By: Valerie Milano for Hollywood Times
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/4/2024 – Anyone familiar with Judaism knows the role tradition plays in it. Tradition in Judaism, known as mesorah (tradition or transmission), is a cornerstone that helps maintain continuity between faith and practice. This includes adherence to halakha (Jewish law), which governs religious, ethical, and social conduct, based on both the written Torah and oral teachings which has been passed down through generations.
Orthodox Jews view their practices as a direct link to the revelation at Mount Sinai. This connection symbolizes a divine covenant and ensures the perpetuation of Jewish identity. Alongside the written Torah, the oral Torah and rabbinic interpretations are vital in guiding daily life. The Talmud and other rabbinical texts codify and adapt these laws for changing times while retaining their essence.
Daily practices also hold an important place, from dietary laws (kashrut) and prayer to observing the Sabbath and festivals, rituals that reinforce spiritual discipline and community cohesion. There also is an emphasis on education, particularly the study of Torah and Talmud, ensures the transmission of tradition within families and communities.
This adherence to tradition reflects a balance of faith, discipline, and community cohesion, embodying the Orthodox commitment to living in alignment with divine will. It serves as the foundation for their beliefs and practices, ensuring a direct connection to the teachings of the Torah and the interpretations passed down through generations of rabbis, essentially acting as a guiding principle for living a life fully aligned with Jewish law (“halakha”) by strictly adhering to established customs and rituals across all aspects of daily life.
So, it may come as a surprise to some that a 39th generation Rabbi has blended these traditions into a ministry that includes his identity as a drag queen and a ministry that includes activism in areas like interfaith marriage and Israeli Palestinian peace efforts.
Sabbath Queen, a feature-length documentary film from director Sandi DuBowski explores the 21-year journey of Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, capturing his struggles with faith, identity, and tradition as he transitions from an Orthodox rabbinical heir to a groundbreaking queer spiritual leader.
The film looks at his creation of Lab/Shul, a God-optional, artist-driven congregation and his drag persona as Rebbetzin Hadassah, as well as highlighting his personal and spiritual evolution, reflecting on themes of inclusivity, modern Jewish identity, and cultural reinvention.
