THE WOMEN’S BALCONY

When the women’s balcony of a gender-segregated Jerusalem synagogue collapses during a bar mitzvah, it produces far-reaching consequences. But the full force of the collapse falls on the congregation. A charismatic ultra-conservative young rabbi enters the vacuum. He believes the collapsed balcony is a sign from God, and insists on things being done strictly by the book. The men are putty in Rabbi David’s hands, but the women resist. This deft, accomplished first feature from television veteran Emil Ben-Shimon is about gender politics, religious fundamentalism, and the value of reason and common sense in modern life. It’s funny, touching, and pertinent, and it packs a punch. Not rated. 96 minutes. In Hebrew with subtitles. The Screen. (Jonathan Richards)