“This is a big change for the crusade,” Rachel said.
A notable moment in the film occurs when Rachel officiates a penitential prayer, Vidui, at Eli’s bedside. It is a moment of revelation and acceptance, allowing the dying person to rid himself of the regrets and perceived wrongdoings he has committed in his life. In the movie, he calls himself a schmuck, knowing his father carries a lot of shame, but was still surprised by his level of regret. He believes he has failed, but in the end, with only two days left to live, he witnesses him let go of his shyness and see his life from a different perspective.
“I want more people to see this movie now,” Rachel said. “Looking at it, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m beating myself up and walking around, too, because I’m not ‘worthy’ enough.” ‘ If people can understand that from this movie, I have nothing to worry about anymore. I don’t want you to wait until the last day of your life, I want you to see and feel it for yourself. ”
The Timoner clan gathered in Telluride to celebrate the movie and their father. At her dining table in their rental home in a mountain town, Hina began talking about her afterlife. Jews don’t believe in hell, but they do believe in Oram Haba, which means “afterlife,” Rachel explained. For this family, there’s no question that Eli still exists, and that this film made him even bigger.
To cap off this inspiring trip, Rachel officiated the wedding of Ondy and her partner, the film’s composer, Morgan Dr. In an email sent two weeks after her big day, Ondy reaffirmed her beliefs.
“When we were standing in the meadow and Rachel was marrying us, I could feel Dad smiling across the sky.”