“I write to express the profound impact Sabbath Queen has had on me. I viewed it twice and I remain entranced. Thank you for your creativity, leadership, and the courage it took to tell this story. Crafting art is never easy—it involves painful choices about what to include or exclude. Your work stands out, distilling countless hours of footage into something exceptional. Your dedication and belief in Amichai have endowed this story with the dignity it deserves. Your patience inspires me. Elie Wiesel once reminded  me that tomorrow is unknowable; our duty lies in the now: setting forth an intention that sanctifies life. Your film embodies this message beautifully. You are my queero.” – Murray, New York 

“I can’t recall the last time I was so moved and inspired by a documentary film. For me, the word that sums up my experience best is “healing.” At a time when there is so much division in our community, I think the act of watching and discussing this film could help bring people together in bonds of greater understanding. Every aspect of our community that Sandi points his camera towards, both in Israel and the U.S., is treated with love, compassion and respect. At its core, the film is a story about two brothers, Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, the main subject of the film and the founder and leader of LabShul in NYC, and his brother Rabbi Benny Lau, one of the most influential orthodox rabbis in Israel. Despite some profound disagreements, the two brothers never turn their backs on each other and find ways to learn from each other, to honor each other, and sustain their love.” – Arthur, San Francisco 

“Thank you for a superlative event—I don't mean to overdo it on the adjectives, it really was one for the books. You have such skill with an audience and with people one at a time; I certainly plan to invite you back in the future (as near-future as possible). Thanks again for giving us a high point of this year's film festival! I wish you so much success with your ongoing tour.” – Stuart, West Orange, NJ

“We just spoke outside the State theater… this film felt like a homecoming of sorts to me. How brave to share the depths of one’s thoughts and feelings on religion. I will carry this film’s spirit and message forever. Thank you for helping me feel like I’m not alone.” – Stephanie, Cleveland

“The film filled my heart with love for people and Judaism. Thank you for the soul food.  I typically feel disconnected from temple and religion and I see a need for what Amichai is creating. I am inspired. Thank you for taking much of your life energy to share your journey with your dear friend. I also wanted to share with you that my husband also loved the movie and was brought to tears. I brought up a lot of emotion for him around unfinished business with his father and inspired him to give Judaism more attention in our household. Thank you.” – Leah, Bellingham, WA

“You’ve created another masterpiece. I loved loved loved Sabbath Queen. The story you chose to tell is, for me, an important one. I left feeling sad, stirred, fearful, hopeful, proud, connected, distanced, amazed, and deeply stirred. Each one of those words merits its own explanation—but I’ll spare you. Everything is encapsulated in love. You are remarkable.” — Jake, Pittsburgh

“Last night was so beautiful and moving. Congratulations on all. This film has the power to make a real impact, especially in this particular moment in time. I brought my Trump loving mom and she was moved to tears. It opened her up in a way that even surprised me. The way you dealt with Israel/Gaza was perfection. Bravo to you and Amichai!!!!!” – Gillian, New York

“I cried multiple times.  It reminded of my relationship with my maternal grandfather who was a Hindu Brahmin priest in a temple. As a child I was made to go the temple three hours a day after school. I rebelled against my religion for a long time. But as my children are growing up I am reintroducing my religious traditions, but in a modern, less rigid and fun way.  The film hits home for many of us who were raised in an ultra conservative environments, and want to remain rooted in our cultural traditions without losing our liberal values.” – Hemal, New York

“I headed downtown to see a film at the IFC Center—Sabbath Queen, made by Sandi DuBowski. Little did I know what I was in for. It’s a documentary about an extraordinary human being, who has lived a life in pursuit of wisdom and peace. A generous, healing path. Given the wounded world we know and inhabit, it was a work of art that is expansive, redemptive. I cannot remember a time I sat in a movie theater and had such a salve to my troubled mind/soul. You MUST see this film. A day that began with discomfort has, so unexpectedly, ended with insight and healing. And my sense of gratitude has grown to bursting to whatever divine forces there may be at work for allowing me to live this life with such richness and beauty.” – James, New York

“ I cannot say enough about your incredible film, Sabbath Queen. I’ve sung it’s praises from the rooftops and encouraged everyone I know to see if when it screens again. You and Amichai are quite a team and you so brilliantly and beautifully captured his personal and professional journey. The cinema is indeed a type of sanctuary and I think it’s vital that we have these conversations using film as a tool to spark curiosity and build bridges.” — Dina, Atlanta

“One of the best films of 2024— UPLIFTING—a real triumph and must see if you need a shot of hope.” —Steven, New York

“Hello,I just watched your film at the Rome film festival. I immediately felt the need to write to you and thank you. First of all, because what I perceived is a message of hope, the idea that there is a way in the middle, that compromise and dialogue and change is possible after all. And second, because I realized I was also subject to polarization when I believed Jewish religion was so increasingly linked to fundamentalism that a Jewish director could not screen a movie like the one you did today. Don't know if all this makes sense to you but i'm very happy you opened my mind set toward an understanding and connecting mode.” – Laura, Rome

“I have not stopped thinking about or talking  to people about your brilliant film since seeing it Monday. It is a profound piece of work that pierces the moral complexity of this time, our time... your film is a beacon of joy and inclusion and complex struggle and mystery and beauty and MORAL clarity. I feel so grateful and so inspired in my own continuing work as a playwright. Congratulations Sandi... I know what crazy hard work and persistence this must have taken. Lord. You are healing us all with this film… my love and thanks to you. yours with ecstatic queer gratitude…” – Marty, New York

“I just have to tell you how much The Sabbath Queen blew me away. It was so stunning, so layered, and so full of life. Watching it felt like being wrapped in this incredible web of meaning, queerness, and Judaism—like it was speaking directly to all of us who keep walking these edges of tradition and transformation I felt so woven into this constellation of Jewish edgewalkers queering Judaism and making something new and sacred out of it. You captured that tension during the Q&A so beautifully, and it’s what makes the film so rich and alive. What you’ve made here is something truly special, and it’s going to ripple out in ways you might not even realize yet.” — Day, Sebastopol

“I was visiting NYC and saw the film in the cinema. I cried early and often, and so appreciated all of the wrestling, liberation, celebration, common stuff, and struggle throughout. It was the highlight of my visit with my daughter and her friend.”  —Michelle, Columbus OH

“HUGE congratulations. The film was deeply moving, so well crafted… your subject so articulate and unafraid to look hard questions in the face. I am glad, actually thrilled, you baked into the story his concern for the current violence in Gaza. The Q&A was nothing short of brilliant.” –Karen, New York

“What a movement of love and inclusion and acceptance and deep conversation and community you're creating. Your journey with Sabbath Queen could almost be its own movie. To be on it for even a small time feels so gratifying and soul filling. Especially given the dystopian and terrifying times we live in of erasure and the calling for two genders, etc”. – Lisa, Boston

“I cried and laughed and got food for thought to last all of 2025… courage, wisdom, defiance, depth, redefining everything. As well we should. You must see this film.❤️ — Jennifer, NY

“I could not love your film more than I did. It was moving, funny, enthralling and important. I always admire the courage of your films. ” – Monica, San Fernando Valley

“Your film is SO timeless so powerful so meaningful  and is changing lives in the tiny creases and in the big tectonic spaces. What you are doing is something only a bridge builder can do. And bridge builders walk tight ropes over stormy water and enable thousands and millions to walk peacefully over that water later on. This is a work of art Eleonor Roosevelt talked about change happening in the small places—our backyards, close to home. That’s what you are enabling for people—in their own backyards the world over. You, and this gorgeous film are a gift.” – Rebecca, Brooklyn

“Sabbath Queen is an extraordinary film, bringing people together in extraordinary ways. At a time when coming together couldn’t possibly be more important, nor more urgently needed. Sandi, thank you for this film that transcends time and borders, and for your healing presence at so many of the screenings. It means the world right now. With so much love and gratitude.” – Susan, New York

“Just saw ‘Sabbath Queen’—You are so talented! It’s powerful and  riveting! I saw it in the movie theatre on West 4th Street and the whole audience was glued to their seats ( as was I) even through the credits. No one could get up quickly. Even though we have very different political and religious sensibilities, one can’t help being blown away by the film that you have made. Congratulations!” – Naomi, New York

“So many thoughts about this astonishing film, Sandi!! But the main thing:  it's a triumph. A masterful act of originality and passion that paid of brilliantly. I'm so moved and grateful that you and Amichai, and all the people who worked with you on this fruitful journey, stayed with it. There is almost no question of conscience, faith, or heart's desire—the choices we must all make—that isn't beautifully probed in your film. With great admiration and affection” – Mirra, New York

“I want to say that I watched Sabbath Queen and absolutely loved it! Since October 7, I feel the world has succumbed to binary political thinking, and I believe that Rabbi Amichai and the film you made together have the power to open people’s minds to more complex ways of thinking—not just in terms of religion.” –Tamar, New York

“Hello Sandi. This message to thank you so much for this film so powerful. We all really appreciated it. It touched me personally a lot. I cried for so long afterwards. I am of Polish Jewish origin on my father's side... I spent my life saying that I was of Jewish origin but that I was no longer Jewish because my mother was not Jewish... And this despite our family's history, not only in the camps. For so long I didn’t understand why I was so angry at these rabbis who told me I couldn't be the "best man" to my Jewish friends. Orthodoxy stole my relationship with the religion of my ancestors. I felt like I was in “no man’s land” my whole life. Torn between the desire and the need for the memory of my ancestors and this hate of the lack of openness of rabbis, even the most liberal ones in Paris where I live. Your film is a revelation for me. A precious help to be in peace. For me and also for my son who, a few days before going to the festival, asked me if he was Jewish or not. I would not tell him this time that he has a “percentage” of Jewishness in him but that he is as Jewish as he is Catholic and above all that he will be what he wants to be. With no pressure, just his by heart and the encounters in life he will do. I will buy your film to show him in a few years (he is only 7). Thank you for this precious, useful film which should be shown to all children and their families who wonder about religion and life. If one day you pass through Paris I would be delighted to meet you in any case. Merci !” V–Paris

