The Women's Balcony 2017

As the sounds of joy and celebration faded away, a sense of chaos descended upon the orthodox congregation in Jerusalem. The sudden collapse of a section of the synagogue’s balcony, where the women sat, sent shockwaves through the community. Among those affected was the rabbi’s wife, whose injuries left her comatose and his leadership in shambles. Enter Zion, who stepped in to provide support to the grief-stricken rabbi, only to find himself shouldering the weight of responsibility as the congregation teetered on the brink of collapse.

The rebirth of the synagogue seemed an insurmountable task, with permits, inspections, and funding all posing formidable hurdles. Yet, it was amidst these challenges that Rabbi David, a teacher in Hasidic garb, appeared on the scene. He brought with him some of his students, who collectively formed a minyan, thus enabling the congregation to continue their daily prayers. As he listened to their story, Rabbi David felt an inexplicable sense of duty and took charge of the reconstruction efforts.

However, as the repairs progressed, Rabbi David’s focus began to shift from the synagogue’s physical restoration to its spiritual revitalization. He urged the men to prioritize their observance by having their wives cover their heads, even suggesting they gift them beautiful head scarves as a symbol of devotion. The women, led by Etti, Zion’s wife, however, remained unconvinced and felt marginalized in the process.

In response, they banded together, raising sufficient funds to complete the reconstruction project and depositing the payment into the synagogue’s bank account. But Rabbi David refused to allow the work to proceed, insisting that a new Torah scroll must first be acquired, its predecessor having been destroyed in the balcony collapse. Meanwhile, his assistant was quietly pursuing a romance with Etti’s niece, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already complex dynamics within the community.

As the fervent women, emboldened by their determination, abandon their husbands’ side, they make it abundantly clear that they will not return until the much-needed balcony is constructed. Their protest eventually takes them to the doorstep of Rabbi David’s school, where they stand steadfastly, refusing to budge until their demands are met. Meanwhile, the synagogue’s treasurer, who holds the key to unlocking the funds for the balcony’s reconstruction, has been deliberately avoiding the rabbi, thereby evading any pressure that might prompt him into signing off on the project.

Rabbi David, undeterred by the treasurer’s reluctance, seeks out the wisdom of his elder and venerable colleague, hoping to find a way to justify his insistence on commissioning a new Torah scroll before the balcony is completed. However, the old rabbi remains in a state of shock, unable to respond or offer any guidance.

With time running out, Rabbi David’s determination only grows stronger. He sets out to locate the treasurer, but ultimately decides to take matters into his own hands by forging the second signature required to release the funds. He then tasks his assistant with cashing the check and using the proceeds to hire a scribe to write the new scroll.

As he watches from the window of his office, Rabbi David is filled with a sense of satisfaction as his assistant distributes the legal notices to the protesting women, unaware that instead of being handed a document, one of them has been given the check, thereby paving the way for the balcony’s reconstruction to begin. In a poignant parallel, the old rabbi finally finds the emotional closure he needs by visiting his wife in the hospital, where he is able to come to terms with the reality of their situation.

The film concludes on a jubilant note as the young couple exchanges their vows, surrounded by friends and family, including the old rabbi. As Rabbi David watches from afar, another congregation seeks him out, eager for his guidance in forming a minyan – a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.