Keeping the Faith (2000)

Eli Wallach: Rabbi Ben Lewis

Photos 

Quotes 

• Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : How upset are they?

  Rabbi Lewis : Let's just say they're less than thrilled.

  Larry Friedman : [after cut to new scene]  To be honest, we're less than thrilled.

  Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : Ok, with what specifically?

  Larry Friedman : With what specifically. Well, with guided meditation specifically, with stand up comedy sermons specifically, with your loose improvisational style specifically.

  Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : Ok, with people actually enjoying services? People showing up at all?

  Larry Friedman : To be serenaded by the Harlem freaking gospel choir?

  Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : At least they were praying.

  Rabbi Lewis : It was a hell of an Ein Keloheinu, Lar.

  Larry Friedman : It's not kosher, Rabbi Lewis.

  Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : Larry, what does that mean?

  Larry Friedman : You have to ask me what kosher means? Study your gemara.

• Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : Is this you, too? Do you feel the same way?

  Rabbi Lewis : It's not your ideas. Your ideas are very good. But sometimes you're a little aggressive at the execution.

  Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : But, Ben, come on! I-I-I mean, i-it was working!

  Rabbi Lewis : I know, I know, I know, I know, you like to shake things up. That's good.

  Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : When it works, yeah!

  Rabbi Lewis : But you have to appreciate the fact that a lot of people come here for a sense of... continuity! It's not just the board! I-it's your congregation, Jake! Mrs- Mrs. Katz likes to sing the Ein Keloheinu the way she knows it. Tradition is not old habit.

  Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : Alright, I...

  Rabbi Lewis : It's comforting to people!

  Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : Okay, but, I'm not interested in babysitting Mrs. Katz. I wanna- I wanna push people to grow and expand. Otherwise, what are we doing?

  Rabbi Lewis : I know, I know, I know. But you have to be patient with them. I think you'll find that people go a lot father if you- if they feel they're being led and not pushed!

• Rabbi Jacob "Jake" Schram : Rabbi Lewis! Anna, this is Rabbi Lewis.

  Rabbi Lewis : Good to see you again Miss Riley.

  Anna Riley : Good to see you again Rabbi Lewis.

  Rabbi Lewis : You missed our last class.

  Anna Riley : I know, I'm sorry, I thought I was leaving town.

  Rabbi Lewis : [to Jake]  Don't look at me in that tone of voice.

  Anna Riley : I would love to start up again if that's all right with you.

  Rabbi Lewis : I'd be delighted. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got some dancing to do.