Jewish and Israeli Film Festival Opening Night: Ethan Bloom

2025 ∙ Dramatic Comedy, Coming-of-Age ∙ 90 minutes ∙ English ∙ Herschel Faber

After losing his mother, thirteen-year-old Ethan finds solace in the Catholic
church—a refuge that feels like home, even though he was born into a Jewish
family. When his father insists on a bar mitzvah and Ethan’s secret unravels
at his girlfriend’s confirmation party, the young seeker must confront the
lies he’s told and the grief he’s been running from. Through the wisdom of an
unconventional rabbi, the love of his complicated family, and his first
romance with a cowboy-boot-wearing girl who can put him in a headlock, Ethan
discovers that faith isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about honoring all the
messy, beautiful pieces of who we are.

**CONTENT WARNING:** Minor drug usage

**Special Feature:** Ticket includes an opening night reception and one drink
ticket.

**Sensory Screening of _Ethan Bloom_**
**Sunday, February 1**
**1pm ET** | In-Person at Mayerson JCC

This alternate screening aims to provide a sensory-friendly environment to
allow community members of all abilities to enjoy our Opening Night film.
Tickets for this screening are sold separately. You can find tickets
(https://jlive.app/events/14095)

** _The Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival_** presents a diverse,
inspiring lineup of award-winning films and engaging, educational programming
that connects to Jewish and Israeli stories. **To see the whole 2026
lineup,**(https://mayersonjccfilmfestival2026.eventive.org/schedule)**.**

View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14061