BARMITZVAHMAN319

BAR MITZVAH MAN
Written by
Suzanne Bressler & Max Kinchen
Based on the play
30 IS THE NEW 13
By
Suzanne Bressler
1-310-621-9830
Suzannebressler@Yahoo.com
1551 Edris Drive
Los Angeles, California
90035 WGA Registered: #1820752
1.
C.U. PIANO FROM ABOVE
A pair of old and weathered hands pull the cover off the keys
of the antique but well maintained piano. The player cracks
his knuckles, stretches his hands and puts his fingers on the
keys.
The player begins to play a Jazzy, Klezmir sounding free form

melody. It dips into familiar sounding Jewish tunes for
moments but then flows into something else.
The sound of a door opening and light, excited footsteps

approach, the hands stop playing.
GRAMPS (O.S.)
You want in on this, boychik?
A brief pause and then the player, GRAMPS (late 70’s), shifts
over on the keys, leaving a space open on the left hand side
of the keyboard.
Two smaller hands appear.
GRAMPS (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Remember the Adon Olam tune I
taught you?
A pause and then all four hands shift to the starting keys.
GRAMPS (CONT’D)
One, two, three, four...
All four hands start playing the melody of the classic Jewish
song, Gramps’ hands playing the lead with the younger hands
playing the accompaniment
The tune repeats and with every repetition the tempo gets
faster and faster. Finally, on the fourth go around, with the
hands moving at lightning speed, the younger hands screw up
and hit all the keys at once as the younger player giggles
uncontrollably.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY - 1995
9 YEAR OLD JASON stares admiringly up at Gramps.
GRAMPS (CONT’D)
Oh, what, was that too fast for ya?
How you gonna ever be a rock star
if you can’t even keep up with a
tempo like that?
2.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

I can play that fast...on my
guitar!
GRAMPS
Pshaw, guitar. Your cool Rock and
Roll’s got nothing on my buds
Beethoven and Bach, and they played
piano! And faster than that too!
Young Jason climbs off of the piano bench.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

Oh yeah?
Jason pushes past his Gramps, whose smiling, proud face we

see for the first time.
9 YEAR OLD JASON (CONT’D)

Tell me you’d rather listen to
boring old Beethoven after this!
Jason excitedly picks up the guitar sitting next to the piano

and pulls the strap over his shoulder.
Just as Jason is about to strum, a door opens behind him and

the stern, no nonsense, face of JEREMY (40’s) appears.
JEREMY
Hey kiddo, time to go.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

Aww, Dad!
JEREMY
Jay, I just drove 45 minutes to get
here and if we don’t leave right
now...
9 YEAR OLD JASON

But I was about to play a song for
Gramps!
JEREMY
You can play for him when you come
back this weekend. We’re going to
be late.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

Just one song?!
3.
JEREMY
Jason, I gotta get you to your
mom’s by 7 and it’s a 45 minute
drive.
GRAMPS
Jeremy...
JEREMY
Yes, Dad?
GRAMPS
He just wants to play one song.
JEREMY
I can’t set the precedent that this
is okay.
Jeremy scowls at his father who stares calmly but sternly

back at him.
GRAMPS
I’ll put him in the car myself.
JEREMY
Five minutes.
Jeremy walks out of the room.
Gramps grins at Jason and gestures for him to proceed.
GRAMPS
Now, as you were...
Jason stares after his father for a moment, on the verge of

tears.
GRAMPS (CONT’D)
Oh come on now, kid.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

He’s always not letting me do this.
GRAMPS
You gotta understand your dad’s job
is to do what he thinks is right
for you, not necessarily what you
want. A Grandpa’s job on the other
hand...
Gramps slaps a five dollar bill into Jason’s hand.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

Hey wow, thanks!
4.
GRAMPS
Now, that there is a down payment
on a reservation.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

A reservation?
GRAMPS
Yessir. Your first sold out stadium
show, I want a reserved front row
seat.
Jason beams and sticks the five in his pocket.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

You got it, Gramps.
GRAMPS
I’m holding you to it. That fiver
is a commitment.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

I know..
GRAMPS
Good, because I don’t want you half-
assing this. Know why?
9 YEAR OLD JASON

Yes...
GRAMPS
Because half assing is halfway to
an asshole...
9 YEAR OLD JASON

And that just stinks! I know! I
know!
GRAMPS
Hey, if I teach you nothing else in
this life...anyway, how about a
preview?
Jason adjusts the tuning on the neck one more time, then
prepares to strum.
9 YEAR OLD JASON

One, two, three, four!
5.
INT. STAGE - MODERN DAY
JASON (29) is now all grown up, rocking a shaggy rocker look
as he stands on a lit stage as he begins to sing a rock song.
His guitar still hangs off of him and as he grips the

microphone and begins to sing.
CONCERT/BAR MITZVAH MONTAGE
A) EXT. SYNOGOGUE - DAY -- Jason runs up to the door in a

suit that looks wrong on him, adjusting his tie as he runs.
He gets to the doorway and stops at the synogogue's logo with

a Torah on it. He stares up at it for a moment and pushes
his way inside.
B) INT. STAGE - DAY -- Jason, still singing, turns to his

bassist LARA (Late 20’s) She wears a black leather vest and
lots of zippers. She swings and easily handles a bass guitar
bigger than she is as they rock out.
C) INT. SYNOGOGUE - DAY -- RHONNIE (13), A tall, pretty,

lanky, tomboy dressed in a slightly ill fitting floral formal
dress is at the podium leading a prayer.
Jason sneaks to his seat next to his GRAMS (80’s), who wears
a classy sequin floor length dress with a matching blazer.
Grams hands Jason a kippah. Jason subtly shakes his head.

Grams more forcefully puts it in his hands. Jason puts it on
his head.
D) INT. STAGE -- Jason is beasting out a sick solo on his

guitar.
E) INT. SYNOGOGUE -- Rhonnie’s MOM and DAD wrap her in her

prayer shawl (talis) and then step back. She smiles and puts
it over her shoulders, hugs them and then walks up to the
Torah.
F) INT. STAGE -- Jason holds the microphone and looks to each

band mate as they take a short solo. MIKEY (20’s), on drums,
Lara on bass, and DAVE (20’s) on keyboard.
G) INT. SYNOGOGUE -- Grams and Rhonnie's parents stand on

either side of Rhonnie. They have their arms around her as
she reads the Aliyah blessing.
H) INT. STAGE -- Jason grabs the mic again.
I) INT. SYNOGOGUE -- Rhonnie, now alone at the podium, turns

the pages of her speech.
6.
RHONNIE
Alright, it’s Drash time. That’s a
speech for you gentiles in the
house. Hooray for religious
coexistence. Anyways, this week’s
portion is...
J) INT. STAGE -- Jason wails the final lyrics as the song

reaches its crescendo.
K) INT. SYNOGOGUE -- Rhonnie giggles as soft Sunkist gummy

candies bombard her. She shields herself with her talis. A
bunch of her friends surround her, dancing, smothering her in
a group hug.
INT. STAGE - DAY
Jason finishes the song with one final flourish and lets out
one last "Yeah!"
He throws two handfuls of glowsticks into the crowd but they

clatter to the ground. Jason looks out at his audience.
About 40 13-year-olds dressed in party attire stare back at

him in silent confusion.
INT. BAR MITZVAH RECEPTION HALL - DAY
Jason’s bandmates nurse drinks at a table.
Jason walks up holding two handfuls of shots. He hands them

out to the band members as he sits down.
JASON
Tight set guys.
LARA
Yeah, for 4:30 in the afternoon,
with an audience of 7th graders,
that was our best performance ever.
JASON
And you all bitched and moaned
about all that extra practicing.
The rest of the band murmur as they stare at the shot

glasses. Jason raises his glass, they all follow suit.
JASON (CONT’D)
To the ascension of Generic Brand,
the greatest band yet to be
discovered!
7.
The rest of the band reluctantly kicks back the shot. Jason
puts his glass down as he grimaces. Suddenly, Rhonnie
appears next to him.
RHONNIE
You guys! That was amazing! Thank
you so much!
JASON
Anything for my favorite cousin.
RHONNIE
And your number one groupie!
LARA
I don’t think you know what that
means.
RHONNIE
Right, right, your manager.
Lara chuckles at that.
DAVE
Sure thing, boss.
BECCA (12), comes running over.
BECCA
Hey, Rhonnie they need you for
Snowball and if you don't pick
Danny Rosenberg first...
RHONNIE
Ahh, Bat Mitzvah politics.
(to Jason)
How did you deal with this crap at
yours?
JASON
Well, Rhon, I actually didn’t end
up having a Bar Mitzvah.
RHONNIE
What, why the heck not?
JASON
Just didn’t happen.
DJ (O.S.)
Would Rhonnie the Bat Mitzvah girl
please come to the dance floor?
8.
RHONNIE
Okay, I gotta go guys. You.
You’re the best. It’s all you
guys. Bye!
The rest of the band eye her quizzically as she runs off.
MIKEY
Your cousin is something else.
JASON
Sure is. Alright, another round?
Another round. On me.
DAVE
Isn’t it a free bar?
Jason is already gone.
INT. BAR MITZVAH RECEPTION HALL - BAR AREA
A WELL DRESSED GUY, early 30’s, leans against the bar sipping
a drink while scrolling through his phone.
Jason approaches the bar and he looks up from his phone.
WELL DRESSED GUY

Hey! You’re the lead singer, ya?
Generic Band?
JASON
Brand.
WELL DRESSED GUY

Right. Right. Man, I saw you up
there. Wasn’t expecting a show like
that at a Bat Mitzvah.
JASON
Aw, thanks a lot, man.
WELL DRESSED GUY

No worries. Hey, you got
representation?
With a flick of his wrist, the guy has a business card in

Jason’s face:"RICHARD STEVENS- SLASHING EDGE RECORDS.
EXECUTIVE OF CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND NEW TALENT.
JASON
Slashing Edge Records?
9.
RICHARD STEVENS
Yah, man, yah, heard of us? Fastest
growing music and new media label
that’s out there.
JASON
Oh yeah?
RICHARD STEVENS
Yah, and we’ve got a brand new
revolutionary new model that
delivers your music straight to
your fans. No stores! Just you, to
them.
JASON
Oh, nice.
RICHARD STEVENS
We’re in talks with Halsey,
Flatbush Zombies, St. Vincent,
Haim... Ed Shereen.
JASON
Wow.
RICHARD STEVENS
Though really this model is
designed for up-and-coming artists
like y’all.
JASON
Oh, perfect.
RICHARD STEVENS
So what have you got? What have you
guys done?
JASON
Well, we’re developing our
following locally right now, mostly
smaller, prestige venues.
RICHARD STEVENS
What, like open mic nights?
JASON
No, no no! We’ve headlined and play
all around town. Also, we’re
finalizing the tracks on our demo
tape right now.
10.
RICHARD STEVENS
Oh, that’s great man! Once you guys
lay it down, why don’t you send it
my way.
JASON
Really?! Just like that?
Richard shoves the card into Jason’s hand.
RICHARD STEVENS
Send me something when you got it.
JASON
Oh, oh, yah. As soon as the demo’s
done-
RICHARD STEVENS
Can’t wait.
Richard grins again and then spins away. Jason watches him as
he goes.
Jason holds the card like it’s the holy grail. He looks back
at the table where his band mates sat, they are gone from the
table and heading for the exit.
Jason turns back to the bartender.
JASON
Give me three shots of something.
The bartender pours, Jason knocks all of them back and

excitedly runs out onto the dance floor.
INT. DANCE FLOOR - CONTINUOUS
Jason dances with Rhonnie in a semi-coordinated routine.
Jason notices his father eyeing him from the side of the
dance floor as he stands with Grams.
Without breaking the gaze, Jason walks over, takes Grams’

hand and starts leading her onto the floor.
He spins and dips her and she giggles. They dance as we
DISSOLVE TO:
E.C.U. COMPUTER SCREEN: PICTURES FROM BAT MITZVAH

11.
INT. JASON’S ROOM - DAY
Jason sits at his computer and scrolls through the pictures.
Clothes are all over his room. There is a big sound system
on one wall, a couple guitars on another, and a framed David
Bowie poster above the bed.
After scrolling for another moment, Jason picks up Richard

