January 31 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
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 HERE.
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, click here.
