Original subtitles

A film by: Erez Tadmor

Matchmaking

He's about 1.76, 7 meters. Slim.

A good-looking guy. Very good looking.

He's a sharp fellow, a wunderkind.

Righteous, diligent,

sensitive, thoughtful,

a Mensch.

But when push comes to shove, he can stand his ground, sure he can.

I said sharp, didn't I?

Not the athletic type,

but not an ounce of fat on him, thank God.

Now, let's talk parents.

The father studied in Hebron, Givat Mordechai,

a descendent of Bernstein, the Rabbis from Grodno, Lithuania.

The mother is the granddaughter of Steinberg,

may he be well and live

to see 120 and so on and so on.

All I'm saying is there's a nice inheritance waiting there.

She's a graduate of the old Gateshead seminar.

And let's just say they weren't running after her

only because she was a Steinberg,

she was easy on the eyes, too.

Back to the boy, you do realize we're talking

about the crème de la crème.

Of course, you're 100% right,

absolutely.

No, they don't work,

God forbid.

They're up to their ears in inheritance.

Come, take a shower.

Great pedigree.

They get matched with the best families in Bnei Brak.

Go, in the shower.

Every match is on the spot.

One sec.

Hello.

Hello.

My mom needs her wig.

How old are you now?

Fifteen.

There's time.

One minute.

Why was he snooping around here?

He was asking himself how many dates we've been on.

How many would you say?

Two, at least.

It's actually not as stressful as I thought it would be.

Good, on one hand, don't stress out,

on the other hand, don't get used to it.

Why not?

Because it means

we've sat in this lobby too many times

at too many meetings

and we've gotten used to it.

It's a bit more stressful than I thought.

It wasn't my intention.

Want some water?

Did you find the house easily?

Good.

You're the sixth child in your family, right?

Sorry about that.

He's a dwarf.

She's an angel. A princess.

Precisely.

A princess needs a prince.

The best there is, an Ashkenazi.

Not some second-rate riffraff.

But why so short?

He didn't even reach her shoulder.

Did you see he was wearing shoe lifts?

He's physically short, not spiritually.

So, matza or motzeh? (find or found)

Good night.

How did it go?

It's all good.

All the best.

Let's hear it.

What's wrong with this one?

He doesn't talk.

What do you mean, he doesn't talk?

He doesn't talk.

He doesn't talk or doesn't talk?

Doesn't talk.

He kept quiet.

Didn't say a word?

Nothing.

Not a single word?

Nothing.

You'd prefer a husband who can't stop talking?

Like you.

Dad, you know I'll meet

whoever you tell me to,

but the least he could do is talk.

Great, Rahamim.

And not a word about his height...

Aharon, your yarmulke!

Did you wait for her or did she wait for you?

I waited for her.

What did she eat?

First date,

she didn't eat, only drank.

So how would you sum it up?

Nice, pretty.

- No reason to rule her out. - Great.

He's ruling another one out over nothing.

Something's bugging me.

I don't know what.

Who indicated that the date was over?

- Did you take her home in a cab? - Yes.

But...

Judging by your smiles, this is at least your second date.

We're practically one step away from a vort.

Oh, engaged. Mazel Tov.

What's the meaning of this?

We were smiling, so that's what he thought.

A vort? Why would she say that? (engagement)

She explained she was joking.

Joking with a cab driver?

Wait, did you discuss a vort?

No.

It was just a joke.

It's no big deal, really, she's...

nice. Has a sense of humor.

Joking with the driver... Nice.

I'll inform the matchmaker.

Yes.

And that's what bugged you.

Oh well.

Elisheva.

I'll open the door.

Moti, what are you doing home?

Did you get kicked out of the yeshiva?

Cat got your tongue?

Did you really get kicked out?

What? No.

You scared me.

Hello, Nehami.

Hello.

I say we go straight for Friedlander.

The American girl that the matchmaker was talking about?

That her principal, her teacher,

her classmates,

the shochet, the rabbi,

the grandmother's friend,

the friend who went

to grade school with the father, who am I missing?

What can I say?

Maybe it's from the heavens,

the whole cab story.

What?

The Friedlanders, from America.

America? I don't get it.

We've been offered Naomi Friedlander,

she's really something.

Kind, smart, beautiful.

There's a long line waiting for her

and out of everyone they suggested you.

- Want something else to drink? - No. - Water?

Moti...

Are you with us?

- Yes. - A very well-to-do family,

I'd even say rich.

Not that we care about money.

Motileh,

if she's your beshert, (future wife)

- you'll be able to sit back and studyfor the rest of your life. - True.

My dad wants the best for me.

So you'll keep meeting them,

ruling them out after one date,

then meet another Ashkenazi jerk

and rule him out too?

Only until he's done

finding all the Ashkenazi boys

that are willing to meet me...

They should be grateful you're even

giving them the time of day.

I'll keep meeting with them.

Until there aren't any left.

Or until he lets up,

because I won't give in.

Then maybe they'll let me

meet who I want to meet.

Sephardic.

Righteous.

Nice, a real Yeshiva boy,

with a sense of humor.

And...

tall.

What's so funny?

It was you on the bus today.

"Then the Lord said to Moses",

"Take..."

- Isn't his voice beautiful? - It is.

Didn't I promise?

You did.

Didn't I keep my promise?

You did.

A descendant of Rabbi Mashash,

a sharp mind, hands of gold, a pleasant face,

and what a voice.

If he wasn't Sephardic,

he'd be perfect for the best Ashkenazi girl.

Let me think it over.

Sure.

Of course.

Muhammad, any more scrambled eggs?

Meir, open your mind,

You'll find there are other things to eat in this world.

I know, I make them.

My future father-in-law

wants a boy who will remain in the Yeshiva.

If I want to go out to work,

I have a problem,

he'll say it's mekach taus (a bad bargain)

So if I get 400,

I'm only half a disappointment.

I'm not sure it works like that.

If I get 400, it'll be a miracle.

No way.

What are you talking about?

Are you nuts?

We have faith in you, Meir.

You'll get at least 450.

I'd pay 500, no questions asked.

Aren't you going a little overboard, Meir?

Maybe we should have dates

like the Hassidim do.

"Hello, Meir, your vort is tomorrow."

That's it, done,

what do I need all this pressure for?

These dates are so stressful.

It's a nightmare.

I'm against mixing money and matchmaking.

What's the point?

You'll go against Moishe Gross,

your parents will ask

one apartment for you to live in

and another one to live off of,

Do me a favor.

Moti, you only look like a human being,

but you're actually a penthouse.

They don't know about the asthma.

They don't even know what it is.

Asthma.

So don't bring us down, Meir.

If you feel like you need a breather,

go to the bathroom.

But you can only do that once.

If you go

every five minutes,

you're better off with asthma.

Naomi?

Excuse me.

Jetlag.

What time is it in America?

An hour ago... six and half.

Would you like something to drink?

Ask her

what she wants to drink.

She'll say water.

Order two bottles of mineral water,

not one. Two.

You're not her brother.

Now, drink out of

a disposable cup,

not the hotel's cup.

Don't say the blessing over the water aloud, like some convert.

Whisper it, but so she can hear

and say amen.

Are you with me?

What?

Nebbish, (poor) he's not here.

One more thing.

Moti is in there too, on a date.

Pass by him,

make no sign that you know him.

Nothing, gornisht.

He'll do the same. Okay?

Baruch,

- will you stay here? - Yes, I'm not going anywhere.

And tell the cab to wait.

If I mess things up, I bolt.

If you bolt, Meir,

It's for life.

This is the last match I make for you,

don't ever call me again.

From here on end, it's nothing but divorcees for you.

Understand?

Goodbye and good luck.

The Golem of Prague...

So...

what do you enjoy the most at the Yeshiva?

I enjoy... the guys.

The Gemara.

What are you thinking now?

What?

In the Gemara.

You mean what am I studying now.

Do you like kids?

Would you like some water too?

Want some?

From your bottle?

Shall I'get you some?

Excuse me, where's the bathroom?

Over there.

I'm going to the bathroom. To relieve myself.

It's... that way.

She's going to run.

You think?

I don't think so.

Just wait.

Efrat!

Efrat!

Efrat!

Efrat!

"Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God..."

Did you tell him about the inhaler

and not to go to the bathroom?

Why don't we say in advance

that he's asthmatic?

It'll take off the pressure.

We'll set him up only with girls who don't mind dating asthma.

We might as well go with a convert.

Or are we not there yet?

I don't know, we'll see.

Bye.

That's my third failed match this month.

Why did I take on

this burden, why?

Dad, come on!

"These commandments that I give you today..."

"These commandments that I give you today..."

Rabbi Malki,

- since when is asthma a burden? - No...

Asthma is wonderful.

Tell me,

There's plenty of girls out there who can't hear in one ear...

Who have a prosthetic finger?

It's not a burden, it's two matches.

Rosenfeld's daughter has a prosthetic something.

Good night, sweet dreams.

A kiss to...

Daddy.

And Mommy.

You're trying to find a match. What don't you understand?

Didn't we say you had to be on your toes?

And no more dancing at weddings.

Your father-in-law shouldn't see you sweating.

It's not like I get invited

to weddings every day.

Look at you, how you dress, you're such a slob.

No one will want you like this.

If someone sits down next to you on the bus,

even if he asks you what time it is,

be sure to answer politely.

Who knows, he could be your future father-in-law.

You know that Mom and Dad ruled out

Shiener without even asking you.

What is this, summer holiday?

Don't you have any homework?

- Need any help? - No.

Sheiner offered 300,000 for you.

No way.

Yes way.

Dollars?

You wish.

Dad didn't get it either.

You don't get it.

300,000 including the wedding.

And furniture.

Well, isn't that wonderful.

What's wrong with Rabbi Mashash's great-grandson?

What's not good enough for you?

Out with it.

That he's a Mashash.

I can't believe you saw

Nadine's son

and didn't even think

of asking Nehami to check him out.

What for?

He's a Mashash.

What's wrong with them?

Are they not good people?

God-fearing people?

Have they ever hurt anyone?

Stole from anyone?

llana...

And he's not too bad-looking either.

Always has been.

And what a cantor.

Touched by God.

llana, my love,

what do I care if he's a cantor?

What is this, the Philharmonic?

Who cares?

What do you mean, who cares?

When Nehami goes to sign her son up for school,

the moment she says "Mashash,"

it'll be full.

If she says "Mashashovitz,"

suddenly there'll be room.

And it doesn't matter that Nehami is way smarter

than anyone in her class.

If you weren't the principal's accountant,

they'd never have accepted her at the seminar.

I just hope your plan doesn't blow up in your face.

I hope it doesn't blow up in Nehami's face.

All gone.

- It's delicious, Ahmad. - Thanks.

Baruch, got a minute?

Am I looking at a groom?

Mazel Tov.

Can you check something out for me?

About Friendlander?

What else is there to check?

Nehami.

She studies at the seminar.

You're dropping Friedlander?

