Holy Wine

East Coast Premiere

In this stunning and provocative film, filmmaker Snow R. Shai interviews the crème de la crème of Israel’s winemakers, and the Israeli wine industry is revealed in all its glory with something to be learned by even the most ardent oenophile. From the ancient wine presses carved in stone to the vineyard-studded landscapes that grace much of Israel, the images in this film are a feast for the eyes. If you don’t think of Israel as a serious wine region, you will after watching this. The second part of the film covers the dilemmas of kosher wine production in Israel: Is it good for the Jews? Does it help the wineries in exporting wine abroad or harm their ability to break into non-kosher markets? Does the production of kosher wine harm the quality of the wine? Shai has taken his cue from a coterie of well-intentioned wine professionals who share their candid feelings with him and clearly, there is a divide between religious and secular. It permeates Israeli society and, not surprisingly, extends to the nation’s wine community. Like Israel as a whole, this film reveals that even wine can be a complex topic.

Accompanying the film premiere is a discussion with director Snow R. Shai and moderator Rabbi Alan Litwak, Senior Rabbi of Temple Sinai. To view the conversation please click here.