Stevens's Business card from the desk and puts it in his
pocket.
He puts on a pair of shoes, grabs his guitar and walks out of

his room.
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Jason walks out of his room into the hallway. There is shag
carpeting and dim, old photographs adorn the wood paneled
wainscotting on the walls.
As he rounds the corner he passes a shelf with tschochkies;

fake fruit, porcelain cherub dolls, a bowl of peppermint
candies, all sitting on top of ragged doilies.
INT. WIDE GRAMS’S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jason stands at the entrance to Grams’ living room.
Grams sits asleep in an upright position on the couch. She

snores as her glasses hang at the end of her nose and a book
lies open in her lap.
Jason puts the book on the coffee table in front of her then
picks up a blanket on the far end of the couch and lays it
across her.
He picks up a plate with some crumbs on it and heads to the

kitchen.
On his way, he passes gramps’ piano. There is a layer of dust

over the piano, which is now adorned with many framed family
photos. It appears to have not been played in years.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Jason carries the plate to the sink where the tea kettle sits
within. From the kettle, Jason looks to the stove and notices
one of the burners is still on.
12.
He glances back towards Grams, then quickly switches the

burner off.
He puts the plate in the sink, which CLANGS on the metal sink-
bottom.
GRAMS (O.S.)
Jason?
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jason runs back into the living room.
GRAMS
Oh, hi, honey. What time is it?
JASON
2:30.
GRAMS
Oh! You need lunch. Give me a
second, I’ll fix you something.
JASON
No no no, don’t you get up. I’m
fine, I gotta run to band practice.
Can I get you anything before I go?
Some tea?
GRAMS
Well, I don’t want you burning this
place down.
JASON
Haven't yet!
Jason kisses her on the cheek.
GRAMS
Your cousin will be here when you
get back. I trust you’ll have her
gift when she gets here?
JASON
I just gave her the performance of
the year!
GRAMS
Well, a card would still be nice.
13.
INT. BASEMENT - DAY
Jason walks through the door in the darkened basement. He

slings his guitar off his shoulder and pulls it out.
Jason checks his watch when suddenly the door at the top of
the stairs opens and Lara comes down carrying a baby monitor.
Lara stops at the top step when she sees Jason.
LARA
Jason?! Didn’t you get the text?
JASON
Uh, no?
LARA
Well, okay, but we decided that
after yesterday, weren’t gonna
practice today. And actually-
Jason makes a show of putting his guitar back into its case.
JASON
Okay, sure, fine. But moving
forward we gotta ramp it up.
LARA
Why?
Jason pulls out Richard Stevens’ card.
JASON
Boom.
Lara takes the card from Jason.
LARA
What is Slashing Edge Records?
JASON
The next thing in recording
representation. They’re a new
platform for up and coming media
artists like us. They are
revolutionizing the entire artist
to fan relationship by getting rid
of the store and delivering us
directly to our audience.
LARA
It sounds like they’re gonna put
our music on their Youtube channel
and charge us for it.
14.
JASON
No no no, I checked them out,
they’re legit. And this guy wants
us to send him a demo! And I know
we don’t have one yet but now we
have a reason to do it. And if we
split it four ways, it won’t really
be that much!
LARA
This one’s our big break, huh?
JASON
Look, I know they’re new, but
they’re in talks to sign Halsey and
they want us!
LARA
Halsey is with Virgin EMI. She is
not signing with Cutting Blade or
whatever.
JASON
I’ve got his personal number in my
phone!
Just then, Lara’s husband, SAM, (29) comes down the stairs.
SAM
Lara? Oh, you’re down here? I
thought you were-
JASON
Hey Sam.
SAM
Oh, Hey Jay.
JASON
What’s up Sam?
SAM
(To Lara)
I thought you canceled band
practice?
LARA
Oh I did.
SAM
So I’m gonna go check on Janie.
Good seeing you, Jay.
Sam goes back up the stairs.

15.
LARA
Jason, sit down. We need to talk.
Jason sits. Lara sits down across from him.
LARA (CONT’D)
Look, man, I don’t think we’re all
on the same page with this band
anymore.
JASON
Okay, I’m sorry for talking with
this exec without conferring with
you guys--
LARA
Jason, we’re just a bunch of law
school friends who play together.
JASON
But we could be-
LARA
No that’s all we want to be. Look
Jason...
JASON
Yeah, but we finally have a chance
to really make it! Everyone will
know our name!
LARA
So?
JASON
You’re really telling me you don’t
want to hear 60,000 people chanting
for us? That's what ascension feels
like!
LARA
Janie is teething and I’m putting
in like 50 hours a week at the
firm.
Before Jason can respond, the sound of BABY JANIE crying

comes through the monitor.
SAM (O.S.)
Honey, can you give me a hand up
here?
She starts heading up the stairs.

16.
LARA
I’m sorry I gotta go. Close the
door behind you?
Lara stops.
LARA (CONT’D)
Oh and this might not be the best
time but we’re going to have a big
dinner party in a few weeks if I
accept the Assistant DA offer...
JASON
Ohh, a party, how quaint and very
adult.
LARA
Jason.
JASON
No, no, I shall bring the finger
sandwiches and a nice shiraz!
Lara shakes her head and closes the door behind her.
EXT. LARA’S HOUSE - DAY
Jason walks to his car with his phone to his ear.
RICHARD STEVENS (ON PHONE)

Hey thanks for sending me your
digits. Really excited to work with
you. Can’t wait to hear that demo.
Get it to me as soon as you can so
I can play it for the big boss.
Don’t hesitate to give me a call,
night or day. Stoked to be in the
Jason Goldberg business, talk soon.
Bye Now.
Jason pulls the phone away.
JASON
Damn it.
INT. GRAMS’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Rhonnie sits at the table. There’s a big pile of envelopes

and small boxes before her. She types onto a calculator and
fills out a spreadsheet on a computer.
17.
Jason blows through the front door, Rhonnie looks up in

surprise.
RHONNIE
What’s wrong?
JASON
They frickin’ dumped me.
RHONNIE
Who did?
Jason drops his guitar next to the couch and starts pacing.
JASON
...And now there’s a record
executive who actually wants a
demo, but guess what? No band!
RHONNIE
Woah. Calm down, Jay. Sit down,
breathe...An exec wants to hear a
demo?
JASON
$350 an hour plus engineering fees
is not in my current budget!
Someone up there’s laughing at me.
Haha!
Jason turns around to look at the pile of loot behind him.
JASON (CONT’D)
So that’s the Bat Mitzvah haul,
huh?
RHONNIE
Yeah, who knew there’d be this much
math in the celebrating of my
Jewish womanhood. 10% for the
charity and then the pens.
Rhonnie holds up several pen cases in her hand.
RHONNIE (CONT’D)
It’s 2017, who gives pens?
Honestly Jay you’re lucky you never
had to deal with all this crap.
Jason cocks his head and looks forward again, an idea

forming.
18.
RHONNIE (CONT’D)
I’m gonna be writing thank you
notes for the next year and both
Mom and Grams say they’ve gotta be
by hand-- hey! That’s what those
pens are for!
JASON
Yeah, yeah, pens.
RHONNIE
And all I’m getting out of this in
the end is a big pile of cash that
I can’t even touch-- cause it’s for
college.
JASON
Yeah. That is too bad...
Jason stares at the box of invitations and thank you note

stationary.
He focuses on one finely scripted word embossed on a gift

card: “Bat Mitzvah.”
INT. WORLD WRESTING FEDERATION ARENA
The video is very grainy and flickered like an old VHS tape.
The crowd roars as a wrestler emerges into the ring. He

climbs to the edge flexes, waves to the crowd and begins to
speak, but when he does, we hear a badly dubbed voice-over
instead.
GRANDPA’S VOICE (MODULATED)

Hello, friends and family of Jason!
We know why you’re here, it’s to
see the biggest event since I took
down the Undertaker. He just
turned 13, he’s taking the WWF by
storm. And he’s here tonight to lay
a smack down on this party...
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and
Girls.... Put your hands together
for the man of the hour. The Bar
Mitzvah Boy, the bone crusher, the
menschiest young man to the ring,
standing at 5’1, 115 pounds of pure
Mitzvah Muscle. Jason Goldberg!!!
We pull back to reveal an old TV hooked up to a VCR in a

cluttered basement.
19.
INT. GRAMS’ BASEMENT - NIGHT
Jason sits in front of the TV. Grams stands behind him

holding a small box.
GRAMS
We were going to play it before
your grand entrance as a surprise.
JASON
That’s ridiculous.
Grams playfully whacks Jason on the shoulder.
GRAMS
Your Grandpa wrote and recorded the
dialogue himself.
JASON
Oh I believe that.
Grams hands the box to Jason. It’s full of leftover

invitations and decorations.
GRAMS
Look what else I found. We can
reuse a lot of this stuff.
JASON
The date’s a little off.
GRAMS
Well, we have Sharpies for that.
Grams comes over and hugs Jason’s shoulders, beaming.
GRAMS (CONT’D)
I just can’t believe you’re finally
having a Bar Mitzvah. I always
hoped you’d decide to try again but
as the years passed... Ohh! And you
can lead the Pesach Seder this
year.
JASON
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
GRAMS
But you’ll study your Torah again
and you’ll be a learned man in the
community.
20.
JASON
Ah, yes, and once I’m a learned
man, the matchmaker shall find me a
bride worthy of my stock.
GRAMS
You joke, but some of us would like
to meet our great grandchildren
while we can still remember our own
names.
JASON
Right, sure, now who do I call at
Temple Beth Zion to get on the
calendar for the week of my
birthday?
GRAMS
This coming birthday?
JASON
No, my 40th.
GRAMS
Well, for that short notice you’re
going to need a macher in the shul
to pull some strings for ya.
Someone who’s in good with the
board.
JASON
Oh no.
GRAMS
It’s a father’s responsibility to
help his son become a man, no
matter his age.
JASON
I don’t think--
GRAMS
It won’t be so bad, he’ll be
excited to help ya.
INT. JEREMY’S OFFICE
Jason sits across from his Dad who barely looks up from his
computer.
JEREMY
You want me to put my reputation on
the line at Beth Zion?
(MORE)
21.
JEREMY (CONT'D)
So you can throw yourself a party
because you didn’t have one 17
years ago?
JASON
No, Dad, that’s not why. I just
think, I’m about to be thirty...
JEREMY
Yes, exactly, you’re almost 30
years old.
JASON
Older people have Bar Mitzvahs all
the time.
JEREMY
Yeah, mainly converts and born
again’s. I can’t help you.
JASON
So then what am I supposed to do?
JEREMY
What are you supposed to do? Move
out of Grams' house, finish law
school, get a job. You want the
Community to acknowledge your
adulthood? Maybe act like an adult!
JASON
Are you really going to make me go
back to Temple Emmanuel?
JEREMY
I’m not going to make you do
anything.
INT. SYNOGOGUE LOBBY - DAY
Jason stands on the outside of the glass door labeled “Temple

Emmanuel.” After a moment and a grimace, he opens the glass
door and walks through slowly.
ROSIE (O.S.)
Jason Goldberg?!
Jason looks up to see ROSIE (60's), the receptionist, at her

desk.
JASON
Rosie?
22.
Rosie comes out from behind the desk and hugs Jason.
ROSIE
Jason G. As I live and breathe.
JASON
Wow, they still got you behind this
desk huh?
ROSIE
What brings you back here?
JASON
Uhh, if he’s available. I’d like to
talk with Rabbi Katz.
ROSIE
Oh, sweetie, he retired like 10
years ago. Didn’t you know that?
JASON
Don’t think I’m on the mailing list
after everything.
ROSIE
Right.
JASON
Yeah, by the way, about all that
and the way I left, I feel I owe
you--
ROSIE
Long forgiven and forgotten.
JASON
Well, since you haven’t tripped the
silent alarm. I’d love to talk to
the current Rabbi.
ROSIE
Let me see if one of our
prestigious Rabbis might be willing
to spare a few moments for our most
nefarious former congregant.
JASON
One of?
ROSIE
Oh yeah, we got plural Rabbis now,
we’re pluralistic.
Rosie winks.
23.
INT. RABBI SOLOMON’S OFFICE- DAY
Rabbi SOLOMON, late 70’s with a long gray-white beard, sits

hunched over at a desk with large dusty books of Talmud.
RABBI SOLOMON
You’re having a Bar Mitzvah and
preparing to enter the covenant.
This takes commitment. You must be
well versed in all the teachings of
the great Rabbis to come before.
He puts his hand on the stack of books and dust comes up.
INT. RABBI RICKY’S OFFICE - DAY
Rabbi Ricky’s office is sleek and cool with a “Believer”

movie poster hanging behind him. He’s got a ponytail, an
earring and a short beard.
RABBI RICKY
What even is a Bar Mitzvah? Why
this ritual? What does it mean to
become a “Man” in Judaism today.
Gender roles...
INT. RABBI SOLOMON’S OFFICE - DAY
RABBI SOLOMON
Rashi, Hillel, Beit Shami, those
are good places to start, but we’ve
got volumes and volumes of
commentary. You’ve got to immerse
yourself everyday. It’s the only
way to fully absorb the midrashes.
RABBI RICKY
Your coming of age in the Jewish
community doesn’t mean anything if
you’re not in touch with yourself.
You can’t know “God” if you don’t
know “You”.
INT. RABBI SOLOMON’S OFFICE - DAY
Rabbi Solomon starts piling books in front of Jason.

