Latter Day Jew

Latter Day Jew is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that follows the journey of H. Alan Scott, a gay man who, later in life, converts from Mormonism to Judaism and prepares for his belated Bar Mitzvah. Released in 2019, this film, directed by Aliza Rosen, aims to explore matters of faith, identity, and personal transformation in a moving and entertaining manner. Judy Gold, the renowned comedian and writer, takes a pivotal role in leading the narrative forward, offering both humorous and earnest insights along the way.

Produced by Water’s End Productions, Latter Day Jew begins its narrative by delving into Scott’s early life in a devout Mormon family in Missouri, his struggle with cancer in his early 20s, and his subsequent journey of identifying as gay. Recovering from cancer challenges Scott to reconsider his spiritual beliefs, leading him to embrace Judaism. With witty commentary from Scott himself along with interactions with various Jewish luminaries, family members, and friends, the film evolves from just a spiritual journey to a complete exploration of a man’s identity, faith, sexuality, and purpose.

Judy Gold, with her signature acerbic wit and profound empathy, provides a exceptional presence in the film. She serves as a mentor to Scott, guiding him through the process of learning about Judaism, understanding its culture and embracing it as a second-time-around newcomer. The dynamic between Scott and Gold substantiates a significant part of the film ensuring that deep discussions about faith and identity are balanced with comic relief for the audience.

Latter Day Jew portrays a unique angle on the Jewish life, traditions and cultural nuances from the perspective of someone who willingly chooses this path of faith. In Scott's journey, the audience is taken through a crash course in Judaism, from shopping for the right yarmulke to wrapping tefillin - making the film educational as it is entertaining. All of this is done with a light-hearted, humorous spirit, showing that faith can be fun and personal transformation can be an uplifting journey.

The film also takes its audience across scenic vistas from New York to Israel, as Scott travels across lands meeting rabbis, scholars, friends, and drag queens – each adding different shades and depth to his understanding of Judaism. His unique experiences in Israel, where he connects deeply with the history and nuances of his adopted faith, forms a significant part of the narrative. The decision to take his Bar Mitzvah in Israel embodies Scott's all-in commitment to truly embracing his new faith.

However, the film is not just about faith and identity. It’s also about relationships and friendships. A significant segment of Scott's journey focuses on his relation with his mother, a devout Mormon who tries to comprehend and accept her son's transformative journey from being a Mormon to a gay cancer survivor to a Jewish man. Even as he faces the challenge of aligning his life with his newly embraced faith, Scott has to navigate complex relations, challenging preconceptions, and negotiate his own place within society, all of which gives the film a profound emotional depth.

Latter Day Jew is a charmingly funny, disarmingly honest, and deeply moving narrative about a man’s personal journey towards self-discovery and transformation. The combination of comedy and sentiment makes for a versatile and appealing watch. It is not just about Scott but about the human capacity to grow, change and seek meaning as per our individual needs.

It’s less a tale of spiritual conversion, per se, than a testament to one man's resolution to regain control and redefine himself on his own terms within a community that embraces him. This enriching documentary, wrapped within the complexities of religion, human struggle, identity, and relationships, offers a unique perspective on Judaism. The film maps quite complex terrain in a light, respectful, and humorous manner, making it a refreshing and thought-provoking watch for a diverse range of audiences, irrespective of their faith and beliefs.