Sandi DuBowski
2024 / 1H45M / SIMCHA LEIB PRODUCTIONS / ENGLISH
Sabbath Queen is the epic documentary twenty-one years in the making, following Amichai Lau-Lavie’s journey from radical drag queen to influential rabbi of a God-optional, artist-driven New York synagogue.
DuBowski’s film stays with its subject across two transformative decades, offering a deeply moving and provocative portrait of a man descended from 38 generations of rabbis, who redefines spirituality on his own terms. From the drag persona of Rebbetzin Hadassah Gross to founding Lab/Shul, Lau-Lavie’s story is a chronicle of fusions—of art and tradition, reverence and rebellion, and a singular mission to build bridges where others see boundaries.
PRAISE FOR SABBATH QUEEN
“Sabbath Queen constantly finds ways to renew our interest throughout its 105 minutes and does so with great intelligence and respect.” – Christophe Bilien, Film Threat
“One of the best films I’ve seen this year.” – The Hollywood Reporter
“[A] fascinating look at the act of questioning yourself and your family, your surroundings and your decisions.” – Elisabeth Vincentelli, The New York Times
“The ‘Trembling Before G‑d’ director returns with a stirring look at Rabbi Amichai Lau‑Lavie’s long road to acceptance as a gay conservative Jew.” – Sarah Friedland, The Moveable Fest
TRAILER