“I finally was able to see Sabbath Queen and it was even better than expected. What a story. A queer kid from a dynasty of rabbis wrestling with the structures and restrictions of the patriarchal religious part of Judaism. Helping a leading others to find a path embracing pieces that work and rejecting pieces that are restrictive. This is the kind of movie that can blow a hole into all religions that hold women back, that shun gays, that make you feel unworthy if you are not following the so called path of acceptance. It actually reminded me of Wicked. Amichai has defied gravity and has taken many with him. You see the trust, the love, the commitment in every frame of the film. A masterpiece (is there a non gendered word for that?)” –Melissa, The Berkshires

“Everyone, if you have the chance, go watch Sabbath Queen! This film is absolutely incredible—an inspiring and beautifully crafted work. The heart and vision behind the story truly reflect the essence of who Sandi is as a person. His creativity, authenticity, and artistry shine through in every frame, making this a must-see experience. Don’t miss it! ✨“ —Cheriyan, Columbus

“The film was beautiful, funny, an emotional tug of war, and a really powerful story about family. The moments where Amichai and others are struggling with the boundaries and the meaning of what it means to be Jewish really struck me. It had me thinking about belonging and identity, also as an American, who are we and how are we affecting change in culture? What is the impact, or as Amichai put it, how will I know if I made the right decision, maybe in a 100 years. Will we ever know? I love how this thread makes the audience question and think for themselves. It’s really poignant.” – Juli, LA

“WHAT A GIFT your film is. Thank you thank you thank you! I started crying halfway through, and kept crying through my walk home from the theater. A force of will to keep going through all of the years—a feat of creativity to band together with so many greats in our field to make the film—and truly a gift to the tens of thousands—inshallah, tens of millions—who will see it! So much love to you and to the Sabbath Queen!!!” – Zan, New York

“I hope you are basking in all the love from last night! I can’t stop thinking about your beautiful film. And I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart for handling this topic with such nuance, clarity, bravery and beauty! Like Amichai himself, you and your film will be at the forefront of this most needed conversation and I am so honored to know you! “This” was the exact right time for your film to come out and I am personally very grateful for it to be in my own personal arsenal as I navigate this time with family and friends.” – Ferne, Boston

“The film is fucking amazingly powerful. Great job!! I brought a Jamaican man I know who is married to the son of an orthodox family. He cried almost continually, and says he is going to bring the whole family. Thanks.” – Ash, Brooklyn

Amazing story. Incredible people. Great film. Epic. Very meaningful. I loved how deeply felt and passionate the desire for change and spirituality were. The struggle to make options. So much to love in the film.” – Every, Baltimore

“I was really struck by the resonances for me as a queer Christian—the resonances across traditions for queer clergy who have been in this generation of clergy wrestling with the traditions we have inherited, experiencing and creating change within our institutions, and allowing queer experience to also shape the traditions we're in. That has stayed with me from the film.” – Reverend Letitia, Atlanta

“I finally got to see the movie this afternoon at IFC and was so moved and overwhelmed by how you managed to weave 20 years of film into a brilliant and complete story of Amichai's remarkable and courageous journey. It was one of the best films I have ever seen, and am so grateful that you had the perseverance to create and complete such a complex, and important film. I hope it wins many prizes and that you receive the accolades that are so richly deserved.” – Anita, New York

“I loved your movie so much.  Following Amichai's story and how it resonates with what's going on today was so affecting.  And as the product of a mixed marriage and a partner in one, it hit me hard. Bravo!” – Sascha, Connecticut

“"★★★★★ ”absolutely spectacular. 'paris is burning" for jews.'"—Letterboxd, charlyunicornx 

“First of all I want to thank you for the opportunity to see the film. It was a great and moving experience that left me with a lot of thoughts, hope but also sadness for what we, as secular Jews in Israel have willingly given up on—the chance of being part of a different type of Judaism that can include and align with our morals and values. I am happy for people to see another option and maybe fight for their right to their own legacy.  So, thank you and Amichai!” —Mariel, Jerusalem

“Sandi DuBowski's spectacular Sabbath Queen, 20 years in the making, about the evolution of Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, is not only profound, subversive, and smart, but transformative for the audience. I hope you'll give yourself the gift of seeing this beautifully-crafted, radically humanistic tour-de-force on the big screen.” – Caroline, LA

“I loved your movie!  An amazing feat, Sandi. It’s so soulful and layered and beautifully expressed! Mazel Tov!” – Lisa, Los Angeles

“The movie was incredible... I cried and laughed so hard, and it was a truly epic deep dive into identity, heritage, spiritual and religions boundaries, and the role of a Rabbi in how they care for other humans in their most vulnerable and most celebratory moments, and what they need to do challenge and liberate the confines of the laws so that openness and freedom, consciousness expansion is possible—and what they say and how they lead impacts thousands. Amazing to see his brother really grapple with his acceptance of his brother, and Amichai grappling with tradition and innovation. Truly—Labshul and all it's collaborators are paradigm shifters, and a voice of sanity and peace in these really crazy times. hope this gets seen far and wide and spreads love—which is really at the heart of it all.” –Basya, New York

“Sabbath Queen was amazing!!!!!! Seriously, what an incredible work of art and labor of love. I was blown away by the many scenes of juxtaposition, the thought that went into it, and the deep level of intersectionality across so many aspects of the modern world. It reminded me why we love film and why telling stories like this are so important. Amazing, amazing job Sandi, you are so talented.” – Hilary, Seattle

