The Foundation for Jewish Culture was a funder of my documentary, “Trembling Before G-d,” convened a work-in-progress in Los Angeles before my Sundance World Premiere, was a tireless promoter of the work globally, and was the fiscal sponsor for my new film-in-progress on 21st-century spiritual innovator, Amichai Lau-Lavie (“Foundation For Jewish Culture To Close Next Year,” Sept. 13).
FJC meant an incredible amount to me as an emerging filmmaker and was a constant source of support as my career unfolded over the years. I have two more years of shooting for the Amichai Film Project and had looked forward to applying to The Fund for Jewish Documentary Filmmaking for post-production. It is a real loss for me, my work and the work of many others that it will now not be possible.
“Trembling Before G-d” reached nine million people and transformed the lives of LGBT chasidic and Orthodox Jews and their loved ones. I led over 850 live events with the film worldwide. It catalyzed massive change in attitudes of rabbis, synagogues, institutions, Hillels and Jewish communities around the globe, and has been inspiring to Mormons, Catholics, Muslims, Evangelicals and the larger world’s engagement with faith and the universal struggle to belong.
In one decade, the advancement in the Jewish community around homosexuality is truly transformed. I hope other funders step in and save this vital treasure.
Manhattan
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
