Outback Rabbis

Outback Rabbis is a fascinating, touching, and adventurous documentary released in 2019, which weaves together themes of travel, exploration, faith, and cultural interaction in an extremely heartwarming and engaging way. Directed by Danny Ben-Moshe, this vibrant and captivating film provides a deep and meaningful insight into the isolated Jewish community in Australia, their existential struggles, and the two rabbis who embarked on a mission to reach out and connect with them.

The movie features Rabbi Ari Rubin and his wife, Rabbiya Malka, Rabbinic emissaries based in the tropical city of Cairns. The narrative begins as the duo embarks on a challenging journey, venturing into the vast, rugged wilderness of the Australian Outback, bearing the monumental quest of finding and connecting with Jewish individuals living in the far-flung corners of the continent. The film elegantly portrays their mission, not just to locate and meet these isolated Jews, but also to reintroduce and reintegrate them into the Jewish faith and the rich tapestry of Jewish traditions, customs, and community life.

Outback Rabbis is a film about determination, faith, and affirming one's identity. Rubin and his wife brave formidable deserts, remote mountain trails, and vast stretches of wilderness, going from door to door, township to township, armed with their unwavering belief and a deeply ingrained commitment to their faith.

The film's depiction of the Australian Outback is both artistically elegant and authentically rustic, capturing not merely the rugged beauty of the Australian landscapes but also the quintessential spirit, charm, and character of its remote, rural community. The filmmakers expertly capture the Australian cultural milieu, the accents, the warmth, the hospitality, the understated humor, and the tough, resilient spirit of the Outback dwellers, enriching the backdrop of the narrative.

Throughout the film, the viewers are offered intriguing snapshots of a diverse array of Jewish individuals, some of whom are living openly as Jews, while others are only remotely connected to their Jewish heritage or are complete non-practicing Jews. The way these individuals respond to the rabbinic couple's attempts to reconnect them with their Jewish roots forms the emotional core of the film.

The encounters that the rabbinic couple have with these far-flung Jews are the lifeblood of Outback Rabbis. There are moments of warmth and revelation, sadness and humor, resistance and acceptance that unfold. The innovative integration of elements of travelogue, road-trip joyrides, individual profiling, and contemplative talks make for a beautifully organic and evolving narrative.

Outback Rabbis also offers viewers a glimpse into the couple's personal dynamics, their indomitable faith, their amiability, their sense of humor, and their persistent optimism. It importantly also showcases their accessibility and openness, as they respect and acknowledge the differing perspectives and lifestyles of the individuals they meet.

The film sheds light on the broader panorama of Jewish diasporas, the concepts of cultural assimilation, religious disconnection, and the universal human longing for a sense of belonging. It demystifies the Jewish faith, breaking down stereotypes, and offering a celebration of Jewish traditions, rituals, music, festivities, and cuisine.

Outback Rabbis is a visually delightful and spiritually charged travelogue that succeeds in capturing a panorama of Australian rural life while also remaining an empathetic, compassionate, and heartfelt documentary. With its eye-catching cinematography, outstanding sound effects, enchanting music score, and sensitive storytelling, the documentary offers audiences a richer, deeper understanding of the Jewish way of life, underscoring the expansive reach of faith and the power of human connection across distance, culture, and time.

In a world where religion is often perceived through the narrow lens of bias and misunderstanding, Outback Rabbis serves as an indication of how religious diversity can be an invitation for learning, mutual respect, and bridges of friendship. Whether you are religious or not, Jewish or not, Australian or not, Outback Rabbis is a universally appealing, thought-provoking, and emotionally captivating film that resonates with viewers on multiple levels. It is a true testament to the human spirit's resilience, the profound bonds of community, and the enduring power of faith.