“That was beautiful and moving as hell.  thank you for making such an inspiring movie when the world is so in need of this spirit. ” – Ido, New York

“It is a BEAUTIFUL, DEEP film. I was so moved. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I just loved the complexity of the film. It is brilliantly crafted. One of the best films of the year. Huge congratulations! It is a real masterpiece.” –Kelly, Palo Alto

“Wow, I saw your film Sabbath Queen last night and I can’t stop thinking about it. What an amazing job you did. I loved hearing what you shared about making the film and why you chose to put in certain pieces. I’m thankful you spoke after the film to learn more. It was a phenomenal story and enlightening on many levels.” – Bridget, San Francisco

“your film is one of the most amazing film i have seen this year or any year, it is a triumph beyond my imagination…i am kvelling through the roof. if i could i would come to each of these screenings just to feel the crowd and experience the pov of each of these brilliant guests. Sandi, i just want to hug you for staying this long long long endurance test in the cinematic desert —you knew that it was not time to stop and let it be good enough, you knew you had to stay a course and build the film and the community and serve all the needs of your Rabbi, the weave, the story, the gemora-like quality, the soulful cinema we are experiencing. You were tested again and again and again to reframe, retrench, rewind, remove, rebuild and retool—until the film reverberated in the way it is. It is as universal as it is Jewish, as NYC as it is Dead Sea.” – Judith, New York

“Sandi, you created a masterpiece. Brilliant, beautiful, revolutionary.” —Rabbi Rachel, Brooklyn

“I knew I needed to see this film... and it is true. I feel like it is what my soul needed. I've been so horrified with my Jewish brethren in Israel and the world —and in my own family. Thank you so much!” – Jennifer, New York

“You did a tremendous job on the film—what a complex, complicated, and necessary story, subject, and emotional journey you took us in a deep dive into. Bravo to you.“ – Anne, San Francisco

“Sandi, I want to thank you for the incredibly powerful film. I wept like a baby through most of it, in part of the wonderful story telling, bracketed by the rabbi's incredible physical stamina when it comes to hope. What a hopeful person. I think I started to dissolve especially when he spoke of his lover who died of HIV related causes. So many spectres of hope and death in this film. Congratulations, Sandi, on making so many beautiful films about Jewish history—and human history.” H, New York

“You did a tremendous job on the film—what a complex, complicated, and necessary story, subject, and emotional journey you took us in a deep dive into. Bravo to you.“ –Anne, San Francisco

“★★★★ Sometimes I completely forget how lucky I am to have grown up in a synagogue where I never once questioned G-d's unwavering love, surrounded by interfaith families and (for one memorable year) lead by a wonderful gay cantor. Judaism has always been a space of community to me. And the fact it isn't for others breaks my heart.” – shellyh, Letterboxd

“The film is absolutely incredible, Sandi. We are both blown away. It's so moving, so complex, and the story is so gorgeously crafted. It was thrilling, being there today. It truly felt like we were witnessing the birth of a documentary masterpiece. I had a good view of your mom down the row—she was beaming every time I looked over. I am so proud of you.” – Greg, The Catskills

“Just saw Sabbath Queen and adored it. The storytelling, the cinematography, the emotion, the depth, the spirituality, the politics... And those are just the nouns! Well worth waiting for, and so glad to see your labors give birth to such a beautiful baby. I'm telling friends to go. Really spectacular achievement. Thank you for making it.” – Saul, New York

“Oh my goodness! What a masterpiece. Powerful and subtle—which don’t always go together. Intricate and humane and funny. And the family dynamics were really moving—people wrestling with love and respect in the midst of passionate disagreement— which we need to see modeled more these days.” – Marshall, Brooklyn

“I really enjoyed the film and found it fascinating on a bunch of levels. I went with my non Jewish boyfriend, and my Orthodox brother—we had some pretty spirited debate after :)” – Marc, New York

“I just came from a screening of your movie at IFC. Bravo. It was such a rich, deep, epic, beautiful, funny, tragic, honest, questioning, answering, very fulfilling experience to watch. And I know it took so many years to make— and it's all there in the final product. Kol HaKavod to you. My deep respect to you and to Amichai Lau Lavie.“ – Yehuda, New York

“Omg. I won’t stop thinking about your film for a long time. And it was incredibly brave. You had thousands of hours of footage and yet you chose to keep in the Israeli Palestine heart wrenching conflict and tragedy. The AND. You knew it would be risky for this stupid ‘market’ and for certain audiences and yet you did it anyway. Both of you are brave and visionary and I thank you as a human and fellow queer:)” – Katharine, New York

“Thank you for an inspiring evening demonstrating what’s possible when people are willing to lean into curiosity and tolerance. I think you know I was raised Orthodox. While I love my observant family I have long felt a growing chasm between my life and theirs; my capacity for tolerance and theirs. What a gift to watch Amichai navigate different worlds and to be met with understanding and to meet others with generosity. The relationship between Amichai and his family brought me to tears. It gives me hope that divides can be bridged. What, if I may ask, led them to accept him despite the difficulty his choices must have posed in their strict observance? How did they stand up to the detractors? TREMBLING has always held a special place in my heart—it showed me what film was capable of and was one of the films that set me on my path as a doc filmmaker. Now I can thank you for the gift of Sabbath Queen. Wishing you so much success on this adventure.” – M, New York