24.
RABBI SOLOMON
You’ll need the Shulchan Orech.
You’ll need Mishna Torah. You’ll
need the Torah of course and to
translate you’ll need the Brown
Driver Briggs.
The Rabbi drops the most massive book which now blocks him
from Jason’s view entirely.
RABBI RICKY
Orange on the seder plate? Screw
that, I want a pineapple! Why stop
at just women? What about
intersectionality on the Seder
plate...
INT. RABBI SOLOMON’S OFFICE
RABBI SOLOMON
Talmudic study, ideally 12 hours a
day.
INT. RABBI RICKY’S OFFICE
Rabbi Rick is holding Jason’s hands from across his desk.
RABBI RICKY
Ohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm.
RABBI SOLOMON
Baruch Hashem.
RABBI RICKY
Jew-bu.
RABBI SOLOMON
Moshiach!
25.
RABBI RICKY
Gertrude Stein!
INT. SYNAGOGUE RECEPTION AREA
Jason stumbles from the offices and shoots Rosie a

flabbergasted look.
ROSIE
I know. I miss Rabbi Katz too.
Jason pushes out the glass door.
EXT. PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
Jason walks out to his car, head hanging, dejected. He stops

in the parking spot next to his car, pulls out his phone and
scrolls to Richard Stevens’s number.
He’s about to hit the call button when he hears the sound of
screeching tires. He bolts out the way of a beat up hatchback
that pulls quickly into the spot he’d just been standing in.
Jason, phone still in hand, stares momentarily shocked as

JONATHAN ROTH, (late 60’s) jumps out of his car with a flip
phone at his ear.
He wears an old suit and speaks in a slight Brooklyn accent.
JONATHAN ROTH
They’re a bunch of bureaucratic
pishers! I’m going back in there
right now, we’re going to settle
this. I’m literally walking over
there now, don’t you worry.
He grabs his suitcase and takes off in a huff. Jason becomes

unstuck from leaning up against his car and watches after the
man barreling towards the synogogue.
Jason watches after him until he goes through the door and he
then notes the sign above the parking spot: “RESERVED: Rabbi
JONATHAN ROTH.”
Jason looks back down at his phone with Richard Steven’s

number cued-up. He turns his phone off and heads back to the
synagogue entrance.
26.
INT. SYNOGOGUE LOBBY
Jason looks around the lobby, but the Rabbi is nowhere to be

found.
Jason approaches Rosie.
JASON
Rosie, the man who just walked
through here, who was he?
ROSIE
Oh, uh, Rabbi Jonathan Roth.
JASON
Rabbi?
ROSIE
Oh, yeah, Jason, I don’t think he’s
who you want.
JASON
Why not?
ROSIE
I mean, he is a Rabbi in that he’s
ordained, but he’s not an official
Rabbi of this synagogue, we keep
him on as the Hebrew teacher.
JASON
But he is a Rabbi?
ROSIE
Yes, but Jason...
Jason already blows past Rosie and is down the hall.
INT. HALLWAY CONTINUOUS
Jason walks through the hallway and sees Rabbi Roth in Rabbi
Ricky’s office arguing excitedly. His voice is muffled
through the glass.
Rabbi Roth moves towards the door, Jason ducks to the side.
When Rabbi Roth comes through the hallway, Jason tries to
follow.
JASON
Hey, excuse me, hey?
RABBI ROTH
Yes?
27.
JASON
You almost hit me in the parking
lot.
RABBI ROTH
Maybe don’t stand in the middle in
the parking lot and people won’t
hit you.
JASON
State law says that any person
found to be using a cell phone
while operating a motor vehicle may
be found liable for any potential
injury or damages potentially
incurred in an accident involving
said driver.
RABBI ROTH
But I didn’t hit you.
JASON
Potential injury.
Rabbi Roth begins walking down the hallway. Jason follows.
RABBI ROTH
What are you some kind of lawyer?
JASON
No, thank God.
RABBI ROTH
Well, what do you want?
JASON
I need a Rabbi.
RABBI ROTH
Oh yeah? What for?
JASON
I’m having a Bar Mitzvah.
RABBI ROTH
Cute.
JASON
Thanks...
The Rabbi turns again and begins walking. Jason follows.

28.
JASON (CONT’D)
Wait, I’m sorry about the legalese.
I could really use your
help....Just hear me out. I didn't
have one when I was 13. I was
supposed to, but my grandpa died
and then it never happened and I
think it’s time to finally do it.
RABBI ROTH
Well thanks for the life story. I
wish you well.
They reach the Rabbi’s office. The Rabbi steps in but does
not make space for Jason to enter.
JASON
Um-
RABBI ROTH
Good luck.
The Rabbi closes the door in Jason’s face.
INT. SYNOGOGUE HALLWAY - NEXT DAY
Jason stands in front of the Rabbi’s office door again. His

arms are wrapped in leather tefillin, but he’s clearly done a
sloppy job as it is starting to unravel.
RABBI ROTH
You put that on wrong.
JASON
So show me.
RABBI ROTH
I know what you’re doing.
JASON
What are you talking about?
RABBI ROTH
I told you no. Now leave me alone!
Before Jason can respond, the Rabbi walks into his office and
closes the door.
29.
Jason stands outside a classroom door labeled 6TH GRADE.

He’s holding a to-go cup of coffee on a tray with creamers
and sugar.
Behind him, through the door window, a room full of rowdy,

unsupervised 11 year olds run amok. The sounds of their
shenanigans muffle through the door.
He looks up as the Rabbi approaches.
JASON
Didn’t know how you take your
coffee..
RABBI ROTH
Not happenin’ kid.
Rabbi Roth pushes past Jason and goes into the classroom.
Jason still stands by the door as he hears the bedlam

continue despite the Rabbi’s entrance.
The Rabbi quickly opens the door again and grabs one of
Jason’s coffees with a grimace. He collects himself and then
closes the door once again.
Jason is wearing an old, too big suit with a kippah on. He

stands in front of the office once again. He keeps checking
the time and looking down the empty hallway.
The Rabbi does not approach this time. Jason looks down the
hall as he hears muffled voices.
Jason wanders through the hallway, following the voices.
At the end of the hallway, he approaches a window looking

into a conference room. Peering in, he sees Rabbi Roth
sitting at the end of the table with Rabbi Solomon and Rabbi
Ricky on the other side.
Jason looks into the conference room and leans against the
door trying to make out the voices.
After a moment, he steps back as the Rabbi comes barreling

out of the conference room and down the hall. Jason gives
chase.
30.
RABBI ROTH
Definitely not a good time right
now, kid.
The Rabbi pushes past Jason. Jason chases after him.
JASON
I know you’re super busy, but maybe
I can help you, we can help each
other?
RABBI ROTH
Not interested.
INT. RABBI JONATHAN ROTH’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
The Rabbi heads to his desk and sits. Gathering a pile of

papers to him.
JASON
Come on, man. Let me be an asset
for you.
RABBI SOLOMON
No thank you.
JASON
I can help!
RABBI ROTH
Doubt it.
The Rabbi once again rotates away from Jason in his chair,
starting to fill out the forms from the pile in his lap.
Jason watches over his shoulder.
JASON
Applying for federal funding huh?
You know the 301c7 form gets
religious institutions a better tax
free percentage than the ol’ c8
form you got there. A lot of NGOs
make that mistake...
Rabbi Roth stops writing and slowly turns back around.
RABBI ROTH
And what do you know about it?
31.
JASON
Just what I learned in three years
of law school, focusing on non-
profit finance regulations.
RABBI ROTH
I thought you weren’t a lawyer.
JASON
Oh I’m not. But I bet I know more
than you.
Rabbi Roth considers.
RABBI ROTH
Okay here’s the deal. I just got
shut down on a proposal I’ve been
working on for months so now I need
to find a different source of
funding.
JASON
I’ll do it!
RABBI ROTH
You’ll do what?
JASON
I’ll help you apply for some other
funding and you bring the prodigal
son home.
RABBI ROTH
That’s New Testament. We don’t use
that one.
JASON
Well it’s a good thing you’re
helping me out, see?
RABBI ROTH
Okay fine, let’s do it.
Rabbi Roth shoves the grant application packet into Jason’s

hands.
RABBI ROTH (CONT’D)

But this better not be just to get
your family to give you a bunch of
gifts or nothing.
JASON
What? No, of course not!
32.
INT. SYNOGOGUE - HALLWAY
Jason walks gleefully from the office and pulls out his cell
phone.
TEXT TO RICHARD STEVENS: Hey Richard, just letting you

know...demo is in the works, send it to you soon!
Jason’s phone buzzes in his hand and Richard immediately

texts back: “Awesome, can’t wait to hear!”
Jason smiles, puts his phone away and pushes through the
Synogogue front doors.
INT. JASON'S ROOM - DAY
Jason sits at his computer with the application packet in

front of him. He’s clicking around on KeshetYachad.com as a
video is playing on the site.
NOAH (O.S.)
...by the time of my Bar Mitzvah, I
think I knew about myself, but
because this sort of thing wasn’t
talked about in the community, it
took me a long time to find the
terminology to even be able to
articulate that I was attracted to
boys. Well, I didn’t tell them for
another year. And when I did...I
haven’t spoken to my parents in 15
years. I think what hurt most was
that they made me believe that I
was violating the Torah.
KESHET YACHAD VIDEO
SARAH HOLLENBERG, early 30’s, approaches the camera as she

speaks she’s dressed in a professional business suit with an
ampersand pin on her lapel and a rainbow Jewish star
necklace.
She stands in front of a stylized painting of the Kabbalistic

Tree of Life symbol done in a rainbow motif.
SARAH HOLLENBERG
Keshet Yachat provides support and
information to Jewish LGBT youth
and their families.
(MORE)
33.
SARAH HOLLENBERG (CONT'D)

Our mission is to show that a
person’s sexual orientation doesn’t
make them a bad Jew or person and
help even the most observant of
families understand that, while
their children might be different,
they’re still beautiful in the eyes
of God. Because we believe no one
should be turned away from their
community or family because of who
they are.
Jason sits back from his screen. He thinks for a moment then
grabs a pen and copies a number from the screen to a scrap of
paper. Deep in thought, he stuffs the paper in his pocket.
INT. GRAMS’ LIVING ROOM - DAY
Grams reads on the couch. Jason comes up from behind her and
gives her a hug.
GRAMS
Oh, that’s nice...
Jason sits down across from her, Grams can see he’s visibly
upset.
GRAMS (CONT’D)
You okay?
JASON
I just, I know my life decisions
haven’t always made sense to you,
and, well, thank you for accepting
them, and me.
GRAMS
Oh, of course boychik. If they make
sense to you, it’s my job as your
grandmother to support you.
JASON
Well, I dunno if I’ve ever said...
thanks for that.
Jason hugs Grams again.
INT. RABBI’S OFFICE - DAY
The Rabbi drops a pile of books down on his desk in front of

Jason.
34.
He walks to his bookshelves and pulls out a few volumes of

the Talmud and adds them to the intimidating stack.
JASON
Look, Rabbi, I remember a lot of
what I did for my first Bar
Mitzvah. I think I’m just going to
stick with that.
RABBI ROTH
Oh, no, that was 17 years ago.
You’re different, the world is
different.
JASON
You want me to read ALL this AND
spend all those hours on the grant
stuff?
RABBI ROTH
Lo Alecha Hamlacha Ligmor, V’Lo
Atta Ben Chorim Lehivatel Mimena.
JASON
What?
RABBI ROTH
“It’s not your job to finish the
task, but you may not avoid it
either.”
JASON
It’s just an absurd amount of work
for one morning, and in just a few
weeks...
The Rabbi picks up the framed picture on his desk.
RABBI ROTH
You see this kid?
Jason examines the picture of a young boy about 10 years old

dressed in an old style little league baseball uniform.
JASON
This your son?
RABBI ROTH
Nope, I don’t have a son. That's
me.
JASON
They let Jews play baseball back
then?
35.
RABBI ROTH
Baseball is the most Jewish sport
there is... you can fail 70% of the
time, but if you’re a .300 hitter,
you can be one of the best.
JASON
This scrawny kid was a .300 hitter?
The Rabbi takes the picture back and puts it on the table.
RABBI ROTH
No, no, I never played more than a
few games. I was the back-up right
fielder.
JASON
Isn’t right field where they put
the kids they don’t want touching
the ball?
The Rabbi nods. He picks up the baseball.
JASON (CONT’D)
And you were the back up?
RABBI ROTH
Ever heard of Sandy Koufax?
JASON
Koufax was not a backup.
RABBI ROTH
No, he was a professional. Prepared
every day to play. And, him being
The Jewish ball player back then,
he inspired this back up to always
be prepared. Rain or shine, I was
out doing fielding drills with my
brother and and wouldn’t you know
it, that spring, my team was in the
championship. They had to play
everybody, so in the 9th, I was in
right field.
JASON
And lemme guess. Bottom of the 9th,
with two outs runner on 2nd, all
that practice paid off.
The Rabbi nods.

