Watch Restoring Tomorrow

Restoring Tomorrow is a documentary film from 2016, directed and produced by Aaron Wolf. The movie tells the story of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, a Los Angeles synagogue that was once a shining symbol of Jewish life in America, but fell into disrepair over the years. Wolf's film follows the efforts of the congregation and its rabbi, Steven Z. Leder, to restore and revitalize the historic temple.

The movie begins with a brief history of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, which was founded in 1862 and grew into one of the largest Jewish congregations in the world. The temple was known for its grand architecture and the many cultural and social events it hosted, from concerts to political rallies. However, as the years went by, the temple began to decline. The once-beautiful building fell into disrepair, and the congregation dwindled as members moved away, assimilated into American culture, or simply lost interest in organized religion.

Restoring Tomorrow focuses on the efforts to save Wilshire Boulevard Temple in the early 21st century. The film follows Rabbi Leder and the temple's leadership as they launch a massive fundraising campaign to restore the temple to its former glory. The filmmakers also interview several members of the congregation, including long-time worshippers who remember the temple's heyday, and new members who have found a sense of community and purpose in the revitalized temple.

One of the key themes of Restoring Tomorrow is the importance of preserving historic landmarks like Wilshire Boulevard Temple. The film highlights the temple's unique architecture and its place in the history of Jewish life in America. It also explores the role that religious institutions play in society, both as places of worship and as cultural centers that bring people together.

At the same time, Restoring Tomorrow acknowledges the challenges facing religious institutions in the modern age. The film shows how the temple had to adapt to changing demographics and new technologies in order to remain relevant to its members. For example, the temple now livestreams its services online, allowing worshippers from around the world to participate in the community.

Throughout the movie, the filmmakers use a mix of archival footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage to tell the story of Wilshire Boulevard Temple's restoration. They also incorporate music and visual effects to enhance the emotional impact of the film. The result is a compelling and engaging documentary that will resonate with anyone who cares about history, culture, and community.

Restoring Tomorrow is both a celebration of the past and a vision for the future. The film shows how Wilshire Boulevard Temple was able to overcome decades of neglect and decay through the hard work and dedication of its leaders and members. At the same time, it offers a hopeful message about the enduring power of faith and community to bring people together and create positive change.

Overall, Restoring Tomorrow is a well-crafted and moving documentary that will appeal to anyone with an interest in history, architecture, religion, or community. It tells an inspiring story of resilience and renewal that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Restoring Tomorrow is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6 and a MetaScore of 72.