“This is one of the most incredible documentaries of all time. I was in tears at almost every moment. The care and thought and wildness and steadiness has given us all a diamond. Thank you for sharing and crafting Amichai’s foggy path. I admire you so. what a triumph.” – Eisa, Brooklyn

“That was soooooo beautiful and powerful and epic. I need my parents to see it asap. You did his story, all our stories, justice. Thank you.” – Alison, Brooklyn

“what a stunning film and a moving tribute. I was so moved. So much in one story… keep thinking about it. You’re a beautiful soul.” – Jonathan, Connecticut

“I make a huge bow to you. This is a Master Master piece! You did it again! You have moved me so deeply with this beautiful portrait of such a great and special human being. I have cried so much and laughed as well. 21 years you have given of your life to create this monumental portrait of a Mensch! You have showed all these important facets of this special human being, who was ordained by the deities to become this special messenger of spirituality.” –Claudia, Amsterdam

“I was at your screening last night. I need more time to compose my thoughts but today in the fresh shadow of last night, I wanted to convey to you this: For a variety of delicate and nuanced reasons, the experience I had watching your masterpiece last night, Sandi and your life story, Amichai, pulled my heart from its conventional moorings and opened it up to the tenderest underpinnings of my soul. Thank you both and bless you both for that extraordinary experience. Until then, Kol HaKavod to you both and may your journey to share this master work with audiences continue to locate you in the presence of the deep love and sublime appreciation of your audiences and communities, and maybe the heavens too. You are both a gift to this world. Thank you.” – Samara, Los Angeles

“We've not met but you created this film, so you know a part of me. It took so much of what's inside of me and put it on screen. It was hard to watch without having a discussion or a hug afterward. I walked out alone into the dark. I grew up conservative and straight, so I can only imagine the rejection but I very much identify with the grief. I find services boring and uninspiring, the Jewish world insular, and I married a non-Jew who has no interest in learning about Judaism. The congregation, that questioned why an interfaith couple would choose a conservative shul, didn't "gain" a Jew in him, but they have in my daughter, who is Jewish only because of the welcoming spaces that are helping me teach her Judaism. My daughter is fourth generation at this synagogue where my grandfather was president, my parents were married, I was named, and I feel like a stranger there. Not that I was reflective enough to look, but no where have I seen such a balanced, honest, and raw portrayal of the tension between the holocaust, orthodox Judaism, today's atrocious war and the values of inclusion, equality, and peace that I so deeply value. The film grabs attention with the seeming dichotomy of the rabbi and drag queen, which is a critical part to the masterful storytelling, but it's about so much more. It's about the loyalty to the holocaust survivors, that Israel was meant to be a safe haven for Jews, but now has so much blood on its hands... it's about why rules and boundaries exist and the existential question about what it means to pick and choose. I am a three-day Jew from a long line of rabbis. Those questions exist within me and your film gives me a way to talk about it. Thank you for creating this, it's a gift to feel seen, and to find solace in others who are questioning what I'm questioning and trying to find a place within my own identity.” – Sha, Colorado

“Was there last night—still trying to find the words. BRILLIANT and so moving and speaks to much of what's going on right now in the world. Amichai Lau-Lavie's journey is so brave. And told with such vulnerability and intimacy.” – Jackie, New York

“Your film moved me to tears (twice), and filled me with hope. I don’t know how you managed it, taking us along on a decades-long journey of discovery, leadership, coming of age, spiritual growth and doubt and belief. A masterwork. Your audience truly loves you, of course we do, but the film stands tall on its own legs. Really nicely done, Queen. Thank you.” – David, New York 

“★★★★★  Phenomenal life-changing movie. I laughed a lot, I cried even more. Sometimes with sorrow sometimes with hope. Rabbi Amichai's commitment to embracing the uncomfortable and the yes and is beyond inspirational. He and Sandi are phenomenal people.” – Letterboxd, SadieBee23

“Thank you for such a beautiful and powerful film. You are the kind of doc filmmaker that truly makes me proud to be a doc filmmaker. You are such a good listener to your subjects and your heart is so open. It’s masterful. I hope you feel proud and happy! Mazel! ❤️” – Cristina, Brooklyn

“Congratulations on your gorgeous film. It was thrilling to see it, and so thought-provoking, yet completely enjoyable. Really captivating. Enjoy all of the compliments and adulation. You deserve it.” – Steven, New York

“★★★★½ It's such a rare joy to see someone both so like you and so unlike you represented on screen. This movie holds the distinction of having made me both laugh and cry. Vital, sinewy, and grounded in the present moment. I loved it.” – SweetAdzukiBean

“The film was so incredible! My husband and I were weeping. It was so touching and so well done, so nuanced and beautiful.” – Rachel, Los Angeles

