Go Rent Ushpizin!
Saturday, November 4th, 2006
I thought Ushpizin was a fantastic movie. On the one hand it was supposedly a comedy, which I am sure it is to its Jewish audience. I found it to be thought provoking and challenging. Stephen said, “Ushpizin is more Christian than any Christian movie he had ever seen.” I see why.
- I enjoyed the insight into modern Orthodox Jewish culture.
- I enjoyed the expression of relationship with God.
- I was challenged by how he interacted with God in continual brief prayers.
- I saw the wrestling with what God wants, when it conflicts with what we want and appreciated their authentic wrestling with costly obedience and commitment to please God.
- I saw faith.
Ushpizin means “guests.” It takes place during the biblical feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23- click here to read the verses) the last and most joyous feast of the year. The Jews refer to the feast of Tabernacles as Sukkot (its Hebrew name.) I suggest going to ‘Jewfaq.org’ and reading this page about Sukkot before you watch the movie for a deeper appreciation of what is going on.
There are many thought provoking concepts in the movie that are worth pondering for any Christian. Check it out. If you aren’t Jewish expect it to be a bit slow and not so funny. But consider their expression of their relationship with God, does it challenge you? I bet it might.