Watch Trembling Before G-D

Trembling Before G-D, a 2001 documentary film directed by Sandi Simcha Dubowski, delves into the lives of gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews as they grapple with the complexities of reconciling their faith and their sexuality. The film is a groundbreaking exploration of a largely uncharted and taboo subject, as Dubowski takes viewers on a journey through the lives of several Orthodox Jews living in Israel and the United States. From Shlomo Ashkinazy, a gay rabbi living in Jerusalem who has remained celibate, to Steve Greenberg, an openly gay Orthodox rabbi in New York who is married to a man, and Nathan Lopes Cardozo, a Dutch-born Orthodox rabbi grappling with his own sexuality, Trembling Before G-D provides an intimate and candid look into the lives of these individuals and their struggle to reconcile their faith with their sexuality.

Through a series of interviews with Orthodox Jews, including rabbis, scholars, and members of the community, Trembling Before G-D establishes the complexity of the issue at hand. While some believe that homosexuality is a sin and incompatible with Judaism, others argue that one can be both gay and Orthodox. Dubowski takes an unbiased approach, allowing the subjects of the film to speak for themselves and present their own views and experiences.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the use of hidden cameras to capture the reactions of members of the Orthodox Jewish community to the subject of homosexuality. These reactions range from outright hostility to compassion and understanding, and serve to convey both the complexity of the issue and the cultural and religious barriers faced by those who deviate from the norm.

Despite its controversial subject matter, Trembling Before G-D is a film of great humanity and compassion. Dubowski portrays his subjects with sensitivity and empathy, capturing both their pain and their resilience in the face of an often-hostile environment. The film also explores the ways in which faith can provide a source of strength and comfort to those struggling with their sexuality, even in the face of rejection from the community at large.

Overall, Trembling Before G-D is a seminal work that sheds light on a subject that is often shrouded in secrecy and shame. Through its powerful storytelling and candid interviews, the film offers a compassionate and insightful look into the lives of those who are often forced to choose between their faith and their sexuality. It is a courageous and groundbreaking work that has helped to break down barriers and foster greater understanding and compassion within the Orthodox Jewish community and beyond.