Just check it out, so I'll know.

You'll be able to study your whole life,

an apartment, two,

and she's perfect.

Easy on the eyes, too.

This is as good as it gets, Moti.

Please stop and think.

What do you think I've been doing all this time?

What did you say her name was?

Ahmad...

Nehami.

Come on, Baruch.

Who else if not you?

Ahmad...

Just check it out.

You're the man.

I didn't agree to anything.

What does her father do?

Her mother?

Where do they live?

Nothing?

Nehami what?

brothers?

What should I do about Naomi Friedlander?

If she wants a second date,

you go like a good little boy.

Okay, thanks.

I'm going to study.

If Malki hears about this, she'll go ballistic.

Ballistic, Ahmad.

Baruch, take it easy.

First check this Nehami out.

Maybe she is his beshert.

After that, God is great.

You ruined my appetite, Ahmad.

It's gone.

In four seconds

you'll hear the bell.

Pretend to be talking to me

and looking at me,

but actually you'll be looking

at a girl coming out of the building.

The tallest girl

you've ever seen is her.

Are you sure?

You think you're the first father

who ever asked me about a student?

See that grocery over there?

See the lady by the oranges?

She spent the last 34 minutes

checking out the same stack of oranges.

It's the mothers' surveillance spot,

to check out the matches for their sons.

You don't say...

Get in.

Check it out, man.

The angle of your neck

tells me you're looking

at Nehama Berkovich.

She's two meters tall,

is he crazy?

Kalman?

Nehami.

Moti.

Hi.

How are you?

Thank God, fine.

How... are you?

Fine.

Please, have a seat.

They need to do some serious vacuuming here.

Then instead of sitting here,

we can leave the lobby.

Take a walk outside.

- Yes. - Yes. - Great.

This is a lazy eye.

See? This one.

Nowadays they put patches on adults too.

It's been running in our family

for five generators.

Generations.

Pardon me?

Five generations.

From my great-great grandfather

to my great-grandfather

to my grandfather

who passed it on to my father.

And, naturally, to me.

I'm the eldest.

- The eldest? - Yes.

Me too.

- Hello? - Malki!

The faucet came out of the wall!

What do you mean?

I turned on the water

and the faucet stayed in my hand!

The whole kitchen is flooded, come home quick!

Refael, calm down

and listen to me. Go downstairs,

right next to Lifshitz's door,

turn off the main valve.

What's a valve?

I don't know what a valve is, just come home!

I can't, I'm in a cab.

A cab where?

To the Reichman wedding.

We talked a lot,

even though her Hebrew isn't...

I did most of the talking and she...

I hope she understood me.

Are you yanking my chain?

- These "valves" caused a blackout in the entire building! - What?

What did she tell you about herself?

That she's studying fashion

and wants to start a line.

Haute couture. for Orthodox women.

Malki.

About Levstein... they have a screen.

No, not a computer, a TV.

I need to think it over.

You need to think it over?

What's there to think over, Moti?

You're meeting her for a third date.

We're not saying the vort's tomorrow,

but there has to be a very good reason to rule out Friedlander.

Isn't this your fourth match?

Fifth.

Listen,

I'm here checking out the Reichman girl.

In one word, could be better.

She's jumping up and down,

she's not right for this family.

Now Baruch, let's talk about Moti.

I want to see a vort.

He'll be happy, over the moon. Enough's enough!

You're right, Dad.

Enough with this nonsense.

Okay.

I have to go to sleep.

Good night.

Good night, Moti'leh.

Haya, tell me when the water turns off.

Okay, Dad.

- It's off! - Yay... yay!...

Thanks, sweetie.

Oy, God in heaven.

What's up, Baruch?

How did it go?

Fine, she's good people.

Definitely.

Did you find out?

- Look... - Now you understand?

I saw her, Mottkeh,

what can I say,

she's a good girl with a big heart,

good virtues, it's plain to see.

Every inch of her

is filled with grace.

but seriously, you want to rule out Friedlander for her?

Have you lost your mind?

She's already going on dates

and I'm going to miss that train.

You're on the train of your life now, you are,

and she won't be going on any dates in the near future, trust me.

She most certainly is going on dates.

Nope.

Who's lost their mind here, Baruch?

I saw her tonight at the Maccabiah,

With some lazy-eyed Kalman guy

Fifth generation lazy-eyed!

With Borovsky?

Come to think of it, he is her height.

You know him?

Then why say she's not going on dates?

Because she's not. They're waiting for someone from overseas who's her height.

Her height?

Are you crazy? She's this tall.

Is her name Berkowitz or not?

I don't remember.

- It starts with a B, but... - It's Berkowitz.

No, it...

Sounds like it.

I don't remember.

Good night, Moti.

Good night.

Moti, what's wrong?

Nothing, what could possibly be wrong?

Can I turn off the lights?

Yep.

Did the Friedlander girl show up?

I'll spare you the rest.

She's everything people say about her and more.

That's why you're so happy-go-lucky.

That's what the last girl I met with looked like.

Happy-go-lucky.

How can I help you, sir?

Lychee?

Do you know a student that goes here

A senior named Nehami?

Buy something and we'll talk.

Nehama, Nehama...

Nehama Aziza Biton?

She's a Biton, that Nehami of yours.

Aziza Biton.

I know.

Forget it, my dear Moti.

You're a goner, man. A goner.

End of story.

And you owe me 30 Shekels.

What are we going to do with him?

Nothing.

A couple days of mourning and it'll all be over.

Then he'll marry the rich girl,

they'll have a kid or two or seven,

and he'll forget.

