Between the Temples Overview

Since his wife’s sudden passing, cantor Ben (Jason Schwartzman) has lost his voice, perhaps his faith and definitely his zest for living. He’s now even living with his two mothers (Caroline Aaron, Dolly de Leon) in their upstate New York house. But then one night at a bar, he runs into Carla (Carol Kane), his former music teacher. He’s drowning himself in mudslides. She’s there for weekly karaoke. Although born Jewish, Carla explains why she never had a bat mitzvah. And would Ben take her on as a student?

Despite a good 30 years apart in age, the two have a lot in common. Both are widowed, Carla’s out of a job, and Ben can’t figure out why he still has one, given he can’t sing. Ben teaches Carla about the Jewish faith and she gives him exercises to restore his voice. It’s obvious the two are smitten, much to the surprise of Carla’s son (Matthew Shear), Ben’s mothers and the rabbi (SNL writer Robert Smigel) who tries to match up Ben with his daughter (Madeline Weinstein), although the rabbi does warn Ben: "She’s a mess."

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