36.
RABBI ROTH
Joey Korbin hits a sinking line
drive to right that bounced in the
grass in front of me. I reached
back with everything I had and
threw a bullet right into the
catcher’s glove. Runner’s out at
the plate and we win the game. I’m
riding my teammates shoulders like
I’m Koufax himself.
JASON
Alright, point taken. I’ll read the
books if it ends the story.
Jason picks up all the books and puts them in his messenger
bag.
RABBI ROTH
Good. So read the commentary on
pages 161- 220 and start thinking
about what your Drash is going to
focus on...Where are you on that by
the way?
JASON
Well, actually I’ve decided to
write a song.
RABBI ROTH
I see. May I read the lyrics?
Jason points to his head.

Jason, I’m sure you’re a very
talented musician, but the purpose
of the Drash is to stand in front
of your community and say “this is
who I am, this is what I stand
for”.
JASON
Yeah, I’m going to do that with the
song. Before you...Can you let me
just...Can I just riff for you for
a minute?
Jason reaches down and produces his guitar.
RABBI ROTH
Go ahead.
37.
JASON
(singing)
Breaking idols, smash those ideals,
don’t bow down to false gods. God
is the only... God.
The Rabbi holds up his hand. Jason stops playing.
RABBI ROTH
Oh come on, Jason.
JASON
What? It’s a work in progress.
RABBI ROTH
I’m sorry, son, but it doesn’t
sound like there was any research
or thought put in at all.
JASON
No thought? This is an original!
The entire song is gonna be a
experiential spiritual experience.
RABBI ROTH
Not if it’s something we’re saying
I helped you with, it’s not!
JASON
All due respect Rabbi, if I’m doing
a song, I think you’re a little out
of your depth criticizing it.
RABBI ROTH
Don’t do a song! It’s a speech! The
words are what it is!
Jason throws up his hands in frustration.
INT. GRAMS’ LIVING ROOM- NIGHT
Grams sits on the couch holding the TV remote. Jason walks

in carrying a bottle of bourbon and two high ball glasses. He
pours two drinks then hands one to Grams.
JASON
Here you go, Blanch.
GRAMS
Thank you, Dorothy.
Jason sits down next to Grams on the couch, they clink

glasses.
38.
JASON
Thank you for being a friend.
Grams takes a sip, she notices Jason just staring at the

glass.
GRAMS
Something, wrong Dorothy?
JASON
Na, just press play.
GRAMS
What is it boychik?
JASON
It’s... it’s the damn Rabbi, he’s
giving me all this crap about my
Drash.
GRAMS
What’s wrong with your Drash?
JASON
Well, I want to do a song, and he’s
got a problem with that.
GRAMS
Jason, you know... not everyone
understands your musical
expression. And you have a lot of
talents. Maybe consider this is a
chance to try to use a different
one.
JASON
If he can’t get my music, it’s not
on me.
GRAMS
It’s not?
JASON
Well if he’s not getting it,
doesn’t that mean- I don’t want to
have to pander to him just cause
he’s the Rabbi. Music is how I
express myself and show who I am.
Why else would I do it?
GRAMS
You tell me.
39.
JASON
I don’t know, maybe this was a
mistake.
GRAMS
Boychik, would it really be so
terrible to just try one draft the
way he’s asking for it?
JASON
But it’s not--
GRAMS
No one is disputing you’re a
talented song writer. But why not
beat him at his own game and show
him how smart you are?
JASON
Yeah, but--
GRAMS
It ain’t gonna kill ya.
Jason considers and finally takes a sip of his drink.
JASON
Fine. One draft.
GRAMS
Huzzah!
JASON
Hell yeah.
GRAMS
Mmm oh, yeah by the way, you know
the clinic closes at 5 tomorrow,
yeah?
JASON
I’ve gotcha Grams.
Jason hits play and the first few notes of THE GOLDEN GIRLS
theme is heard.
INT. RABBI’S OFFICE - DAY
The Rabbi sits at his desk, leaned back in his chair holding
his phone to his ear.
40.
On the computer screen in front of him is a web page under

the Synagogue's heading labeled “Jason Goldberg Student
Attendance Record.”
The Rabbi holds the phone to his ear, knuckles white and
tense.
RABBI ROTH
Could you just pass the question on
to her, please? I don’t understand
why I can’t talk to her
myself...No. No. Yes I will
certainly be there. I am trying to
confirm, with her. Yes, Thursday.
Good. Thank you. See you then.
The Rabbi slams the phone onto the holder.
The Rabbi spins his chair around in exasperation ending up

facing the back wall. He looks up at a painting hanging
there: A black and white stylized Kabbalistic Tree of Life
symbol. He takes a moment with the painting then notices the
clock. It’s 5:05. Just past closing time.

Crap.
The Rabbi quickly rises from his desk and rushes out the
door.
The Rabbi walks quickly down the hallway. He gets to the main
lobby where Rosie is standing at her desk with her jacket on,
putting things in her bag and closing her desk for the day.

Ah, good thing I caught you. I just
want to confirm again that there is
no issue that I’ll be missing the
Thursday Rabbi Meeting.
Rosie sighs, closes her computer and rises to her feet. She
puts the last of the folders in her bag as she speaks.
ROSIE
I’ve told them once. Didn’t seem
to be problem.
RABBI ROTH
Please, just remind them again?
41.
ROSIE
Rabbi, they know and I think
they’ll be fine without you
Rosie steps away from her desk and walks past the Rabbi.
RABBI ROTH
Great, well, one more thing.
Rosie stops.

You knew Jason when he was a
student here, right?
ROSIE
Yes, I did.
Rosie begins walking again, the Rabbi trots to catch up with

her.
RABBI ROTH
The records say he didn’t finish
his seventh grade year. That was
the same year his grandfather died,
right?
Rosie continues walking towards the door.
ROSIE
Yes, suddenly.
RABBI ROTH
Were you there? Do you remember
anything about it?
ROSIE
Why?
RABBI ROTH
I’m just trying to find some way to
connect with this kid, and it all
seems to go back to that.
ROSIE
It was a traumatic thing, and the
school didn’t handle it that well
back then.
RABBI ROTH
Oh no?
42.
ROSIE
No, they tried to make it a
teachable moment. Let’s just say it
was not appreciated.
RABBI ROTH
I can imagine.
Rosie and the Rabbi have reached the front doors.
ROSIE
Yeah, he stormed right out those
doors, and never came back.
They look out the glass doors together.
INT. GRAM’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Jason sits at the couch with a packet of paper on his lap.

Pen in hand, headphones in his ears.
Jeremy sits at a table with Grams behind him in the kitchen

going over some paperwork.
Jason hits pause on the music player and scribbles something

on the paper.
INSERT: E.C.U. PAPER
Lines of biblical Hebrew words are printed in black and

white. Jason makes notations over the Hebrew words. These
notations very much resemble crude musical notes.
Jason presses play on the player again and scribbles another

note over a word. He leans in, studying the words closely.
Suddenly a hand pulls one of the headphones off his ear.

Jason looks up in surprise.
Rhonnie, still in her jacket, the front door creaking closed

behind her, stands above Jason.
Rhonnie puts the headphone in her ear and after a moment,

sneers and drops it.
RHONNIE
That better not be your new song,
cuz.
43.
JASON
No no no, I’m trying to learn my
Haftorah trope. I figure I can add
music notes like it’s a song.
RHONNIE
Wow, you’re really buying into
this, aintcha? I just memorized
mine.
JASON
I got no time, Rhon!
RHONNIE
Oh. Well uh, do you have time to
check out a new studio space I
found?
JASON
What?!
Rhonnie holds up a fluorescent green flyer for a recording

studio. Jason regards it, confused.
RHONNIE
It’s like $20 an hour cheaper than
your other place.
JASON
Oh, great great.
RHONNIE
So, maybe we go Thursday to check
it out?
Jason’s attention goes back to the Hebrew texts.
JASON
Hm, yeah, sounds good.
RHONNIE
Uh, good. Well, don’t work too
hard. I didn’t.
JASON
You didn’t?
RHONNIE
(Chanting)
No, for the haftorah, I fa-aaaaked
it.
44.
JASON
(Chanting)
Like thiiii-iiiis?
RHONNIE
More up at the end!
JASON
(Chanting)
Like thi-i-i-s?
RHONNIE
(Chanting)
You’re hopeless.
JASON
(Chanting)
You have nooooo ideeeeaaaa.
Jason picks up the Hebrew text. He starts to chant the words

to the same tune he and Rhonnie were just singing.
At the table, Grams turns to look at Rhonnie and Jason over

her shoulder. She smacks Jeremy on the shoulder and beckons
him as well.
They lean into the living room, watching the cousins chanting
together.
INT. RABBI ROTH’S OFFICE - DAY
Jason drops the fully printed and bound Drash in front of the
Rabbi.
JASON
Count ‘em! 12 sources!
RABBI ROTH
You’re late.
JASON
Yeah yeah, traffic, it’s worth it,
I promise.
The Rabbi reads the speech. Jason stares at him in silence.

The Rabbi periodically peers up at him from the text.
Once he’s done, he puts it down and takes off his glasses.
45.
RABBI ROTH
It’s a very serviceable summary of
the story and you quoted some very
interesting text, but, Jason where
are you in this?
JASON
What do you mean?
RABBI ROTH
You’ve shown me the precedent that
Rashi gives for Abraham smashing
the idols, but I want to know what
you think.
JASON
Well obviously Abraham saw that
idol worship was wrong so he
smashed the idol to kick start the
whole Judaism thing.
RABBI ROTH
Really? Is that really your
opinion? Come on, kid, dig a little
deeper!
JASON
Fine. If this story even did really
happen, he probably didn’t knock
those idols over as some epiphany
about monotheism...
RABBI ROTH
Then why do you think he did it?
Assuming it happened at all?
JASON
Well, he probably did it by
accident or something to not be
chewed out by his dad, he just made
up the stuff about the biggest idol
doing it.
RABBI ROTH
Ha! Yes! See, this is the first bit
of your opinion that I’m hearing.
Why isn't that in the Drash?
JASON
Why isn’t the idea that the story
about the creation of Judaism was
made up in my Drash?
46.
RABBI ROTH
Yeah?
JASON
Gee, I dunno Rabbi, I know a few
bubbe’s in the crowd who might not
like that very much.
RABBI ROTH
You think you’re smarter than
people who actually choose to have
faith in the Torah, don’t you?
JASON
What? No?
RABBI ROTH
Okay, let me ask you, when you go
to shul, who are you praying to?
JASON
God of course! I mean, when I went
to shul, before I knew better.
RABBI ROTH
And when did you come to know
better?
Jason shakes his head.
JASON
I don’t remember exactly.
RABBI ROTH
Was it around age 13, perhaps?
Losing your grandfather like that-
JASON
What?! That’s not even...How do you-
RABBI ROTH
But you don’t have any thoughts
about God’s hand in that?
JASON
No.
RABBI ROTH
Why not?
JASON
Because...Did you like, look into
me or something? No, no. We’re not
doing this.
47.
Jason starts to gather his things in his arms and then shoves
them back on the desk, storming out the door.
The Rabbi follows after Jason.
RABBI ROTH
Hold on. Jason, come please come
back for just a second.
JASON
Oh, you manipulative sanctimonious
prick.
RABBI ROTH
I’m trying to help you.
JASON
I don’t want your help!
RABBI ROTH
Jason, please. I’ve been there! I
know-
JASON
You don’t!
RABBI ROTH
You’re so angry, you know it wasn’t
your fault, but you gotta blame
someone so you put it on God
because there’s no one else.
Jason laughs, incredulous.
JASON
I’m not angry at God. I’m angry at
you!
Jason pushes through the front door.
EXT. SYNOGOGUE - CONTINUOUS
As the Rabbi follows him outside.
RABBI ROTH
I get it, okay. This is not
something you want to have to deal
with. Better keep that anger buried
down so everyone will think you’re
fine. I know...
48.
Jason spins and gets right into the Rabbi’s face.
JASON
Stop analyzing me!
RABBI ROTH
I wasn’t.
The Rabbi steps back.

I’m an old man. I’ve been around
long enough to lose people I care
about. You don’t ever feel like
you’ll get over it.
Jason bristles. Fists clenched.

But hey, you’re right, that’s me.
Maybe it’s not the same for you.
Who am I to say? I, I’m sorry.
JASON
Sorry huh?
RABBI ROTH
Yes, truly.
JASON
Okay.
Jason stands there tensely, unable to meet the Rabbi’s eyes.
RABBI ROTH
Okay?
JASON
Yes! What do you want from me?
RABBI ROTH
Come back inside?
JASON
No. I need a drink.
RABBI ROTH
What?
JASON
I could use a drink.
RABBI ROTH
Great! I’ll buy you one.
49.
JASON
Okay...
RABBI ROTH
Ever been to the bar in the back of
Artie’s deli?
JASON
There’s a bar in the back of
Artie’s deli?
RABBI ROTH
Yeah, c’mon. I know the bartender.
He makes the whitefish salad too...
The Rabbi starts walking. Jason stares after him. Finally he

follows.
INT. ARTIE’S DELI BAR - NIGHT
Jason and the Rabbi sit at the bar. There are multiple empty
glasses around them. They move and speak drunkenly.
They’ve been at this for a while.
Two glasses with a sparkling clear liquid are placed before

them on the bar.
JASON
What the hell is this?
RABBI ROTH
Cel-Rey gin.
Jason eyes it dubiously.

This is your heritage, son.
Jason takes a sip. He cringes.
JASON
That’s awful.
RABBI ROTH
The history of the Jewish people is
filled with suffering.
JASON
Yeah and we sure do love holding
that up as our point of pride,
don’t we?
50.
RABBI ROTH
You really think we Jews just
suffer so we can complain about it?
JASON
I don’t know, Rabbi. I’m just
trying to say this is gross.
RABBI ROTH
No no no. Jason lets talk about
this a second.
JASON
C’mon, I don’t want to talk about
this now, at a bar. At least let me
get a better drink.
RABBI ROTH
I’ll buy you the next round, you
tell me.
JASON
There are things worth suffering
for and there are things that
aren’t. And for all the misery and
suffering that we all put each
other through, an invisible sky man
that may or may not be there should
not be at the top of our list.
RABBI ROTH
Ahh, but the other side of the
coin, Jason... If it’s all just
randomness then the suffering is
pointless. Isn’t it better to
believe that there is a purpose?
That it’s part of a plan?
JASON
A plan?! Seriously, you’re a
critical thinker. You’re a smart
guy, you don’t actually think that,
do you?
RABBI ROTH
Why not? Helps me get through the
day.
51.
JASON
Helps you get through the day? So
it doesn’t matter to you that there
is no empirical evidence to prove
the Torah ever happened, but
because it gets you through the
day, you buy into it completely?
RABBI ROTH
That’s what faith is, Jason.
JASON
Oh, convenient.
RABBI ROTH
Son, if there was proof, you
wouldn’t need the faith. That’s the
point.
JASON
So, just accept the suffering in
this world, have faith that that’s
part of some God’s plan, because it
makes us feel better?
RABBI ROTH
Well, we can’t hope to understand
it all...but yes.
JASON
Well, if it is all part of God’s
plan, then God’s a Dick.
RABBI ROTH
How so?
JASON
Suffering, starving, natural
disasters... If that’s all part of
the same God’s plan who demands
blind faith, then if he’s real,
he’s a Dick.
Jason picks up the full glass of Cel-Rey gin, and knocks it

back theatrically, grimacing.
The Rabbi takes a worried glance skyward and leans away,

avoiding any potential thunderbolts.
ROCK MUSIC starts to rise, continuing to play over the

following scenes...
52.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Jason and the Rabbi stumble down the street, continuing to

chide and tease each other.
They pass a sign in front of a dive bar reading “Karaoke/Open

Mic Night.”
Jason gestures for them to go inside. The Rabbi shakes his

head. Jason pulls him in anyway.
INT. DIVE BAR - NIGHT
A) Jason and the Rabbi, with new drinks in hand, sit at a

table in front of the stage where a band plays. Jason rocks
out to the music, while the Rabbi sits stiffly with his arms
crossed. Jason tries to get him into the music.
B) Jason and the Rabbi are both rocking out now. Jason shows
the Rabbi how to bang his head.
C) Jason and the Rabbi are at the bar. Jason slams a shot.
JASON
Everyone is telling us we gotta buy
houses at this age, I can’t even
afford rent!
RABBI ROTH
Well, son, do you have a job?
JASON
I drive Uber sometimes!
RABBI ROTH
What about one where you have to
show up on time every day?
JASON
Oh, ride the same desk everyday for
40 years and retire with a gold
watch?
RABBI ROTH
Yeah, exactly!
JASON
I would love to! That don’t exist
no more, my friend! And when we
bring this up, you boomers call us
lazy and say we just aren’t looking
hard enough!
53.
RABBI ROTH
It’s not the boomers’ fault you all
expect everything handed to you.
JASON
Uh huh...
Jason pulls out his phone.
RABBI ROTH
Look, you’re not even capable of
maintaining a conversation with me
without getting on your phone!
Jason taps around on his phone.

What are you doing? Hashtagging?
Texting? Any meaningful
contribution to society?!
Jason clears his throat and reads off of his phone.
JASON
“Corruption is common, children no
longer obey their parents, everyone
writes a book”. That’s what’s wrong
with millennials?
RABBI ROTH
Who’s twitter did you get that
from?
Jason turns his phone around to show the Rabbi the source.
JASON
JStor. Written on an Assyrian
Tablet 3,000 years ago. I’m taking
a leak.
Jason stumbles away as the Rabbi watches him go.
RABBI ROTH
Hey, send that to me!
C) Jason is now on the stage, singing into the microphone

with the charisma of a rock god. The Rabbi watches and claps
and laughs.
Jason points to the Rabbi who shakes his head.
D) Both Jason and the Rabbi are on stage now. Jason sings a
line into the microphone, then the Rabbi does, matching, then
topping Jason’s enthusiasm and energy.
54.
As the is about to reach its crescendo we
CUT TO:
INT. JASON’S ROOM - MORNING
Jason is passed out in his bed as his phone rings. He stirs

and, still mostly asleep, grabs it and puts it to his ear,
groaning into it.
JEREMY (ON PHONE)

Hello? Jason? I’m outside. Get out
here. Right now.
JASON
Huh? What?
JEREMY
Not asking.
The muffled sound of a horn honking outside drifts into the

room.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Jason stumbles through the hallway as he shrugs a hoodie on.

He checks his phone as he walks out the door.
The phone reads: “7 texts from Dad. 4 Missed Calls Grams”
JASON
Oh, God.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Jeremy and Jason sit across from each other at a table.
JEREMY
You know your grams was expecting
you to give her a ride to the
clinic last night.
JASON
What? No. Her appointment is today.
JEREMY
It’s Thursday morning, son.
JASON
Oh.
55.
JEREMY
She’s fine. Maybe a little worried
you were unreachable all night on a
Wednesday.
JASON
I was with the Rabbi. We lost track
of time.
JEREMY
You and a Rabbi got blackout drunk
last night?
JASON
Yes, actually.
JEREMY
I don’t wanna know.
JASON
Okay dad, I screwed up again. Is
this the only reason you called me
out here? Because I’ll tell ya I am
too hungover-
JEREMY
We’re selling the house and your
Grams is going in an assisted
living facility.
JASON
What?! Because I missed giving her
one ride?
JEREMY
After you didn’t pick her up, your
Grams tried to walk to the clinic.
It’s 3 miles away and she got lost,
she was wandering for hours.
As he speaks, Jason reaches into his pocket and pulls out his
phone. He scrolls to Grams’ number.
JASON
I am so sorry that that happened. I
will never let something like that
happen again.
Jeremy reaches over and puts his hand on Jason’s phone,

stopping Jeremy from hitting “call.”
56.
JEREMY
It’s actually her idea. I think
yesterday was a wake up call that
she needs more care than what you
are able to provide.
Jason switches off his phone.
JASON
That’s convenient isn’t it.
JEREMY
She showed me the brochure!
JASON
Fine then. Your mother is suddenly
completely infirm. Take away her
house send her to a death waiting
room.
JEREMY
It’s the Leiberman house. Your
great aunt loves it there.
JASON
I’m sure.
JEREMY
Once we sell the house, you can
stay with me in my spare room.
JASON
Aren’t you worried that if I move
in with you I’m gonna take a stop
gap living situation and make it a
permanent free-loader deal like I
did with Grams.
JEREMY
You’re not going to be freeloading.
You’ll be making it worth my while.
JASON
How’s that?
JEREMY
The condition for staying with me
is helping me see a return on my
investment.
JASON
Oh, no no no, not this again.
57.
JEREMY
You go back to law school, you
finish your last two classes, take
the bar and see it through.
JASON
Oh that’s my choice is it? Sell
myself out, lose my soul or end up
homeless? That it Dad?!
JEREMY
I’m offering you a solution, son.
JASON
Same type of solution you offered
my mom?!
JEREMY
Your mom didn’t offer any solutions
back then! She just left, and I’m
sorry about that. I am trying to
help you now.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Jason, fuming, pulls out his phone. He scrolls to Richard

Stevens’ text messages.
TEXT TO RICHARD STEVENS: “Hey Richard, demo coming along,

would love to jump on the phone with you whenever is good to
discuss my ideas, let me know.”
Three dots pop up indicating Richard is typing, after a

moment, they disappear.
Jason stares at his phone for another moment before

dejectedly shoving it back into his pocket and starting down
the street.
Rhonnie enters through the front door. Grams is sitting at

the table.
RHONNIE
Hey, Grams.
Rhonnie slings her backpack off her shoulder and gives Grams
a kiss.
Grams pushes over a platter of cookies.

58.
Rhonnie takes one, takes a bite, then stops and examines the
cookie. Something’s off.
GRAMS
Maidelah, is there anything here
you might want to take for your
room?
RHONNIE
(mouth full of cookies)
Huh? Why?
GRAMS
There’s something I need to talk to
you about.
RHONNIE
What?
GRAMS
Well, you know the center where
your great Aunt Janine lives?
RHONNIE
The place that always smells like a
wet dog rolled around in nutmeg?...
Grams, no!
GRAMS
Oh, it’s not that bad. Jason’s room
smells worse.
RHONNIE
What are you talking about? You
can’t leave. You live here.
GRAMS
Yes but lately it’s become a bit
much for me to maintain.
Cleaning... Jason. Cooking for you
guys.
RHONNIE
Well, you don’t have to cook for
us. I just thought you liked to. It
always smells like fresh baked
cookies every time I come over.
GRAMS
Yes it does.
Grams gets up and walks into the kitchen. She returns with a
candle labeled "Fresh Baked Cookie Scent" and a box of Chips
Ahoy cookies.
59.
GRAMS (CONT’D)
I’m tired, Rhonnie. I hate to
disappoint you but it’s enough
already. I want to be somewhere
easy, where they cook for me for a
change.
RHONNIE
But...no...I’ve always come to your
house after school. I was supposed
to always.
GRAMS
Come on, Maideleh, this was never
going to be forever.
RHONNIE
But it wasn’t supposed to be done
so soon.
GRAMS
Welcome to being a grown up.
Rhonnie somberly takes a bite of cookie.
EXT. GRAMS’ HOUSE - DAY
Rhonnie now sits at the coffee table working on homework.
Jason storms through the front door and blows past Rhonnie
down the hallway.
RHONNIE
Hey! She’s taking a nap!
Jason ignores Rhonnie and stomps up to Grams’ door, knocking

on it aggressively.
JASON
Grams you up?... Grams? Can we
talk?
INT. GRAM’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Grams is sitting on her bed staring at the closed door.
JASON (O.S.)
Grams?
Grams sits in silence. She hears Jason’s footsteps fade as

he heads back down the hall.
60.
INT. JASON’S ROOM - DAY
Jason bursts into his room and storms over to his desk. He
grabs the large manila file folder labeled “Keshet Yachad
Grant App.”
He doesn’t notice the green recording studio flyer Rhonnie

gave him flutter down from the packet, coming to rest on his
desk.
He pulls the application out of the folder and thumbs through

the pages, which are filled out by hand in blue pen. He signs
the last page before shoving it back into the file folder.
Rhonnie looks up from doing her homework at the table just as