Didn't you ever have someone special?

Anything?

Who can remember?

You don't like the food?

God forbid. Here, I'm-eating.

Moti'leh,

Bernstein and Biton...

don't go together. [Yiddish]

Seriously?

He told you.

There are nice Sephardic girls,

talented,

even more than our girls,

but Berenstein?

Come on...

Will you eat the same food?

No.

Will you recite Forgiveness prayers throughout the month of Elul?

No.

Agree on which school

to send your kids?

Absolutely not.

No.

Are you right for each other?

No.

Everyone knows what and who's right for me.

"You're like this, she's like that."

Because it works, Moti.

That's how your parents got married,

my parents,

all the guys here.

They built a home, a family,

what's so bad about that?

You think

I'd let my daughter

marry some guy from Nablus?

God forbid.

No.

Never.

They don't even speak the same dialect,

they don't use the same spices.

"The grapes of a vine with the grapes of a vine.

"A vine with a vine."

Understand? [Yiddish]

The Friedlander doesn't know about any of this.

Only me, you and Ahmad know what you had in mind

and me and Ahmad already forgot about it.

So you go in there like good ol' Moti,

try your hardest,

smile,

come out happy and whole.

Propose,

and in a year you'll realize you made the best decision ever.

Understand?

To Kfar HaMaccabiah.

Moti, you're going to choose the perfect girl.

Lift your head up, smile!

She's perfect!

What's wrong?

I can't.

I can't function.

I can't study.

I tried, I met with Friedlander, I wish it would've worked.

My future would be all set and I'd have peace of mind.

But I want Nehami.

Sit down, Moti.

Do you want to study Torah?

Do you want to dedicate your soul to the Torah?

Yes, I do,

I really do,

but I want to do it with her.

At least try.

Because without her, I have no soul,

so what's there to dedicate?

Friedlander will be a good wife for you, Moti.

You'll be able to reside in the world of the Torah.

Go to sleep, Moti.

Wake up tomorrow, calm down,

you'll see that all is well in the world.

Tell me what to do.

How can I meet with her?

The only Ashkenzai

that a Biton can get...

Don't call her that.

What, Biton?

That's what she is, Mottkeh.

Get it through your thick skull. She's a Biton.

Sorry, you're right,

she's Aziza Biton.

The only Ashkenazi that Nahami

- can get is... - Third rate.

You want Nehami?

Be third rate.

Start limping, pretend you have tics.

Now walk out that door, close it behind you,

goodbye, thank you and good night.

Would tics do?

No.

Tics alone won't do.

Maybe if you go blind

that would do the trick.

Then you'll arrange for me to meet with her?

If you go blind, sure, I got this.

A date, a wedding,

the fanciest hall in Bnei Brak.

Narcissistic jerk.

How easy it is to be you.

An old fart stuck here at the Yeshiva

with guys half his age for the rest of his life,

dispensing advice to people who are actually trying.

- Sorry, Baruch. - Get outta here, Moti.

- I didn't mean it. - Get outta here!

I'm sorry.

Did you hear about Moti?

- Did you hear about Moti? - What are you talking about?

Was he feeling okay yesterday?

He slept at his parents' house.

Baruch, what happened?

Okay.

We did an MRI, EEG,

an ophthalmoscopy,

an optical coherence tomography

and found nothing suspicious.

That's good.

Do you have an appointment for a CT?

- Tumor? - Wait, don't jump the gun.

Right now I want to make sure there's no intracranial pressure on the optic nerve.

Your bloodwork is excellent.

No sign of any illness.

You've never had any migraines, have you?

A serious concussion? No.

Do you drink? Smoke?

You people smoke a lot, don't you?

No, no, no.

For the time being

I want you to wear these.

There's one more test I need to do.

I have to ask you something.

Medically speaking, Moti can see.

- But he can't see. - That's exactly what I'm asking.

I specialize in eyes, not the soul,

but that may be the specialist this case needs.

Has Moti gone through any kind of trauma lately?

Stress, anxiety?

No, nothing.

Tell me, how can a person wake up one morning and not see?

Does he have THE disease, God forbid? A psychiatric issue you missed?

What do I pay you for? I thought you were keeping an eye on him.

It's your job to know if the guy's crazy,

It's Bernstein.

If there's anyone sane in this world,

smart, studious, virtuous,

it's him.

I have no idea what's going on here, Malki.

One minute we're in my room talking, the next--

What is it?

He suddenly can't see.

Can't see or can't see?

Can't see, gornisht. (nothing)

Lord have mercy.

He can see, just not at the moment.

Yes.

Could it be the matchmaking?

How?

Is it possible that your daughter,

Moti's sister, the next in line...

Elisheva?

Elisheva.

She has a good friend, they study a lot together,

Moti once asked me something about...

Ginger Shoshi?

- God have mercy. - No, that doesn't ring a bell.

- Nehama. - Oh, Nehami.

Nehami.

What about her?

I don't know.

Well...

may the Lord heal him swiftly.

- Amen. - Thank you.

See why he's not getting married?

It's his decision, so he pays.

But if the fire is caused by the hand of God...

Wait a sec, Moti.

Do you realize how many sins you're committing

every second you're doing this?

And in a Torah study hall, no less.

You ought to be punished by stoning.

Stoning.

You promised that if I go blind,

you'll help me meet Nehami.

You're a liar.

You're a liar and all of Bnei Brak will know you're a liar

and you won't get Friedlander or Nehami

or anyone, because you're a liar, who would want you?

- Liar. - Baruch.

