly that Jake didn’t like Jewish girls. That intended a great deal to me personally as A jewish girl. In plenty of interfaith romance tale lines, the possibility partner through the exact same ethnicity is a terrible caricature. ”
Father Paul Garrity, Lexington Catholic Community, Lexington, Massachusetts: “Celibacy is really a genuine challenge and I was thinking the film did an okay task of working with it. The film ended up being a comedy that is romantic therefore an in-depth glance at celibacy wasn’t my expectation. ”
Rabbi Emeritus Elliot Gertel, Congregation Rodfei Zedek, Chicago (from their 2003 guide “Over the most notable Judaism, ” reprinted together with his authorization): “The movie illustrates a rabbi who would like intercourse and companionship with a Gentile girl it is reluctant to provide his congregation up. Schram has the capacity to result in the synagogue grow, however the implication at every change is the fact that the audience is drawn and misled by superficiality and emptiness. The brand new Age innovations are praised here but encounter as hollow, as does the connection between your rabbi and their gf.
“The movie keeps insisting, also protesting, that Schram has been doing lots of good stuff, however it states absolutely nothing good about him and about their constituency. The synagogue people are either tossing their daughters during the rabbi or taking part in stylish spirituality or perhaps in self-promotion. The rabbi that is senior played by Eli Wallach, is an experienced lackey without any genuine advice to supply. ”
Bellows: “I particularly love that Jenna Elfman’s character converts within the end. ”
In the rabbi-priest relationship
Jaffe: “In truth, almost all of my friends that are non-Jewish Christian clergy. ”
Rabbi Emeritus Norman Cohen, Bet Shalom Congregation, Minnetonka, Minnesota: “It reminded me of just how blessed I have already been to own a lot of close peers of other faiths, whom remind me personally that individuals are typical in this together. We usually share stories of congregants and their dilemmas and possibilities to play this kind of significant role in their everyday lives at critical times. Can’t say we ever competed for similar ladies! ”
Father James M. Hayes, SJ, chaplain that is associate objective, university for the Holy Cross: “Rabbi Norman Cohen and I also are dear buddies but since are both 70, a lady will not get between us. ”
Rafi Cohen: I can certainly say within the rabbinate, establishing positive interreligious relations is very important“If you look back on 20 years ago vs. Today. These relationships assist any clergy person react to acts against their faith community, whether it’s anti-Semitism or graffiti for a mosque or church. Whenever things aren’t so excellent — you would like those relationships … You might not share sermon ideas, fundamentally, however you have actually commonalities. All of us have the exact same challenges and blessings, and problems that russianbrides you use. ”
Garrity: “The rabbi relationship is quite genuine. I could attest to that particular in my life. The film relationship antedates their occupations, to ensure that is just a little various. ”
Berkowitz: “It constantly appeared like a laugh, a priest and a rabbi, but i’ve a day-to-day check-in by having a Jewish chaplain and two Episcopal priests, and that want for shared understanding is extremely genuine. ”