ARTICLE
Falmouth Jewish Congregation invites all to its Fall Out-of-the-Box Shabbat, an alternative Shabbat experience that emphasize community, socializing, learning, and culture, in addition to the usual worship. The evening begins at 7:30 P.M. with a Shabbat service lasting less than half an hour (including recitation of Kaddish). Afterwards we will take time to enjoy each other’s company during a special dessert reception. Finally, we will view the award-winning, fabulous short film, Women in Sink (Directed by Iris Zaki, 2015 / 38 min.) that brings a freshness to its directing and its engagement of modern Israeli society. The northern Israeli city of Haifa is home to Fifi’s, a popular hair salon. Like many of her clients, Fifi, the owner, is an Arab Christian, but her loyal clientele also includes many Jewish women. Although they may live separately elsewhere in the country, Jews, Muslims and Christians all come together in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this local melting pot. The Israeli filmmaker Iris Zaki placed her camera above the washbasin where she gives the salon clients a sustained hair washing and head massage, and then asked them questions about their lives and the current political situation. The women come from different generations and backgrounds, and their opinions about life in Haifa and Israel vary widely, but what they have in common is their genuineness, candor and humanity. The static, minimal close-ups keep the focus on the subject – on the tough, wise and often hope-filled stories. In between the conversations, sequences showing the salon’s goings-on offer a lighter note. In the end, even Zaki lays her own head in the basin, confiding that directing the film made her feel hopeful as well. The further we’re removed from politics, the easier it gets to live together. This film is in Hebrew with English subtitles. Visit the website to learn more about Falmouth Jewish Congregation, a vibrant, egalitarian Reform congregation, welcoming to all and serving the Upper Cape and beyond: www.falmouthjewish.org. The congregation is located at 7 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth.