January 4, 2021, 7 pm

Ushpizen (2004 Israel) 90 minutes New Line Cinema

Moshe and Mali Bellanga are an impoverished, childless, Hasidic baalei teshuva ("returnees to Judaism") couple in the Breslov community in Jerusalem. After Moshe is passed over for a stipend he expected, they cannot pay their bills, much less prepare for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

Moshe admires a particularly beautiful etrog, or citron, one of the four species required for the holiday observance. They console themselves by recalling a saying of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov that difficult times are a test of faith. After some anguished prayer, they receive an unexpected monetary gift on the eve of the holiday^[2] and Moshe buys the etrog for 1000 shekels (approx. $300), a large sum of money that is much more than he can afford.

The couple is visited by a pair of escaped convicts, one of whom knew Moshe in his earlier, non-religious life. The convicts become their guests (ushpizin) in the sukkah, creating many conflicts and straining Moshe and Mali's relationship.

February  1, 2021, 7 pm

Humor Me  (2018 USA) 93 minutes New Line Cinema

Director: Sam Hoffman                                 
Screenplay: Sam Hoffman                                            
Jemaine Clement as Nate Krol                                            
Elliott Gould as Bob Kroll                                                    
Ingrid Michaelson as Allison                                               
Annie Potts as Dee                                                          
Priscilla Lopez as Connie Andrews                                     
Bebe Neuwirth as C.C. Rudin                                              
Maria Dizzia as Nirit Gerb-Kroll                                                
Joey Slotnick as Zimmerman                                              
Willie C. Carpenter as Ellis                                                        
Cade Lappin as Gabe Kroll

Nate Kroll is an award winning playwright who suddenly finds himself wifeless, jobless and homeless. With literally nothing else to lose, he moves in with his eccentric father, Bob, and gets a job at an old folks home where he helps the elders put on a new play.

THIS EVENT IS FREE FOR MEMBERS OF TEMPLE SHOLOM. FOR MEMBER LOGIN ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT STACY CHARNAY AT STACY@SHOLOMCHICAGO.ORG.