“It's such an emotional, honest and humanist film—I was so moved getting to know Amichai and seeing his journey.  The time it took to make this film was well worth it, and seeing the situation that we're in now, in the world, in our personal lives, in the US and the Middle East, makes it so urgent.  I hope you can do as much engagement and work with this film as possible, it really deserves to be widely seen. You're a wonderful filmmaker and I'm so glad that Sabbath Queen is out in the world at last. It drops at the perfect moment in time.” – Claire, Los Angeles

“My wife and I stood outside the theatre after your film on Sunday. We prodded each other with questions, thoughts, opinions. We disagreed and agreed. Your film is deeply moving, so thought provoking. A loving gift to its intelligent, politically awake audience.A woven, timeless tapestry of Amichai’s very brave journey. You’ve taken us along on his ride which in so many ways reflects the questions, challenges, social and societal dilemnas, complexities we all encounter. Confusion in our own jewish existence that most of us can’t find a secure place to balance on. Thank you so very much for sharing your vision with us.” – Todd, New York

“★★★★½ one of the most important documentaries of this year. to get one thing out of the way: as a pro-palestinian person, i was very afraid going into this thing. frankly, i was afraid of seeing a propaganda-fest. since this film treats the israeli political system, i wasn't sure if this was going to be hailing their actions or criticizing them, so i was very hesitant on buying a ticket. if anyone else is experiencing this thought or fear, well... fear not. i implore you to go watch this film, because this documentary is very critical of the entire israeli system, as it should be.... it is a vital film that deconstructs and debunks a lot of issues with amichai and the way he was raised … the non-linear structure of this film really elevates this film, as you see amichai's growth with immediate effect. you see the past again when the future has already happened, and you can see how he's formed his path along the way and how he's come out of the religious system that is against his very existence. be it for just loving who he loves, being who he is, his opinions on gender equality or his fight for change…his testing, criticizing and fighting of the very broken, right-wing (ultra)orthodox-jewish system is admirable to watch. the way he rewrites the rules, creates a new community to welcome more jews (lgbtq+ jews, segregated female jews, etc.) than ever before and to show them love, is admirable. a huge workload he took on, just to stay true to the most important value of religion: loving one another... amichai's life is, at its core, a search for identity. who is he in this world, in his world? if only many more people had this kind of spirit… the documentary challenges your feelings and it's an unforgettable experience that one just has to see.” – verymaccyburger, Letterboxd

“It was so great seeing you last night. You were in high demand for good reason. You are a special filmmaker with a spirit and soul communicated on screen and in person. Mazel Tov on all of this work.” – Fran, Denver

“This film truly captures the transformative creativity that infuses the new spiritual communities we are building, the justice work that we are engaged in and the passion that allows Sandi and Amichai to keep moving forward over more than two decades to document the 21st century Jewish experience of countering the culture.  It explores with persistence what it takes to make change and helps us think about whether as catalysts for change we think it best to be outsider/insiders or insider/outsiders. And, it allows for the possibility that we won’t know the answer to that question (as Amichai says)  for “another 100 years.” I am grateful to hear and see this story now;  I need that long view now and I need that determination to “keep on keeping on” (as Bob Dylan says.) Looking forward to hearing the stories that emerge from people hearing and seeing this story.” – Shifra, New York

“What a wonderful movie you made. It’s deep, and complex—full of questions and ambiguity—and still with all the heart and affection for Amichai and his life and journey as you have had since you began. It was a great experience seeing how the film developed and grew in these last year(s), and how in the process you became such a mature and confident storyteller. I see in the film not only the beauty of time passing, but also of a filmmaker becoming himself in a new way. All to say, I was moved by both form and content in your work—as you disappeared from the text of the film you became even more present in the essence of the film itself.

I am excited for you as you now begin this new chapter, taking the film into the world and sharing it with audiences, but for now, know that you have made a film that will last in the world, and in all of us who see it. With love, admiration, and joy for you ” – Ira, New York

“Sandi created a a stunningly beautiful portrait not only of an extraordinary human being, but also of extraordinary paradigm shift that Rabbi Amichai has helped lead that is changing the world for all of us. And the moment couldn’t have been more ripe for this movie’s message of peace, inclusion, transformation, and passion. I cant wait for the world to see it.” – Jericho, Brooklyn

“I saw the most extraordinary film tonight at Tribeca Film Festival. It’s a compelling, thought-provoking and truly beautiful film about an extraordinary and extraordinarily complex man. I could not be more proud of you Sandi. What a blessing to bring this film to the world particularly at this moment.” –Richard, New York

“I have never seen a standing ovation before and after a film. So much outpouring of love for Sandi DuBowski on his 21 year in the making film that has birthed at a time when the world needs it more than ever.” – Jon, Los Angeles

“The film for me was a celebration of Judaism and the world we want to build. For many it includes a painful transformation. For many discovering their Judaism for the first time. We are so blessed for the hard work of so many building Judaism that helps liberate and celebrate all of us, However we come and whoever we love. This film is an expression of how long and difficult that path was, is and will continue to be. And how necessary and needed. That’s my Judaism.” – Gili, Israel/NYC

“I cried through most of it. Still have to digest. Couldn’t love Amichai any more. Sandi’s other film, Trembling Before G-d had also left me bawling. What an extraordinary voice Sandi has.” – Jesi, New York