Jason pushes out the door holding the manila folder.
RHONNIE
Alright, see you later then.
Rhonnie gets up from the table.
INT. JASON'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Rhonnie enters and sees the fluorescent green flyer on the

desk. She picks it up.
INT. KESHET YACHAD OFFICE - DAY
Jason enters through the glass door and goes right up to the
receptionist desk. Jason notes that behind the desk is the
same Rainbow stylized Tree of Life symbol from the video.
JASON
Hey, how are ya? I have a grant
application I’d like to submit to
Ms. Hollenberg for consideration
for your services.
Jason hands the file folder to the Receptionist. She pulls

the packet out and reviews the title page.
RECEPTIONIST
Sure, no problem-
The receptionist stops at Rabbi Jonathan Roth’s name on the

title page.
61.
RECEPTIONIST (CONT’D)
Wait, is this Rabbi Jonathan Roth
from Temple Emmanuel?
JASON
Yes?
RECEPTIONIST
I don’t know what he or anyone told
you, but I can guarantee that
neither Ms. Hollenberg nor this
organization will be doing anything
associated with Jonathan Roth.
JASON
What?
RECEPTIONIST
I’m sorry we have very few
parameters for who we reject
applications from, but he’s at the
top of the list.
JASON
What? Why?
RECEPTIONIST
I’m just informing you of our
policy, maybe you can ask him.
Jason, dumbfounded, takes his application back and leaves the

office.
Rabbi Roth closes a few files and puts a Keshet Yachad

pamphlet in his briefcase. As he closes windows on his
computer, he gets to his email and scrolls through it.
He stops on an unread e mail from Jason delivered at 2:07 AM

last night.
EMAIL FROM JASON GOLDBERG:
"Subject: Full Assyrian Tablet Quote
Definitely not written by a baby boomer
‘Our earth is degenerate in these days; there are signs that

the world is speedily coming to an end; bribery and
corruption are common; children no longer obey their parents;
every man wants to write a book, and the end of the world is
evidently approaching.” --Assyrian Clay Tablet 2800 BC”
62.
Rabbi Roth chuckles to himself and stands.
He closes down his computer and grabs his jacket and

briefcase before walking to the bookcase by the door.
He thumbs through some books before pulling out an aged

paperback text book Titled: “Ancient Texts and the Torah” and
puts it in his briefcase.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Jason takes out his phone as he walks briskly down the

street.
He opens the web browser and types “Sarah Hollenberg” and

scrolls through the results.
Not seeing what he needs, he types in “Sarah Hollenberg +

Jonathan Roth.”
He clicks on a thumbnail and reveals an old picture of Rabbi

Roth with his arm around a 14-year-old Sarah Hollenberg who
stands next to an older Orthodox woman, her mother.
The caption reads: “New Beth Elohim Head Rabbi Jonathan Roth,
seen here with daughter, Sarah, and wife, Rachel, hosted a
Shabbat...”
Jason stops in his tracks.
Rhonnie is admiring the Amethyst Geode that usually sits on

the coffee table. She holds the crystals to the light.
There’s a KNOCK at the door.
RHONNIE
Grams!
She waits a moment then gets up with a groan.
She opens the door to see the Rabbi standing there.
RABBI ROTH
Oh, hello there. I’m looking for
Jason Goldberg.
RHONNIE
Oh, uh, oh, are you the Rabbi?
63.
RABBI ROTH
Yes, is he home?
RHONNIE
Actually, I don’t know where he is!
He was supposed to take me with him
to check out this new recording
studio, but I guess he went without
me.
RABBI ROTH
Recording studio?
RHONNIE
If he wants to lay the tracks right
after we get the money from the Bar
Mitzvah, then he better get his act
together.
RABBI ROTH
I’m sorry, money from the Bar
Mitzvah?
Grams appears at the doorway behind Rhonnie.
GRAMS
Rhonnie, who is it?
(To the Rabbi)
Hello, yes, who are you?
RABBI ROTH
Uhhh, I’m Rabbi Jonathan Roth, I’ve
been helping Jason--
GRAMS
Oh! Of course, Rabbi Roth! Please,
come in...
RABBI ROTH
No, thanks, I only have a minute.
(back to Rhonnie)
Laying down the tracks?
RHONNIE
Yeah, duh. He’s having the Bar
Mitzvah so the relatives will give
him cash like they did for me and
fund his studio time. And I’m his
manager and he didn’t take me to
the studio that I found for him.
Jerk.
The Rabbi takes a step back and grips the Ancient Texts and
the Torah book tightly with white trembling knuckles.
64.
RABBI ROTH
I’m sorry, I need to go.
As the Rabbi steps back, Jason comes up the walkway.
JASON
Rabbi? What are you doing here?
RABBI ROTH
Well, I was coming to drop this off
for you.... But, you know what?
Jason, I think we’re done. Don’t
come tomorrow.
The Rabbi starts walking back towards his car. Jason follows.
JASON
What are you talking about?
RABBI ROTH
On our first day, when I asked you,
you promised it wasn’t about money
or gifts. You lied to my face.
JASON
No I didn’t.
RABBI ROTH
Are you really going to deny this
now? In front of them?!
JASON
Rabbi, I don't know what you think-
RABBI ROTH
Lies! To my face!
JASON
Woah, hold on!
The Rabbi checks his watch.
RABBI ROTH
Jason, I have to go. This is
cancelled. Don’t come tomorrow.
The Rabbi opens his car door. Jason puts his hand on it to
stop him.
JASON
You can’t just come here and cancel
me and then drive off!
65.
The Rabbi tries to pull the door open. Jason holds it

closed.
JASON (CONT’D)
Hey! I need to talk to you about
Keshet Yachad!
RABBI ROTH
Jason, I’m going to be late.
The Rabbi stares him down and Jason lets go.
The Rabbi opens his door and climbs in, turning the car on.
Jason grabs the door again and holds it open.

Jason, let go of the door.
Jason lets go of the door. The Rabbi closes it. He guns his
engine and Jason is forced to step out of the way.
Jason watches the car speed away, then turns back to Grams
and Rhonnie.
GRAMS
You were only doing the Bar Mitzvah
for money?
JASON
(to Rhonnie)
What did you say?!
EXT. CEMETERY PARKING LOT - MAGIC HOUR
The Rabbi speeds around the corner into the very full parking
lot, frantically searching for a spot.
Through his passenger side window, Sarah Hollenberg gets into

her car and drives away. The Rabbi turns just as the car is
out of view and he takes the open parking spot.
EXT. CEMETERY SITE - CONTINUOUS
A few rows of chairs are arranged in front of a gravestone.

Most are empty as mourners are making their way out.
An OLDER GENTLEMAN stands by the gravestone in the process of

collapsing an empty easel.
The gravestone reads: “Rachel Hollenberg, Beloved Mother,

1950-2017”
66.
The older Gentleman looks up as the Rabbi rushes to the front

with Keshet Yachad and Temple Emanuel pamphlets in his hand.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
Ahh, Jonathan, I’m sorry, we didn’t
know if you were coming.
RABBI ROTH
Is she here?!
OLDER GENTLEMAN
She just left.
The Rabbi is devastated. He stumbles back and collapses into

a folding chair, he notices on the seat next to him is a
program for the unveiling.
At the top, is the same Tree of Life image in full color. At

the bottom of the image is the small artist’s signature:
“Rachel Hollenberg Roth.”
Seeing this image, the Rabbi drops his own pamphlets in

defeat.
INT. GRAMS HOUSE - NIGHT
Jason is holding the Amethyst rock and waving it angrily.
Rhonnie and Jason are in the middle of a heated exchange.

Grams stands to the side of the two cousins.
RHONNIE
What?! Yes it is!
Rhonnie watches the rock in Jason's hand.
JASON
That is not what is happening! You
don’t understand! And why did you
even have to tell him anything in
the first place?
RHONNIE
How could I know it was some
secret?!
JASON
Dammit, Rhonnie! These things have
consequences!
Jason, enraged, throws the amethyst. It shatters against the

wall.
67.
RHONNIE
(Crying)
I’m sorry! I’m sorry.
GRAMS
That’s enough, Jason! You need to
leave!
Jason makes to respond before stopping himself and storming

out the door.
Rhonnie buries herself in Grams’ arms as she cries.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Jason walks listlessly down a gloomy street. He pulls out his

phone and dials a number.
JASON
Hey, Stevie! It’s been too long.
Want to hit up some bars tonight?
No, no, I hear you. Well, if she
lets you off your leash, me and
some of the boys are going to hit
up O’Brian’s.
EXT. STREET - LATER
JASON
Eddie, I know you’re free tonight.
O’Brian’s, 30 minutes. Let’s do it
like undergrad!
Jason pulls the phone away from his ear.
JASON (CONT’D)
Well, what about after you put her
to bed?
Jason forces a laugh.
JASON (CONT’D)
Okay. Next time.
He hangs up.
EXT. STREET - LATER
Jason is now holding his phone in front of him and we hear it

on speaker.
68.
LARA
(On phone)
Sorry Jay, I gotta be at the
courthouse by 7:00.
JASON
What, contesting another parking
ticket?
LARA
No, dude, I’m assistant district
attorney. You know that.
JASON
Yeah, yeah, I know, just busting
your balls.
LARA
Well, say hi to the other guys for
me. I’m sure you’ll all have a
great time.
JASON
You know it.
LARA
Hey, by the way, you coming to our
dinner party Saturday night? It's
early, you’d still have time to go
out after.
JASON
Oh, yeah, maybe. We’ll see.
Jason hangs up the phone and puts his hands in his pants
pockets. He walks slowly down the street and then stops
short.
He pulls out a crumpled scrap of paper. He unfolds it,

revealing the Keshet Yachad phone number.
Jason dials the number and puts his phone to his ear. It
rings many times until:
SARAH (ON PHONE)

Hello, Keshet Yachad, this is
Sarah.
JASON
Sarah Hollenberg?
69.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Sarah stands behind her desk and places the large Tree of
Life painting back onto the wall.
On the desk in front of her are stacks of pamphlets from her

mothers headstone unveiling ceremony.
She makes a final adjustment to the painting and turns back

to Jason.
SARAH
I haven’t spoken to my father since
my mother died a year ago.
Sarah sits back down at her desk. She begins placing all of
the pamphlets in a neat stack.
JASON
I’m sorry, can I ask you what
happened between you guys?
SARAH
It’s fine. Ancient history. I am
way past it.
JASON
Way past what?
SARAH
He didn’t tell you?
JASON
Well, he sort of never mentioned
you existed, to me, at least...
SARAH
Figures...Long story short, I came
out to him when I was 14 and, as
the new head Rabbi, that was
inconvenient for him.
JASON
Oh.
SARAH
He played don’t ask don’t tell at
first, but then when I had the
audacity to be seen out in public
with my girlfriend, that was
unacceptable. He was the head of
this community, and this was
calling his leadership into
question.
70.
JASON
Of course.
SARAH
That asshole even tried to demand
that I apologize for it. I didn’t,
I haven’t and I won’t.
Sarah shoves the last of the pamphlets into the envelope. She
folds it closed aggressively. The envelope crumples.
JASON
Nor should you.
SARAH
Ironically, the way the community
saw how he handled me did call his
leadership into question and he did
end up losing the position. Sorry.
She pushes the envelope to the far corner of her desk.
SARAH (CONT’D)
You know it’s funny you of all
people called tonight. I spent all
this time organizing the unveiling
ceremony for my mom, and then he
never shows up, but here you are.
JASON
Yeah, small world.
Sarah grabs the envelope and tosses it into the recycle bin.
She stares at the envelope in the bin mournfully.
After a brief awkward pause, Jason clears his throat.
JASON (CONT’D)
Well, uh for what it’s worth, I
think what you’re doing here is
amazing. Believe me, I know how
terrible it can be not to have some
kind of support at home. I mean,
not that my- uh-
SARAH
Yeah, yeah I got it. Thank you.
Look, just so this wasn’t all for
nothing, why don’t you bring your
application by and let me take a
look.
JASON
Thank you!
71.
INT. GRAMS’ LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The room, including Gramps’ now dust and picture covered

piano, sit in silent darkness.
Steps approach from outside and the door opens as Jason walks
in.
He takes in the room and listens for any sounds that Grams
might be awake. Nothing.
Jason walks towards the piano and slowly begins pulling the
pictures off of it, brushing away the dust.
He pulls the bench out from under the piano and sits at it.
He opens the key cover and shifts around to a playing
position.
Something has the bench off balance. He reaches under the

bench seat and opens it slightly, pulling out a crumpled
piece of handwritten sheet music, the corner of which was
caught on the top.
He pulls it out and smooths it on the piano’s sheet holder.
At the top of the sheet is the title “A Melody for my Beloved

