As a long-time resident of Brooklyn and a follower of the intertwined histories of its diverse communities, I find “All God’s Children” to be a profoundly moving and enlightening documentary. The journey of Rabbi Rachel Timoner and Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman towards unity in their congregations is not just a testament to their courage, but also a reflection of the broader societal issues that we grapple with today.
Among the captivating characters in Ondi Timoner’s 2022 documentary, “The Last Flight Home,” is her sister, Rachel. As a rabbi, she lent a comforting, pastoral touch and spiritual wisdom to the mix of sorrows, joys, rituals, and soul-searching that characterized a family bidding farewell to their beloved elder, Eli Timoner.
In “All God’s Children,” Timoner provides a candid and heartfelt portrayal of her older sister, while avoiding overly emotional storytelling. However, this documentary isn’t a personal family history. Instead, Rachel Timoner, the senior rabbi at Brooklyn’s iconic Congregation Beth Elohim, collaborates with Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman, the prominent pastor of the equally renowned Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuy neighborhood, in sharing the limelight.
The institutions are only four miles away from each other, yet their leaders strive to bridge the deeper chasms of racial prejudice and antisemitism. “All God’s Children” tells the story of a Jewish woman and a Black man as they endeavor to bring unity in their congregations through prayer — this process is not easy — which makes this simple film profoundly significant and enlightening.
The two figures, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, share similar statuses in age and public standing. Sen. Schumer is associated with Beth Elohim, while Rep. Jeffries and New York Attorney General Letitia James have both visited Antioch. Each possesses an independent spirit. A rabbi at Beth Elohim once told a group of students, “God transcends gender.” It’s not unexpected that these two might embark on a path to deeper comprehension. However, there are instances where tensions in their budding relationship surface and risk disrupting their pursuit of communal unity. As one Antioch parishioner notes, “Love unites us, but our customs could drive us apart.” On several occasions, this prediction has proven accurate.
The histories of migrations — Black and Jewish — to Brooklyn are touched upon, the meaning of two different diasporas engaged. Pogroms and slavery, the Holocaust and the Red Summer that found Tulsa’s black community decimated, are reflected in familiar, still-wrenching photos and newsreel footage.
2019 marked the year when a film unfolded, revealing that Black homeowners in Bed-Stuy had fallen prey to “deed theft.” This deceitful practice enables outside entities to seize ownership of homes without the owner’s awareness, buy the property, and ultimately evict the rightful occupants. Regrettably, this tactic served as a weapon for rapid gentrification. Shockingly, such activity was not considered illegal in New York at the time. Given the ethnic makeup of Brooklyn, it’s worth noting that many perpetrators involved in this practice were Jewish landlords and real estate agents. The vast majority of affected individuals were Black or brown residents. As a result, religious leaders like rabbis and preachers felt compelled to intervene.
During their initial visit to the CBE (often referred to by its congregation), newcomers from Antioch perform a musical piece that involves waving flags. Among these flags is one that reads “Jesus,” which appears innocent but causes Rabbi Timoner and her deputy, Stephanie Kolin, to worry privately: Should they react in some way? Later, when Timoner addresses the combined group of worshippers from both religious institutions, the situation becomes a bit tense.
Still, they all persist, and after the flag incident, the congregations go on a shared field trip to D.C.’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. And while there is a shared acknowledgement of traumas rooted in the histories, the hurt and wariness of the flag incident hasn’t fully dissipated.
During the movie, representatives from both congregations pay visits to each other’s places of worship during their respective celebrations of Passover and Easter. The seder at CBE proceeds smoothly, except for some rather tasteless matzah balls. However, things take a turn for the worse when the Antioch service enacts its dramatic reenactment of the story of Christ, featuring his trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. Timoner queries fellow rabbi Stephanie Kolin, who is sitting discomfortably in a pew, “Should we leave?
Of course, there’s enough “not getting it” to go around. To read Antioch’s annual passion play strictly within the context of a long European tradition of antisemitism and “blood libel” is to perhaps miss a more People of Moses-resonant case of how that story of God’s love took hold in the lives of America’s enslaved Blacks.
In tense situations involving antisemitism and racism, it often becomes necessary to bring in a seasoned mediator who can facilitate discussions. This individual travels from Kansas City, Missouri, on multiple occasions, making her way to Brooklyn.
In light of the persistent challenges they faced, one might ponder aloud why Timoner and Waterman chose to embark on their journey with such a heavy emphasis on religion, a subject that has frequently fueled strife throughout history. Timoner himself admits hesitantly, “Perhaps focusing on shared worship was not the best initial move.
Reflecting on the movie’s poignant finale, I can’t help but ponder how those heartfelt exchanges may have never occurred without the shared experiences and missteps, including the devastating terror attacks by Hamas last October and the tragic loss of countless lives among Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government. It’s a powerful reminder that such encounters can foster understanding and empathy, even in the face of adversity. The film convincingly argues that the insights gleaned from two Brooklyn congregations and their leaders could be invaluable to many, offering a treasure trove of practical wisdom for fostering dialogue and healing.
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2024-11-24 01:17