Baruch, there aren't any cookies left in the jar.

Everything will be okay.

Huh, Moti?

Baruch, what are you doing?

There aren't any cookies left in the jar.

I'll fill it up for you.

Until you choke, amen.

By the hand of God, the owner of...

The owner of the plot.

All right.

Let me. So, on the left you've got your rice and beans.

On the right.

The left, dummy.

Your left, not his.

What?

Oh, right.

On your left you've got your rice and beans,

in the middle - mashed potatoes and on your right... left...

- Right. - What? Left.

- Why don't you tell him? - Stop it.

Come on...

Help him.

You help him.

You're next to him.

You're in front of him.

- What? - What? - Come on.

Ahmad, what are you doing?

Enjoy your meal.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

How do you think this will turn out?

Honestly, Ahmad,

he's not with us.

The guy's done for.

Done for?

What a drama.

You're a real smartass.

Nothing is done for.

Wake up (Yiddish)

Go do something.

Don't just stand there, go. [Arabic]

Did you close a deal with another matchmaker, is it a matter of money?

Malki, I follow guys all over the country,

I humiliate myself by digging through garbage

and you're accusing me of being greedy?

Why were you digging through garbage?

I didn't send you to dig through any garbage.

A widow, three kids, blonde.

Isn't that what you asked for?

He's in love.

With who?

Biton.

Who?

Biton.

Biton who?

The Moroccan girl?

Wow... So, wait, all this blindness business...

I don't know.

- Don't' I don't know' me. - I don't know.

- I said don't 'I don't know' me. - I don't know.

I don't know, really.

Are you crazy? Are you two in cahoots?

God forbid,

you think I'm some kind of crook?

Oh boy.

If I say anything, Moti's a goner.

If I don't, I'm a goner.

Actually, if I do say something, I'm also a goner.

- That's a fine kettle of fish... - Malki,

I really don't know.

He's in love.

He tried to fight it.

He tried giving his heart to Naomi Friedlander,

we fought about it

and one day he just woke up blind.

God have mercy, look what this boy

is willing to do for this Biton girl.

One minute I want to kill him,

the next, he breaks my heart,

Sometimes I think he's crazy and others, I envy him, Malki.

No, don't envy him.

I can't let this happen.

- I'm spilling the beans. I have to. - No, don't.

- No, you're not. - Is that so?

I'm telling you I am.

No, you're not.

I sure am!

If you spill the beans, Malki,

I've got some beans to spill too. Okay? I...

know all kinds of...

stories.

Baruch, what do you think you're doing?

Trying to make amends, Malki.

But you're wreaking havoc along the way.

Malki...

Here's what we'll do.

I'll go see him,

right now,

I'll grab him by the ear

and tell him that he has to fix everything,

- he'll go to therapy... - You're talking my ear off.

Where do I live?

- 30 Rabbi Landa. - 30 Rabbi Landa.

Do you trust me to fix...

- Malki... - Give me a break, Baruch.

Master of the Universe, have mercy on me and my kneidelach [matzo balls]

Kinderlach. [children]

Kinderlach.

"For she is faint with love..."

Blind?

How low can you go, Rahamim?

Have you completely lost your mind?

How much do you hate me? How much do you hate yourself?

He's Elisheva's brother, a genius,

t-h-e genius.

Kind, funny, great family, tall, handsome.

We couldn't have asked for anyone better for Nehami.

Has nothing to do with the fact he's Ashkenazi.

Honestly.

He's just blind.

Say, why did you marry me?

What do you want from me?

I'll tell you why.

Because all the Ashkenazi girls you wanted refused you.

That's why.

And you're trying to spare your daughter the same misfortune.

But Rahamim,

what does that say about me?

Am I your misfortune?

Just don't humiliate me, because I already said yes.

One meeting.

That's it.

You already promised Nehami that that's it, right?

I respect you, but...

What a beautiful face. [Yiddish]

So graceful.

You really are beautiful.

So what?

It's not like he's gonna see me, right?

Because he's blind?

- Shut up. - He's a great guy.

You're all dressed up because you deserve to feel like a queen.

You're making an effort.

You're respecting your parents in a great way.

And you're beautiful, my love.

I have an idea.

If you knock on the table like this,

I come in and walk him out.

I can kick him out too,

As long as he's out. Whatever you want.

Deal.

It'll be alright.

He's here, he's here.

open the door. [Arabic]

The only one who wants him here is you.

Or are you having second thoughts?

Welcome, welcome.

Come in, come in.

- Did you find the place all right? - Thanks to Eli, praise the Lord.

"Go and see which is the best path one should choose in life".

"Rabbi Joshua says: A good friend," and you have a good friend.

"When a friend tries to help him fix his flaws,"

"he is neither embarrassed nor angry."

"knowing that he holds nothing against him, and follows his advice."

You bring pride to the Jewish people.

Delicious! [Yiddish]

"A wellspring that loses not a drop." You know all that by heart?

A prodigy. Sharp.

Studies Torah night and day, no evil eye.

No eye at all.

- Come. - I'll come get him later.

All the best to you.

Easy, easy.

- Are you okay? - Yes.

Let's go to the living room.

We're good.

One moment. Here we go.

Would you like some water?

Yes. Thank you.

Dad, what are you doing?

Rahamim, get down from there!

Yes.

- Do you have to wear those glasses all the time? - What?

No.

I just...

Shall I take them off?

Can you?

Yes, I mean...

Yes.

What exactly happened to you?

Is there a name for this condition?

Is it temporary?

My condition is called... temporary blindness,

or maybe not.

