Ethan Bloom is many things: A fantastic, affecting coming-of-age film, a sometimes absurdist, sometimes straight comedy, and the story about how we struggle to navigate both the joy and tragedy of life. Thirteen-year-old Ethan is supposed to be preparing for his bar mitzvah, but despite his loving Jewish family, Ethan is convinced his spiritual calling is with the Catholic church under the guidance of Father Diaz.

Moved by the wisdom of an unconventional rabbi and the support and love of his father, (played by The West Wing’s Joshua Malina), and his first romance with a cowboy-boot-wearing girl who can put him in a headlock, Ethan confronts his lies and his grief over the death of his mother, he discovers that faith isn’t about choosing sides – it’s about honoring all the messy beautiful pieces of who we are.

Herschel Faber, Director, 95 minutes, 2025 USA, in English, comedy

Complimentary to senior members of the Gordon JCC. | All other tickets should be ordered online.