“Both as a filmmaker and a human with a deep beating heart, I adored your profound and moving film. Congratulations on your epic, remarkable achievement. So much more to talk about creatively, formally, intellectually, spiritually, etc., but right now, I hope you are basking in the love and excitement for you.” – Elisabeth, Brooklyn

“As someone who shares deeply similar ancestral gifts, trajectories and devastations with Amichai as well as precious playful collaborations watching the film was an unimaginable blessing of validation. This film helped me to feel visible and less alone in my own precarious navigations of identity and spirit.” – Shoshana, New York

“I saw Sabbath Queen today and it really moved me to my core. 21 years in the making and something like 2000 hours of footage I heard! OMG what a feat. Amichai, you have held up a very important light that has been a beacon for many of us the darkness. Especially for us GenX Jews. This is about living in a world of “BOTH AND” instead of choosing one binary so many of us come from in our families of origin or faith. For me, also is about holding the non-binary in gender, faith, communities, packs, where we come from and who we are now or inside… all of which hit to my deepest core.” – Liz, New York

“This film will stay with me forever. I agree with the words of the Hollywood Reporter when they say “awe-inspiring.” Took my breath away over and over again. Beautiful work sharing Amichai’s life in the power, poetry and complication he lives it.” – Wendy, Spokane

“Amazing screening. Amazing story! It's rare to see in documentary films a story so whole such as this. At times I felt I was watching a whole life circle. I could see myself in it, I could see my father in it, my identity as an Israeli and as a humanist. The conflicts, the things that Amichai said, the changes he went through. Like you said, every frame and every sentence was taken into great consideration. Also, I admire the decision to use his brother as the countervoice. It's brilliant. Congrats on an amazing piece. You gave your heart into this work and it shows. It moved me. Thank you for the experience.” – Uri, Israel

“I don't really have words for the experience of Sunday night’s screening. It was truly a monumental moment on so many levels and I felt so joyful and lucky to be there. Seeing your beautiful film with an audience was so moving and your Q&A afterwards was a galvanizing call. I am in awe of you and what you've achieved” - David, Brooklyn

“I want to thank you for this wonderful film and night! I left with a heavy heart, but with a smile and totally optimistic about the future...” – evaslace, Los Angeles

“Sabbath Queen is an amazing achievement. You have a strong personal history and life, an incredible environment in which this is all taking place and a social climate like no other. Amichai is dynamic enough to hold 100 films. His story is evocative, and his work is beginning to wake up a deep understanding of what it means to have a voice in the world and it is a beautiful awakening. This tale, in all of its extremes is  painful and beautiful.  I wish you and the film all the best as it journeys into the world.” – Su, New York

“It has so stayed with me. This is what I think is SO IMPORTANT. You let us sit in the trouble. You acknowledge that people change over time. That political, personal, familial, religious life and choices change and can be changed. That we don’t know everything. That being a good person is hard and beautiful. That you and your subject are good, Jewish, queer, men and this is itself complex and mobile. That art is hard and good. I hope you are getting all you need and more from its life in the world.“ – Alex, Brooklyn

“I haven’t stop thinking about that extraordinary film. It was such a gift to see it and get to experience the evolution of it over these 15 years.  I was so moved by so much of it, but particularly by the relationship between Amichai and his brother. It is such a powerful message in this moment in history. And you told it so beautifully. Kol Havod. Wishing this movie is seen by millions.” – Melissa, LA

“Mind and heart completely blown. Bravo ❤️❤️❤️❤️” – Tab, New York

“It felt deeply personal for me in so many ways, including raising a bi-racial son, and it’s a beautiful film about living in the past, present and into the future. We so need nuanced timely stories in a moment where we couldn’t be more misunderstood as a people. Thank you for your artistry, activism, curiosity and enquiry. I know this important film is going on to have a long journey.” – Jenni, Brooklyn

“Thank you for your commitment  to interrogating the sometimes uncomfortable paths we must travel. Your film is beautiful, necessary and a gift to the world.” – Lisa, New York

“That was utterly spectacular. So powerful, so honest, so thought-provoking and so beautifully made!!! The film is a gorgeous, loving gift to the world and I am so happy i got to see it in the big screen!!” – Dan, Brooklyn

“Sabbath Queen shares a vision  of what Judaism can be—compassionate, challenging and welcoming!  It depicts rabbis listening, responding, growing and evolving. It is an invitation to live creatively intentionally, and joyously.” – Levi, Jerusalem

“YASHAR KOACH MAMASH! What you did is a tour de force—21 years of a true tapestry of life and your film stitched it together in the most rich and deep way that is its own new derech—may you and Amichai both respectively and together as rabbi-congregant, director-subject, and friends go from strength to strength on your own darchei noam. May God bless you and keep you. May God cause God’s spirit to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God turn God’s spirit unto you and grant you peace.” – Victoria, New York

“I watched Sabbath Queen. I didn't expect to be in tears (of joy) by the end. A remarkable portrait of a gifted individual fully exploring the conundrum at the center of human existence. Life is so precious, tender and short, our rituals and communities should draw us closer to joy, not push us away from one another—but how? The "but how?" is the challenge that is life. Breathtaking achievement.” – Kelly, Long Island

