In a Time of Darkness and Trauma in Israel, a Profound New Film Offers a Dose of 'Bliss'

In a time of darkness and trauma in Israel, a profound new film offers a dose of 'Bliss'

Near the end of Shemi Zarhin’s latest movie, Efi (Asi Levi) is onstage at the community center where she teaches music. She is introducing her adult students’ Hanukkah concert when, still in full control of her faculties, she finds herself suddenly and inexplicably, incapable of finishing her sentence explaining what motivates her — or anyone. “We all put in the work because…” she starts off confidently, before tailing off. It’s a remarkable gap…

Trauma, darkness, tragedy – and grace

Fr Jim Bowland OAM receives his papal award by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP. Photo: Giovanni Portelli. In his 60 years as a priest Fr Jim Boland OAM has seen the worst traumas and the darkest corners of the human heart as a chaplain for the NSW Police Force. Murders. Mass murders. Natural disasters. Suicides. Domestic violence. Road deaths.    The gore and tragedy and exhaustion and danger must have been worse for the officers. “They never forge…