Trembling Before G-d

Director Sandi Simcha DuBowski examines the plight of gays and lesbians among Orthodox and Hasidic Jews, struggling to be themselves in a religious atmosphere that considers their sexual orientation “an abomination.” DuBowski travels the world (New York, California, Israel, London) to interview a number of subjects of both sexes, who have coped with their situation in a variety of ways—some by burrowing deep into the closet (and doing their interviews in shadows under assumed names), some by resorting to a reluctant and conflicted celibacy, some (surprisingly few) by rejecting Judaism altogether. DuBowski’s sympathies are clear, but he doesn’t preach or condemn, preferring to find hope for a future reconciliation between the people he features and the rich, venerable traditions of their heritage.