We're not sure yet, so...

Sorry for being so straightforward, but is it temporary or not?

Can you see anything or nothing at all?

I'm sorry, it's just that I prepared for the usual questions,

"Tell me a little bit about yourself,"

"How do you like the Yeshiva?"

"How do you see your future home?"

You see?

Yes.

It's just, you said it's temporary, so...

is it supposed to end one day?

There's an eye expert coming to Israel, I have an appointment to see him.

And let's say you go to him

and he gives you a cure

that makes you better, God willing...

Yes.

Will you go back to your usual matchmaking dates?

Girls who are Ashkenazi on both sides, ten generations back, you know.

No. No, no, no.

I saw you in the lobby.

You were with...

Wow, you were really...

Now look how low you've sunk. You're meeting with me.

No, it's not like that at all.

But don't worry. It's temporary.

What's going on?

What do you think you're doing?

Wait, wait.

You have no idea what I did so I could meet you.

I give you five seconds before I yell Yanki.

You've been coming around since you were this big.

For years I've been hearing, Nehami is so smart,

Nehami is so brave,

Nehami this, Nehami that.

I live near you and don't see you,

like...

a blind man.

I go from one date to the next,

with wonderful Ashkenazi girls, 10 generations back.

I don't care about any of them.

None of them are my beshert,

you understand?

And I don't understand why. I thought

the matchmaker decides for you, that's how it goes,

but when I saw you with Elisheva at the door and you were standing there

It suddenly hit me,

it's you,

you're my beshert.

- What were you thinking? - How else would they let me meet you?

Who asked you?

I told an older friend how I felt

and he said the only way they'd let me see you

is if I were blind.

- So I'm blind. - But you're not blind.

I'm blind for you.

So they'd let me meet you.

I'm trying to figure out what you thought would happen.

Here, you met me. Now what?

What's next on your plan?

Were you going to stand under the canopy, throw your glasses in the air

and yell, "Look, I'm not blind"?

Under the canopy?

Chill.

Unbelievable.

Don't say anything right now, I'm begging you.

Just agree to meet me again.

What have you gotten me into?

Yanki!

Did you hear that? She called for me.

I'll tear him a part!

Yes, Nehami?

Yanki, get us some cola.

Okay.

Do you know for sure he's pretending?

One day he can see, the next he's blind?

But do you know for sure?

No.

Then, why worry?

If he really is blind,

there's nothing to tell, right?

- Everyone knows he's blind. - Right.

And if he's not blind?

Then he's pretending.

Why is he pretending?

He wants this girl so badly?

I guess.

And you?

Is it your job to stop him?

It's not that simple.

It actually is that simple.

No, I think I'll just drop the whole thing,

It's okay.

If she's his beshert, it'll move ahead without you.

What do you think you're doing?

I come to consult with you

and you make me feel like I'm dispensable?

Why are you doing that?

Malki, you're a matchmaker, right?

You're supposed to make suggestions, not decisions.

The Lord has a part in matchmaking too, you know.

But He sent me to guide.

- I'm a guiding hand. - All right,

and I'm advising you on how to do it right, that's all.

Refael, I have a headache.

Nehami'leh,

the matchmaker is asking about Bernstein.

He asked to meet you again.

No wonder.

He's digging his nails deep.

What nails?

Who wouldn't want to meet again with Nehami?

I'd say no thank you, right away,

but I wanted your approval first.

llana, forget about the flaws and think about the endless virtues.

I've been doing that for years

and it keeps getting harder, believe you me.

Wait...

About Moti.

Do you approve or disapprove?

Nehami, it's fine. Leave me out of this.

I'm not a factor in this.

Is that so?

I want to move ahead with Moti.

Another meeting?

Great, Rahamim.

Are you upset?

Never with you, sweetheart.

Hello.

Hello.

The Gemara says,

"A man is matched only according to his deeds."

What happens when a man's deeds are make-believe?

Pretend?

Does God still match him according to his deeds?

What do you think?

Give me one more date.

Then I'll tell.

Mazel Tov.

There are nuts in the cake, don't choke on them.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

When did you realize you loved studying?

Since you were a boy or when you went to Yeshiva?

For as long as I can remember.

I'm no genius

or a prodigy.

I just love it.

I enjoy it.

What is a prodigy anyway?

God gave me one blessing,

he gave Eli another blessing

and Meir a different one.

It's not exactly like that.

Even if God gave you a gift,

it depends what you do with it.

Is anyone forcing you to study?

Nope.

See?

If you say so.

But Nehami, if you really love something,

when you work hard for it, do you deserve a medal?

You're the one who should give a medal to to whoever lets you work hard.

To my mother, my father,

my future wife.

"Blessed are You, O Lord, by Whose word all things came to be."

You wanted a second meeting, you got it.

I owe you an answer, llana.

You told me 100 times, no one will say no to a Bernstein.

You asked me why I married you and you answered for me,

now I want to answer.

Listen to me.

I go to Hayarkon Park,

where we arranged to meet,

trembling with fear, doubtful,

what hadn't I been through?

- Insult, humiliation, as a Moroccan. - That old story.

So I prepare myself for yet another humiliation.

And then I see this beautiful girl

and my heart stops.

As God is my witness, it stops.

And I knew.

I knew then as I know now, my love.

Baruch.

God have mercy.

What are you doing here?

Same as you. Why are you so jumpy?

You startled me.

Give us a peek.

How do you see your future home?

Will you be an involved father or...

Of course.

What do you think about academic studies?

Do whatever makes you happy.

And what about Passover?