XXXI - Composed by Jacob Goldberg.”
Jason cracks his knuckles, leans forward and begins to sight

read the music, clumsily playing through the sweet melody.
After playing through it once, he blinks back some tears.
He adjusts and begins to play it again. As he does,

inspiration hits. He clears his throat and begins to sing, as
if discovering these improvised lyrics as he plays the notes.
72.
JASON
My grandpa lived when baseball/was
awesome and people would lose
it/when Lou Gherig swung/and my
grandpa lived when A D D/was just
called being young/ No one was gay/
Millennials were sci fi/real men
owned their houses/ and talking
about feelings/ it just wasn’t
done/ Oh, hey gramps hi, it’s
Jason/See our little family?/ I
guess for the most part...we all
turned out fine?/ we’re all trying/
and I’m still pursuing this rock
dream of mine/ once a year we light
a candle and look at photos of you
as a kid/ there’s so much I’ll
never know about you grandpa/ that
I sure wish I did-
A gasp from behind Jason makes him stop mid-note.
Grams stands behind him in her nightgown, tears streaming

down her cheeks.
JASON (CONT’D)
Oh, Grams...
GRAMS
I I haven’t heard that melody since
your grandfather...
JASON
It was caught in the lid of the
bench. I had no idea Gramps wrote
music.
Grams comes over and sits next to Jason on the bench.
GRAMS
He composed me a melody every year
on my birthday. This was the last
one...
JASON
Wow. Hey um, I’m really
sorry...about before. I was a real
a-hole.
GRAMS
Mm, yes, you were a real schmuck.
JASON
Yeah. I was.
73.
GRAMS
Indeed.
JASON
Well, I’m done with all of that
now.
GRAMS
Oh no you’re not.
JASON
I’m not?
GRAMS
No sir. Not til you make it right.
JASON
Make it right?
GRAMS
You quitting on this now would be
quite the half ass. And as you know-
JASON
I know, I know.
The Rabbi sits at his desk, a young boy HUDSON (12) sits in
front of him, holding handwritten pages, wearing a frayed
kippa.
The Rabbi takes one of these pages in his hand and considers.
RABBI ROTH
Is this really what you think,
Hudson?
HUDSON
I mean, yeah. I dunno. It’s what
the translation said.
The Rabbi groans and leans back in his chair, rubbing his
temples.
RABBI ROTH
Translation? Fine, but what about
your-
The office door flies open and Jason bursts into the room.
JASON
We need to talk.
74.
RABBI ROTH
I am with a student!
JASON
I’ll wait.
RABBI ROTH
You know what, fine. I’m very sorry
Hudson. We are done for the day.
Hudson eagerly gathers his things and bolts out of the room.
Once Hudson is gone, the Rabbi rises from his desk and starts
advancing on Jason.

Just what do you want? I have
nothing else for you. The event is
canceled. You’re off the calendar.
JASON
No. That’s not fair.
As the Rabbi advances, his rage growing, Jason begins backing

up slowly.
RABBI ROTH
“That’s not fair.” “That’s not
fair?!”
JASON
I upheld my end of the deal.
RABBI ROTH
You lied! Take some goddamned
responsibility for that, if you’re
even capable! Are you Jason?! Are
you capable of being anything more
than a lying waste of everyone’s
time?!
Jason stops at the doorway. He snaps.
JASON
Sarah is right. You’re an asshole.
RABBI ROTH
Sarah?!
JASON
I met her last night. She’s pretty
incredible, despite what you put
her through.
75.
RABBI ROTH
Jason, you don’t know what you’re
talking about.
JASON
Why don’t you enlighten me, Rabbi?
RABBI ROTH
I don’t have to explain myself to-
Who do you even think you are? I I-
JASON
You- you what?
RABBI ROTH
I HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE
COMMUNITY!
JASON
The community?
RABBI ROTH
Yes! I was the head Rabbi!
JASON
So the congregation was more
important then your daughter?
RABBI ROTH
Times were different, okay? It was
a scandal! And she flaunted it! In
public!
JASON
Oh yeah, how could she do that to
you.
RABBI ROTH
Hey, I was tolerant! But she
basically made me choose between
her lifestyle and my
responsibilities to my community!
JASON
Your community?
RABBI ROTH
Yes. The congregation that I was
charged with leading. Who, by the
way, started questioning my
leadership because of what she was
doing.
76.
JASON
Rabbi, they didn’t question your
leadership because of her, they
questioned it because of how you
handled it!
RABBI ROTH
She cost me everything and she has
never understood the position she
put me in!
JASON
She was your daughter, man.
The Rabbi stops and deflates as the realization hits him.
RABBI ROTH
Jason, You need to leave right now.
JASON
Look--
RABBI ROTH
Just go now.
Jason slowly backs out the room. He shuts the door and the
Rabbi collapses.
After a moment, the Rabbi picks up his phone and dials.

Sarah, it’s your father.
EXT. RHONNIE’S HOUSE - DAY
Jason sits on the front steps. He checks his phone.
He puts his phone in his pocket at the sound of a group of

kids approaching the yard. Rhonnie in the middle.
Jason perks up when he sees her. Rhonnie turns her back to

him as she continues her conversation with Becca.
RHONNIE
Alright guys, I’ll see you
tomorrow, and Becca, your house for
Dodgers, yeah?
BECCA
You better believe it, go blue.
Becca gives Rhonnie a playful shove as the group continues on

their way.
77.
Rhonnie glares at Jason.
JASON
Hey little cuz.
RHONNIE
What do you want?
JASON
Can I ask you to just come sit with
me a second?
After a moment’s hesitation, Rhonnie sits next to Jason on

the step.
JASON (CONT’D)
I’m really sorry for how I acted
yesterday. I was completely
uncool. And you did nothing wrong.
RHONNIE
I know I didn’t.
JASON
I’m really sorry. I was a jerk.
RHONNIE
You were a mega jerk.
JASON
Yes, I was...You can hate me if you
want to, but I really hope you
don’t because I think you’re really
awesome. You know you’re my
favorite cousin?
He puts his arm around her.
JASON (CONT’D)
Right?
Jason squeezes her shoulder. She smirks.
RHONNIE
I know.
JASON
And I couldn't live with myself if
my favorite cousin hated me...So do
you forgive me?
RHONNIE
Yeah, yeah, fine, we’re cool.
78.
JASON
Oh, thank God! It’s just sometimes
I forget with the way you talk and
how smart you are, that you are
only 12.
RHONNIE
I'm 13.
JASON
Right, sorry, it’s only that, well
there’s still a lot you don’t know
yet.
RHONNIE
Wow.
JASON
What?
RHONNIE
You’re...You’re a little bitch.
JASON
Excuse me?
RHONNIE
You had it. We were cool, and now
you have to go and say how it still
really wasn’t your fault?
JASON
Rhonnie, hold on.
Rhonnie quickly stands up and starts up the stairs.
RHONNIE
No! You’re an immature little
bitch and I don’t want to be around
little immature bitches. Find
yourself another manager.
JASON
You don’t mean that.
RHONNIE
Oh, I do, because only a little
immature bitch would let grams
treat you like a little baby prince
into age thirty because you’re
still gonna be a Rock Star
right?...
79.
JASON
What?!
Rhonnie is at the door. She opens it and looks back at

Jason.
RHONNIE
You know what the saddest thing is?
Now that I’ve had my Bat Mitzvah
and you’ve given up. I'll always be
more of a man than you are!
She slams the door.
INT. JASON’S ROOM
Jason enters his room. He catches his reflection in the

mirror. The image of adult dressed as a teenager: ripped
jeans, frayed T-shirt, stubble and unkempt hair.
EXT. LARA'S HOUSE - DAY
Jason stands holding a bottle of cheap wine at the edge of

the yard. He is now clean shaven in a well-fitting blazer and
dark slacks with a new, clean pressed button shirt.
He pulls out his phone and opens his text messages with
Richard Stevens. He’s been left on “read.”
Jason crosses the yard and knocks on the door. Lara appears
in the doorway.
LARA
Jay! You made it!
JASON
Dinner party. Supposed to bring
wine, right?
LARA
Oh, thanks so much, man!
Lara pulls Jason in for a hug.
INT. LARA’S DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Jason sits at the table surrounded by guests and sees Sam and
Lara sitting with baby JANIE at the far end.
Lara strums a guitar. Janie giggles and reaches for the

strings.
80.
Lara laughs and pulls away. Lara and Sam both giggle to each
other. Sam kisses Janie’s head as Lara beams.
Jason watches them intently.
He then considers the glass in his hand and then pulls it

away from his mouth without drinking.
INT. KESHET YACHAD - SARAH’S OFFICE
Jason enters the office holding the application packet.
Sarah rises from her desk to greet him.
Jason’s phone rings. He pulls it out of his pocket.
CALL FROM: RICHARD STEVENS
Jason hits “Decline.”
JASON
Sorry about that.
He hands the application to Sarah. She opens it and flips

through the pages.
SARAH
Thanks Jason, I’ll take a look--
wait, you did this by hand, all of
it?
JASON
Yeah, personal touch, you know.
Plus, I was voted best handwriting
in the law school I almost
graduated from.
SARAH
Almost?
JASON
For now.
She turns her attention back to the application, but gives

him one last wry grin, which he returns.
Acoustic guitar music rises.
BAR MITZVAH PREP MONTAGE:
A) EXT. JEREMY’S HOUSE --Jeremy stands at the doorway as

Jason approaches holding a box of things.
81.
B) INT. GRAMS’ LIVING ROOM -- Jason tries to put on tefillin,

Grams helps. Rhonnie works at the dining table on her iPad.
She glares at Jason then goes back to her iPad. The living
room has noticeably less furniture and knickknacks.
C) INT. GRAMS’ BASEMENT -- Jason digs through dusty boxes

which read “Jason’s Bar Mitzvah ‘99” He pulls out old, sealed
table settings and party favors. He blows dust off of them.
D) INT. KESHET YACHAD OFFICE-- Jason stands in a room with

Sarah and several other staff members. He shakes their hands
and smiles and nods. He sits at a desk with his name on it.
E) INT. SYNOGOGUE RECEPTION AREA -- Jason stands at Rosie's

desk. He talks to Rosie and she shakes her head. Jason puts
an invitation on the desk. There is a note on top that reads
“For Rabbi Roth”
F) INT. GRAMS’ KITCHEN -- Jason wraps dishes in newspaper and

loads up a box.
G) EXT. PARK -- Jason stands before a group of queer Teens

while Sarah observes from the sidelines. He leads the teens
in an activity with the same charisma and enthusiasm we saw
from him on stage, but there is no guitar in sight.
Jason is playing guitar, revealing the music we’ve been

hearing is his. He stops for a moment then writes down some
music notes on a legal pad.
Grams steps into the room.
GRAMS
You ready?
Jason puts his guitar down to reveal he’s sitting in a dress

shirt and tie.
JASON
Yup.
Jason stands and grabs the jacket waiting on the chair near
him.
INT. CAR - DAY
Grams drives with Jason in the passenger seat. They pull up

to the entrance of the law school.
82.
Grams motions for Jason to get out of the car. Jason doesn't
move.
GRAMS
What?
JASON
I don’t know Grams, I do this, it’s
like I’m admitting music isn’t
going to be my life anymore.
Grams reaches into her purse and pulls out the picture of
Jason sitting on Gramps’ lap at the piano. She hands it to
Jason.
GRAMS
A person can be more than one
thing, boychik.
Jason takes the picture and gets out of the car.
INT. REC CENTER GYM - DAY
The wood floor of the gym is filled with rows of foldable

chairs. Grams and Jason stand before a makeshift stage area
with a Torah on a stand at the front. The FACILITIES MANAGER
(late 50’s) rolls in an ark on wheels.
FACILTIES MANAGER
Right ‘ere Mrs. Goldberg?
GRAMS
That’s great, Gene. Thank you.
They turn as the door of the gym opens and the first few
people straggle in. Grams walks over to greet them.
Jason walks over to the podium and nervously straightens the

prayer book on it.
He opens his guitar case lying behind the podium. He pulls

out the guitar and sets it up on the stand nearby.
Jason notices the door opening and looks up hopefully, but is

a little dismayed to see his father walk through.
JEREMY
Someone should really prop this
open.
Jeremy walks over to Jason.

