The Cakemaker

As the news of Oren's (pronounced) tragic passing reverberates through Berlin, Thomas, a soft-spoken German baker, is consumed by a mix of emotions. His clandestine affair with the deceased Israeli man had been marked by stolen moments and whispered promises. But when Oren fails to respond to his calls, Thomas is left alone with only memories of their furtive encounters. The weight of reality sets in as he learns of Oren's demise in an accident back in Israel.

Seeking solace and a fresh start, Thomas travels to Jerusalem, where he finds himself drawn to the cozy confines of Anat's cafe. Though initially restricted from donning his chef's hat due to concerns about kosher certification, Thomas's skills eventually win over Anat, who is still grappling with the grief and guilt surrounding her husband's infidelity. As they bond over shared stories and quiet moments, Thomas becomes enmeshed in Anat's life, including her struggles as a widow and mother.

Meanwhile, Motti, Anat's brother-in-law, remains skeptical of Thomas's intentions, his suspicions fueled by whispers of Oren's alleged betrayal. Amidst this emotional turmoil, Anat is torn between her desire for comfort and the temptation to sift through Oren's personal effects, hoping to find answers about his life and their relationship. It is during one such moment that she stumbles upon a list in German, leading her to the Berlin cafe where Thomas works.

As the truth slowly unfolds, Anat confronts Thomas with the revelation of Oren's plans to leave her for the baker. The weight of this knowledge crushes both Anat and Thomas, who are overcome by guilt, grief, and regret. In the aftermath, Anat discovers that her kosher certification has been revoked, rendering all her catered goods worthless. Her world crumbles further as she reboots Oren's second phone and is met with a barrage of voicemail messages from Thomas, each one a poignant reminder of their illicit affair.

As the reality of his betrayal sinks in, Motti forces Thomas to leave Jerusalem, decreeing that he will never be welcome back in Israel. With his heart heavy and his spirit shattered, Thomas departs, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unrequited emotions. The fate of these two souls, forever intertwined by their illicit love and the secrets they kept, hangs precariously in the balance, as the shadows of Oren's memory continue to loom large over them both.

As the seasons pass, Anat's humble café has flourished, its popularity rivaling that of more established establishments, all without the coveted kosher seal of approval. Meanwhile, Anat herself is drawn to the vibrant city of Berlin, where a chance sighting of Thomas (Thomas) departing his own café proves to be a serendipitous encounter. As she watches him disappear into the distance, Anat's gaze drifts upwards, her expression illuminated by a warm, introspective glow, as if the very heavens themselves were sharing in her quiet satisfaction and contentment.