Because you Sephardics eat legumes...

You have rice for the Seder, God have mercy.

And hummus on matzo.

We'll celebrate Passover with my family.

I haven't said yes to any proposal, Which I haven't heard yet.

Shall we order something to drink?

Excuse me.

May we order?

Water.

Water. Anything else?

No, that's it, thank you.

Thank you.

God help us.

Do you want something to drink?

No.

I want a vort with Nehami.

Absolutely not, what are you talking about?

I want a vort with Nehami.

Out of the question.

I can't marry anyone else.

You can and you will,

there's no rush.

We must be strong.

You've been put to a very serious test,

but we're right behind you, don't give up.

Could you have married someone else?

What...

What's that got to do with it?

I'm asking if you two could've married someone else.

On the face of it, no.

As far as I'm concerned.

On the face of it?

As far as I'm concerned.

- What does that mean? - It means that...

perhaps you could have

married someone else.

The Bravermans wanted you very much.

The sole of my shoe is smarter than Braverman.

So as far as you're concerned...

Of course. What's wrong with you?

So I have to marry Nehami.

How can you even compare?

Moti'leh, it's out of the question.

Then why did you let me meet with her?

In your condition, it was the right thing to do.

But let's not rush it with the vort.

As soon as your eyesight returns, you'll feel differently.

- No, I won't. - You don't know that.

Yes, I do.

You're panicking because of what happened

and you can't make any decisions.

You know what we'll do?

You'll decide when you can see again.

Then I'm deciding.

What are you deciding?

I'm not blind.

I'm not blind.

I can see.

I was never blind.

What?

What do you mean?

I only said that so I could meet Nehami.

Nehami thought I was blind

and still agreed to meet me.

You lied to us?

You're not blind?

No.

I had no choice.

Moti, what's wrong with you?

Dear God, do you...

Do you see what we've been through?

Do you know your mother hasn't slept a wink?

All day and all night

we've been looking for a doctor who can cure you.

It's my future.

Don't I get to decide?

You're ruining us

and all your siblings' chances for a good match.

Then at least let me be with who I want to be.

It's all over, no Friedlander or anyone else,

only her.

She's smart,

kind, righteous,

strong, against all the stares.

She's the one I want to marry.

Then we won't be there.

He's not blind.

There's nothing they can do about it.

I'm with you to the end.

Not a day will go by

where we won't get that look

of, "Oh, she's the one who..."

"There's that Bernstein,"

and I admit that I thought about calling it all off,

going back to meeting guys who are more...

You know, something simpler.

And this plan of mine is right and good,

but you're not in it.

Here.

Have a sip.

Thank you.

What do you say, Nehami?

Will you marry me?

Yes.

I'm here to apologize.

I was told evil gossip about you.

I believed it.

I wanted to apologize right after I called off the vort.

But I didn't dare.

I was foolish and I'm deeply sorry.

What could they have possibly told you about me?

What?

I was just a girl, barely 18.

I went through a very hard time.

I was so humiliated.

People were gossiping about me from here to Bet Shemesh.

Nasty looks.

I was the one they blamed for your calling it off.

I'm not the same guy I was back then.

I'm sorry it took me so long

to come and apologize.

It's all for the best.

In the middle of that crisis...

because I became second rate, I met my husband.

Without that, they would've never allowed us to meet.

Because of that crisis, I had to...

learn to grow strong.

Who knows where I'd be today if...

If you'd have married me.

Can I have some water, please?

I'm glad you're happy.

- I truly apologize. - I forgave you.

A long time ago.

Who even remembers that?

Here.

Bernstein?

Careful, it's heavy.

Mazel Tov.

What?

Mom.

What is it?

The nerve.

Yossi!

Did you call for me?

Malki, it's Rachel Bernstein.

How are you?

Guess who sent me a Purim basket?

But it's not Purim yet.

I know, then why did I get a Purim basket filled with...

pickles, and guess what it says on it?

- What? - Mazel Tov.

For what? Do they think they can buy us off with pickles?

Wait, Racheli. Who's it from?

"Rahamim Pickles." What does that even mean?

Oh, okay, I need to look into that.

Malki, listen carefully.

You get paid for making matches?

I'll pay you to make this one stop.

I don't stop matches, I only build them.

You don't stop matches, you only build them?

That's right.

Okay, then give me your advice.

You know as well as I do this isn't can't happen. It can't!

Okay, let me look into it.

Yossi, that's dairy!

Think of something. We have to stop this madness,

Of course, of course.

Why don't you want Nehami?

Honey,

you have no idea

what Moti is doing here.

We don't live in a void, in a vacuum,

we live in the world of actions.

And we're sending this basket back immediately.

Except for the pistachios.

That killed me.

I thought someone was here.

No answer?

No one's answering.

Then they're on their way.

He can see.

Stop it, Mama.

They won't come.

Will they come?

How? You're Moroccan.

They'll come.

I sent them such a beautiful gift, they'll come.

- What gift? - From all the goodness of the land.

Dips, pickles, patties,

pistachios, arissa,

shallots, beets, eggplant salad,

- Thai eggplant salad. - I'll be right back.

Russian salad, coleslaw,

kubeh, kubeh hamusta,

vine leaves, hot sauce, green hot sauce.

How could they not come?

How could you do such a thing to your daughter?

Arissa?

You sent them arissa?

Moti.

Moti, do they like arissa?

What's arissa?

There you go.

- He's looking straight at you. - Mama, stop it.

Mom, Dad?

What is it?

It's Nehami.

Hello, Nehami.

Hello.

Why don't you want me?

