Sabbath Queen

Florida Premiere

Breathtaking in scope and deeply personal, Sabbath Queen is an extraordinary 21-year cinematic journey that follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie's epic story as the dynastic heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis, including the Chief Rabbis of Israel. Grappling with the powerful pull of ancestral legacy, Amichai must choose between becoming the leader his lineage has prepared him to be, or fully embracing his queer, progressive identity as a champion for a more inclusive and affirming Judaism.

Guided by the award-winning director Sandi DuBowski (Trembling Before G-D), Sabbath Queen unfolds as a transformative life journey and cinematic quest that pushes the boundaries of Judaism in the 21st century. Through a raw and honest lens, the film poignantly explores the possibilities and limitations of transforming faith from within a system bound by centuries of tradition, following Amichai as he embraces new identities, including his drag persona, the irreverent Hadassah Gross—an ageless rabbi’s wife and Holocaust survivor—who becomes both a spiritual expression and a rallying cry for progressive inclusion.

Inviting audiences into the life of a queer icon striving to bridge two worlds, Sabbath Queen is a powerful exploration of faith, family, and self in a time of change. Offering unparalleled access to Amichai’s intimate and complex journey, the film captures his dedication to reshaping Judaism with fierce love and integrity—whether from the outside or within. In a world where spirituality and gender expression converge, this urgent and timely film asks: can Judaism evolve with the times while preserving its core? And can one visionary rabbi truly redefine what it means to have faith in the 21st century?

This special premiere event is hosted outdoors, under the stars and will feature the attendance of director Sandi Dubowski and film subject Amichai Lau-Lavie, who will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A after the screening.