83.
JASON
Hi Dad.
Jeremy holds an old Talis bag in his hands.
JEREMY
You’ll need this. It was your
Gramps’, then it was mine, I was
supposed to give it to you that
morning. Well...
Jeremy hands the Talis bag to Jason. Jason takes the Talis
out and reads the Hebrew prayer sown into the top. He kisses
the corners and wraps it around himself.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
You look good.
There is an awkward pause between them.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
Hey it’s none of my business, but
is your mom uh...
JASON
Nah, she couldn’t make it. My
prodigy of a half sister has a
recital or something...
JEREMY
Isn’t she like five?
JASON
Seven now. Very advanced
apparently.
JEREMY
Well, I’ll let ya keep getting
ready.
Jeremy goes over to Grams, Jason walks back to the Bima. He

looks once again at the door then back at his dad.
INT. REC CENTER GYM - DAY
People file in and take their seats. Cross fade as the seats
fill up. Eventually the entire room is full.
INT. REC CENTER STAGE AREA - DAY
Jason walks up to the Bima and opens the book at the podium.
84.
JASON
Please join me for the first prayer
on page 41, the Barchu.
Jason nervously clears his throat and starts.
CROSS FADE TO
INT. STAGE AREA - CONTINUOUS
Jason stands on one side of the Bima with Grams on the other.
Rhonnie’s Mom stands between them in front of the Torah.
Grams shoots Jason a smile. Jason smiles back then looks
hopefully to the door, but there’s no movement.
GRAMS
Ya’amod Bar Mitzvah...Now calling
the Bar Mitzvah Jason Ben Yarmeyaho
veh Esther.
Jason leans forward and kisses the Torah.
JASON
Barchu et adonia hamvorach
CONGREGATION
Barucha adonia hamvorach l’olam
vaed.
JASON
Barucha adonia hamvorach l’olam
vaed. Barchau ata adonia elohanu
melach ha o’lam ashier bachar banu
mekol ha’amim. V’na’a’tan lanu et
torah toe. Barchu ata adoni notain
ha’torah.
CONGREGATION
Amen.
Jason steps over to the Torah and begins to read. Grams can’t
help but get faklempt as she watches him.
Jason finishes, and clears his throat before shifting back to

the side of the Torah.
JASON
Baruch ata adonia elhoani melach ha
olam asher natan lanu torat emet
v’chayay olam nata betochanu.
Baruch ata adonia, notain ha torah.
85.
CONGREGATION
Amen.
Rhonnie’s mom rolls the Torah to the side.
Grams kisses Jason's cheek.
GRAMS
Yasher Koach, Boychik.
Everyone pats Jason on the back and they step away leaving
Jason alone at the Bima.
Jason pulls out the sheet of paper with music and lyrics on
it, he puts it on the podium.
He takes a deep breath and checks the door again. When it

doesn’t open, he finds his dad’s smiling face in the front
row.
He walks over to his guitar and reaches for it.
He pauses and glances at Rhonnie who looks away from him.

He drops his hand, walks back over to the podium, picks up
the song lyrics and flips them over, blank side up.
This gets Rhonnie’s attention.
JASON
Right, I know, speech time...So, I
had a song. I wrote it- I actually
worked really hard on it,
Jason crumples up the paper.
JASON (CONT’D)
But this is crap. I mean, it’s a
sick tune with really clever lyrics
and I know it would’ve brought the
house down. But when you clap for
me, it lets me hold on to this idea
that...I can’t keep kidding myself.
Jason looks up at Rhonnie for a moment, then continues.
JASON (CONT’D)
A wise young woman showed me that
being an adult is about taking
responsibility and not hiding
behind excuses.
(MORE)
86.
JASON (CONT’D)
You know when I was 13 I had a
great excuse, “Oh, Jason lost his
grandpa on his Bar Mitzvah day and
he’s really going through a tough
time.” No one could make me do
anything. Thing was, when time
passed, instead of moving past it,
I just found another excuse, and
another one after that, and I got
really good at it. Nothing is ever
my fault. There’s always traffic.
I’m 30 damn years old. You know my
grandpa had a saying, I’m sure most
of you know it. “Never half ass
anything because half-assed, is
halfway to an asshole and that just
stinks.”
Congregants murmur in recognition of the old family adage.
JASON (CONT’D)
And if Gramps were here now, he’d
tell me I stink. Gramps, I love
you, but it’s not fair to you that
I hijacked your memory and it’s not
fair to me to keep using your death
as my excuse.
Jason looks straight at Rhonnie now.
JASON (CONT’D)
And, in spite of all that, there
are people who look up to me and
want good things for me and I
pretty consistently let them down.
And I’m really sorry about that.
I’m sorry that I don’t own up to
those things. I’m sorry that I make
my shortcomings about other people
and not myself. Yeah, I make a
regular habit of taking for granted
the few people who want to be
around me and want me to succeed.
And I’m crappiest to them and that
really stinks. And I’m really
sorry.
Jason turns to his father and Grandma.
JASON (CONT’D)
I’m going to try real hard to do a
lot better.
(MORE)
87.
JASON (CONT’D)
And hey this is a Drash, so Talmud
quote: as Pirke Avot 216 says, “lo
alecha hamlacha ligmor v lo alecha
ligmore veloah ata ben horin
levatel memena” “It’s not your
responsibility to complete the
task, but it is your obligation to
start.” So, um, here’s to
starting...And uh, please join me
and my family at my grandma’s house
for a kiddish luncheon provided by
Arthur's Deli.
Jason stares down at the podium. A deafening silence fills

the room.
Jason just lingers. Refusing to look up at the congregation

in front of him.
Suddenly, a Sunkist gummy candy hits Jason's face and falls

onto the podium. Jason very slowly looks up. His eyes meet
Rhonnie who is staring at him. She’s holding a candy with a
mortified face.
Slowly, her arm raises and her face shifts into a mischievous
grin as she throws the candy.
Jason throws his arm up over his face defensively. The candy
lobs and thuds on the Bima in front of him.
More candies are in the air flying towards the Bima and the
crowd starts to sing, “Tsimon Tov oh Mazel Tov."
Jason breaks out in a bewildered smile. He raises his arms

over his face to shield himself.
Suddenly the candy stops hitting him. He looks up to see his

dad using his Talis as a shield.
Someone fills in on the other side- it’s Grams, she takes the
other half of Jeremy’s Talis and make the shield bigger.
After a moment, Rhonnie’s face appears in the gap and she

holds her own Talis up to fill in the rest of the way.
Jason looks around at everyone shielding him, and sees the

light coming through the fabric of the Talis, as the multi-
colored candies bombard them.
The candy barrage slows and they drop their Talits. More
people gather around Jason and they join into a dance circle
with Jason in the center.
88.
Jason stands in the middle clapping and singing, with huge

grin, his cheeks are wet with tears.
EXT. GRAM’S HOUSE - DAY
Jason, Grams and Rhonnie walk up the front path. They get to
the base of the stairs. Grams kisses Jason on his cheek.
GRAMS
I’m proud of you boychik, your
Gramps is too.
She looks up at the open door seeing guests already inside.
GRAMS (CONT’D)
Hey, Liza, that’s not where that
goes. If you want something
done...
She squeezes Jason again.
JASON
I’ll see you in there.
Grams hurries up the stairs.
JASON (CONT’D)
So are we okay?
RHONNIE
Yeah, I guess. If you were willing
to utterly humiliate yourself in
front of everyone you know, then I
guess we’re cool.
JASON
Yeah thanks, little cuz.
RHONNIE
I mean, that was really
embarrassing.
They reach the top of the steps.
JASON
Yeah, well you didn’t help things
by throwing that candy in my face.
RHONNIE
Oh, I didn’t throw the first one.
89.
JASON
What are you talking about? Of
course you did.
RHONNIE
No, the first one came from way in
the back. I hit you with the second
one!
Rhonnie looks at someone walking up behind Jason.
The Rabbi walks towards them. He makes a show of unwrapping

and eating a Sunkist candy as he approaches.
RHONNIE (CONT’D)
I’ll see you in there, big cuz.
Rhonnie steps into the house.
RABBI ROTH
That was a hell of a Drash, son.
JASON
You should’ve heard the song I
wrote.
RABBI ROTH
Oh, I’m sure.
They laugh awkwardly, but their laughter fades quickly.

Look Jason--
JASON
Thank you for coming, Rabbi.
RABBI ROTH
Thank you for still inviting me,
I’m very glad you went through with
it.
JASON
Thanks, me too.
Jason looks at the ground for a second, then reaches into his
pocket.
JASON (CONT’D)
Oh, yeah, here. I decided any gifts
from my Bar Mitzvah I’d direct
towards your initiative. Emanuel
should have those services.
90.
Jason pulls out a very small bundle of cash and an envelope

and hands it to the Rabbi.
RABBI ROTH
Can’t. No touching money on
Shabbes.
JASON
Oh, right, sorry. After.
The Rabbi nods and then looks again at the small pile.
“That’s it?”
JASON (CONT’D)
Yeah, turns out not a lot of people
are interested in giving a gift to
a 30 year old for doing what a 13
year old should be able to do.
RABBI ROTH
Wow, so after all that?
JASON
I like to think of it as batting
.300.
RABBI ROTH
Well, Jason, I really appreciate
it, but you gotta know it’s not
happening anymore.
JASON
Actually, there’s someone here who
can make sure it definitely does.
The Rabbi’s eyes widen as he puts it together. Suddenly very

timid, the Rabbi leans into the doorway to see Sarah standing
in the living room talking to Grams.
Sarah turns slightly, acknowledges her father for the

briefest moment before going back to Grams.
The Rabbi is completely flustered.
JASON (CONT’D)
Oh, don’t you worry, she’s not here
for you. I’ve been putting in time
with her at Keshet Yachad.
The Rabbi takes a step away from the door.
JASON (CONT’D)
Hey, it’s okay. She knew you might
be here. You’re okay.
91.
RABBI ROTH
Oh, uh good.
JASON
Baby steps, Rabbi. As the Torah
says, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
RABBI ROTH
That is not the Torah.
JEREMY (O.S.)
Hey, get in here Bar Mitzvah boy!
Party can’t start without ya.
JASON
I better go.
The Rabbi nods. He offers his hand to Jason. Jason shakes it.
RABBI ROTH
Yasher Koach, Jason.
Jason heads inside as the guests cheer Mazel tov and

congratulations.
The Rabbi nervously adjusts his tie and steps through the
door. As he pulls the door closed behind him, we pull back
away from the house, slowly down the front path.
The sounds of the party rise from within. Jason laughs with
his father. Gramps’ piano tinkles out some muffled notes.
Everyone is happy under one roof, at least for now.
We pull back until the side of the freshly placed “For Sale”
sign is visible in the frame before we...
FADE TO BLACK.

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BAR MITZVAH MAN

Suzanne Bressler & Max Kinchen

Based on the play

C.U. PIANO FROM ABOVE

The player begins to play a Jazzy, Klezmir sounding free form

The sound of a door opening and light, excited footsteps

Two smaller hands appear.

GRAMPS (O.S.) (CONT’D)

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY - 1995

9 YEAR OLD JASON stares admiringly up at Gramps.

9 YEAR OLD JASON

Young Jason climbs off of the piano bench.

9 YEAR OLD JASON

Jason pushes past his Gramps, whose smiling, proud face we

9 YEAR OLD JASON (CONT’D)

Jason excitedly picks up the guitar sitting next to the piano

Just as Jason is about to strum, a door opens behind him and

9 YEAR OLD JASON

9 YEAR OLD JASON

9 YEAR OLD JASON

Jeremy scowls at his father who stares calmly but sternly

Jeremy walks out of the room.

Gramps grins at Jason and gestures for him to proceed.

Jason stares after his father for a moment, on the verge of

9 YEAR OLD JASON

Gramps slaps a five dollar bill into Jason’s hand.

9 YEAR OLD JASON

9 YEAR OLD JASON

Jason beams and sticks the five in his pocket.

9 YEAR OLD JASON

9 YEAR OLD JASON

9 YEAR OLD JASON

9 YEAR OLD JASON

9 YEAR OLD JASON

INT. STAGE - MODERN DAY

His guitar still hangs off of him and as he grips the

CONCERT/BAR MITZVAH MONTAGE

A) EXT. SYNOGOGUE - DAY -- Jason runs up to the door in a

He gets to the doorway and stops at the synogogue's logo with

B) INT. STAGE - DAY -- Jason, still singing, turns to his

C) INT. SYNOGOGUE - DAY -- RHONNIE (13), A tall, pretty,

Grams hands Jason a kippah. Jason subtly shakes his head.

D) INT. STAGE -- Jason is beasting out a sick solo on his

E) INT. SYNOGOGUE -- Rhonnie’s MOM and DAD wrap her in her

F) INT. STAGE -- Jason holds the microphone and looks to each

G) INT. SYNOGOGUE -- Grams and Rhonnie's parents stand on

H) INT. STAGE -- Jason grabs the mic again.

I) INT. SYNOGOGUE -- Rhonnie, now alone at the podium, turns

J) INT. STAGE -- Jason wails the final lyrics as the song

K) INT. SYNOGOGUE -- Rhonnie giggles as soft Sunkist gummy

INT. STAGE - DAY

He throws two handfuls of glowsticks into the crowd but they

About 40 13-year-olds dressed in party attire stare back at

INT. BAR MITZVAH RECEPTION HALL - DAY

Jason’s bandmates nurse drinks at a table.

Jason walks up holding two handfuls of shots. He hands them

The rest of the band murmur as they stare at the shot

Lara chuckles at that.

BECCA (12), comes running over.

Jason is already gone.

INT. BAR MITZVAH RECEPTION HALL - BAR AREA

Jason approaches the bar and he looks up from his phone.

WELL DRESSED GUY

WELL DRESSED GUY