Next Year Jerusalem: The Journey of a Lifetime
Can a group of elderly nursing home residents travel abroad? The answer is yes – with care and love and a lot of planning. Such is the case for 8 residents (ages 87-97) of the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Connecticut, who journey to Israel with a film team, nursing companions, and the CEO of the Home, Andrew Banoff. Their journey is shown in the excellent documentary, Next Year Jerusalem: The Journey of a Lifetime.
“>Lisa Niver, explained to me: “At the end of the Passover Seder, we say: “Next year in Jerusalem!” As in next year will be different, we will be free from what enslaves us and celebrate together in Jerusalem. It is a joyous end to the seder meal where we retell the story and remember when Jews were slaves in Egypt and had to flee for freedom.”
This is the most tender, heart-warming movie I have ever seen. The people within are so vibrant and caring, the filmmaking is honest and respectful, and the elders are full of joie de vivre, wisdom, faith, and, of course, both trepidation and excitement about traveling. Some of the elders had never been out of the country, while others had traveled before. The film shows the entire range of the travel experience, from the excitement of planning to being in country to the readjustment of coming home.
It is remarkable to watch the elders being wheeled about the ruins and important sites, the jokes (especially by Bill, 97), the kindness, the cameras and smiles and joy. Truly, tears came to my eyes throughout the movie.
At the Western Wall, one bearded man hailed Leslie Novis (90), saying “Hey Grandpa!” and then finding out when Leslie been there last, 40 years ago. The outpouring of kindness, help, faith, and comraderie at the Western Wall was both moving and a glimpse into the cultures of age, gender, and nationality.
 visits Caesaria in Israel</em></p>
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When the group came to <strong>Yardenit</strong>, the baptismal site on the Jordan River, Helen (91) moved slowly down the steps to the river, carefully tended by her companion, Donnette. After dipping her feet and making the sign of the cross with the water, and then helping Helen to do the same, Donnette said, “Helen, believe me, I wouldn't want to be here with anybody else but you,” to which Helen replied, “Me, too,” and “I love you.” And age doesn't matter – it turned out that in the Dead Sea, Helen was more successful than Donnette at floating!</p>
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“>For more information:
Director – David Gaynes
Run Time – 72 minutes
Language – English
Format – Digital (DCP & BluRay)
Year – 2014
Genre – Documentary
Note: Extra special thanks to First Run Features, who kindly sent a review copy of this movie. It has changed my life.
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