God forbid, it's not like/that.

I realize I won't be having legumes for Passover

and that on the holidays I won't go to synagogue with my family,

and that I'll have to apologize my entire life

for taking Moti away from all the girls who were better than me.

I understand that.

I'm Sephardic.

What else do I have to do?

I was willing to accept your Moti blind

and you won't accept me?

Nehami,

you two haven't the faintest idea

what you're up against.

We have nothing against you personally.

Then come to the vort.

My mom made the most amazing date cookies.

And I made Elisheva's favorite apple cake,

right, Elisheva?

My parents are good people,

God-fearing people,

and they're all sitting there, waiting for you.

My brother, my sister and my grandmother,

and Moti really wants you all to come.

He called you, didn't he?

So please come.

It's me, Nehami, you know me.

It's not because of you, God forbid.

It's Moti we're mad at, extremely mad,

not at you.

You're a fine young woman, it's just not right,

let him go.

It's Nehami.

We've been friends since kindergarten, why don't you want her?

Who cares if she's not Ashkenazi?

No one ever cared, why does it matter now?

Dad, please go after her,

bring her back, she's crying.

Please, Mom.

Don't let her go home like that.

Don't let Moti wait for you.

They're not coming.

You went there?

Yes.

And I'm letting you go.

You shouldn't have to stay

with the legumes on Passover.

I knew it!

What did you know?

Blind my foot! Look!

He's not blind?

He's not blind.

He's not blind?

You lied?

Why on earth would you do such a thing?

He lied.

He's not blind.

Did you know about this?

Get out of here.

What?

He lied, he tricked us all.

Once a liar, always a liar.

Say, what about the Gerenter match?

Is it still up for discussion?

Are they still offering that apartment on Yehuda Hanasi Street?

You really think the Gerenters would have him now?

What are you saying here, basically?

Good family, around 1.76 meters,

slim, handsome,

a descendent of Bernstein, the rabbis from Grodno, Lithuania.

but sometimes, only sometimes,

he's blind!

An apartment on Yehuda Hanasi Street?

A doghouse, if you're lucky.

I hear you.

What are you doing here?

I'm here for the vort.

What vort?

Vort.

Moti, Mazel Tov.

Mazel Tov, Moti.

Mazel Tov?

Rahamim just kicked me out.

Don't worry, let me handle this.

Let me handle this.

- I'll handle this. - Let me handle it.

- I'll handle it. - I'll handle it.

- Moti, I'm handling this. - I'm handling this.

- I'm handling this. - No, no.

You came?

We're here to talk to Nehami's parents.

The vort is off.

Let's go home, there's nothing to talk about.

- No vort? - No vort?

Thank you for coming, the vort's off.

Rahamim, think about it.

This is a great opportunity, he's not blind.

Did you know about that?

He's not blind?

Come downstairs with me.

No, there's no vort.

Dad, Bernstein's outside.

Bernstein?

Take a deep breath.

Inhale, exhale.

What do you mean, no vort?

Have you no shame?

Me?

Your son is a liar.

Not only did your daughter drive him crazy,

now you're kicking him to the curb?

My daughter?

- Your son. - My son? Your daughter.

- Your son! - Your daughter!

- My daughter? - Your daughter!

I told him to do it!

It was me, okay?

What do you want, Yossi?

An old man

who lost his beshert?

Who lives in a Yeshiva, in a small room by himself?

So he went blind.

Blind to the rules, to the laws, to the opinions,

blind to everything, Rahamim,

except Nehami.

May the Lord give me this blindness,

his courage.

So if you want to get mad at someone, get mad at me.

It's my fault.

Leave Moti alone.

I'd rather have a truthful Mashash than a lying Bernstein.

Rahamim, please...

Take him.

We don't want him.

Take him?

- Who sent the Purim basket, us? - Purim basket?

He nearly killed me with that Givech of his.

- Arissa. - No, no, no.

If Motti wants a vort, he'll get a vort.

Go on.

Cat got your tongue?

All I want is to marry Nehami.

And what do you want, my angel? [Arabic]

What did she say?

Tell us. Is this what you want?

So what did she say?

That she wanted to marry him, too.

Then what happened?

Well?

The grandma did that tongue trill...

kululu...

Moti's mom passed out, don't ask.

And now what?

They're all sitting with the head of the Yeshiva.

We're going there now.

- All of us. - Let's go.

Malki.

I may have a new client for you.

Yeah?

He made a big mistake when he was younger,

so he remained at the Yeshiva,

and his younger brother waited and waited

until he couldn't wait anymore and got married before him,

so did his other brothers and sisters,

but the guy feels like he's made amends

and he's asking

if maybe you have someone for him.

He's 1.81 meters tall.

1.76

1.77

Deal.

Neither tall nor short.

I have a few ideas.

We'll see.

Let's go.

Amit Rahav

Liana Ayon

Maor Schwitzer

Irit Kaplan

Director: Erez Tadmor

Script: Hava Divon, Erez Tadmor Yaki Reisner

Executive Producers: Moshe & Leon Edery, Yaki Reisner, Shemi Shoenfeld

Producers: Tshaci Choen, Aviv Ben Shlush

Cinematographer: Roey Roth

Editor: Einat Glaser Zarhin

Music by: Frank Haim Ilfman

Sound Design: Yossi Appelbaum

Art Dierctor: Isaac Broza Wardrobe Designer: Carmel Meir

Casting: Lir Ben Ari Line Producer: Elance Diamant.

Title song: Avraham Tal

A production of: United Films, Reisdor Productions, ComeBack Films