“I wanted to say that the movie is extraordinary. It was worth all the time and the rigor that you put into it. It is remarkable to see a spiritual leader who is so open about his own not-knowing, self-doubt, his path of constantly finding and losing and re-finding his faith, and the meaning of his faith, and of all faith. I could sense that his openness about all of that is not something that he naturally has at all—but rather it is a remarkable psychological and visceral experience you have created, from this person as raw material, that portrays a man living on the edge of bravery and uncertainty and trying to do the right thing and coping with all of the pulls of family, tradition, community, identity, and so much more. It is an incredibly relatable and human look at someone who has had (and continues to have) a most extraordinary and unusual life. I love how much is in the film without being stated directly in words. I love how we get to feel so many of the inner conflicts and the pushes and the pulls as we move through time and live this epic experience with your subject. I don't think I've ever seen something like this before, where past, present, and future are all simultaneously present. The magic of how you structured the film and interwove different times, and revisited key moments in A's life in different ways, adding depth every time, in such a rich experiential way, is totally unique. I feel like I am swimming in all of its layers still. Thank you for bringing your imagination intelligence and compassion to bear on this challenging and remarkable person, whose journey —and its ongoing trajectory—as you have so carefully shaped it has so much to teach us all.” – Lana, Brooklyn

“5 Stars! What a movie, what a guy! This is a must-see film. A radical project from a man with enormous power in his own life and that of others. Beautifully documented and told. One leaves the hall with a feeling of hope, and of having been part of a spiritual journey. Faith, hope and love, and the greatest is the radical force that is love!” – Sigrid, Bergen, Norway

“A stunning achievement—in scope, and in intimacy. The range of issues, the range of emotions… it’s a Russian doll of a tale, constantly surprising with each unexpected revelation/challenge/dream.  Obviously an incredible editing job, and a testament to your endurance and vision.” – Lou, The Berkshires

“I am moved, thinking, agreeing, disagreeing, discovering new paths of encounter, and then of distance too. This is strong and worthwhile. So, I only briefly say: these years of work you have put… they were worth it.” – O, Amsterdam

“I think this film is a miracle. It was made for this moment and you and Amichai are the two humans who are capable to create the bridge into a new reality.” – Craig, New York

“★★★★★  “Not everything that we’ve inherited is worthy of being passed on.” “This is the challenge of our lifetime: How do we reimagine our sacred traditions to achieve peace?”This was a lot deeper than I expected and I loved it. Really a makes-you-think piece that will stick with me.” – stefylynndo, Letterboxd

“I’ve just finished watching your epic film. It’s absolutely brilliant. Gripping and moving, incredibly timely (notwithstanding its 21 years of production!) and beautifully made.” – Teddy, London, UK

“It's so rare to see Jewish identity negotiated on screen like this, in a way that doesn't reduce it to only being about Israel, or only about trauma, or only about a kitschy cultural identity (yknow, bagels, salt beef, pickles, etc). It engages with the real spirituality, ritual, and mysticism of modern Jewishness, and we need more of that —negotiating who we are as compassionate justice-led communal modern Jews needs to be about the spirituality and the ritual as much as the social and cultural side, because the ritual and the deep inner life is so central to who we are and I think our continuity is sustained by that deep mystical connection to the world. And that's not about God by the way—we can be deeply spiritual whilst being God-optional, and I think the film captured that in such a special way. 

And what I basically mean by this is that I loved the film being about Jewish inner life as well as outer life, we don't see that in films. And I don't think there's serious engagement with Jewish politics possible if we don't acknowledge our inner life—someone like Netanyahu doesn't get that, nor do the protestors who insult Amichai in the film. They're all politics and no feeling. Amichai feels deeply, Jews must always feel deeply, it is what our continuity across thousands of years depends on.

And I love that you capture the constant questioning that defines us. The cliche is that we are people of the book, and we are to an extent, but we are more—we are people of the mind, of thoughts, of doubt and of analysis. And that means that nothing must stay still, we have always evolved and changed, and it's a painful process but it is essential. Amichai embodies that so amazingly! Including the pain. I feel so much pain as well as joy in the film, but it's a comforting pain, it's a shared pain. I keep thinking about that moment when Amichai cries because of the intensity of the prayers from the men opposing women praying at the Kotel. Their prayers come from pain, Amichai's reaction comes from pain. We could unite through compassion for the pain that we are all feeling, and that's what's happening now with Palestine too isn't it? It's so much pain, and it's essential, but it doesn't need to divide us.

And I also am so impressed with how you and Amichai take lessons from the past to learn for the present. It sometimes feels like every Jewish film needs a Holocaust section, to the point where it can feel so meaningless and throwaway. But in Sabbath Queen, the context in which you bring in Buchenwald is genuinely jarring and relevant to now, we really understand its place as this anchor in the life of Amichai's family, and then its power over them. Including its misuse (to keep out outsiders from fear of it happening again) unlike Amichai's use of it to motivate for compassion.

The film gives me hope that the Jewish people will prevail. That we'll adapt, we'll grow, we'll get past this moment of horror and guilt, to have an identity based on love, ritual and deep mysticism. That it's those things that connect us back through 38 generations rather than being connected by a temporary moment of genocide, hate and fear.” – Charlie, UK