[♪ musical flourish ]
[background conversation]
- I see a star.
- And if you think I'll fall for that, Eli,
you must think I was born yesterday.
- Was there a Shabbat when you were little?
- Of course, since the time of the covenant.
- Every seven days?!
Why so many, Savta?
- Shabbat is a time for rest, and time to honor three things:
family, our people, and God.
- Family like Savta and Saba?
- Yes, and you, Eema, and Abba, of course.
Close friends are like family, too.
- Who else?
- We honor our fellow citizens on Shabbat.
- Strangers, Savta?
- We're all God's people, even friends we haven't met.
But most important of all, we honor God and all His works.
We rest because He rested on the seventh day.
We rest to refresh our souls, to know Him better.
- Woman of valor, who can find her?
- This is the Eshet Chayil, an ode to women of valor.
- Far beyond jewels is her value.
Her husband's heart, trusts in her,
and he should lack no fortune.
- There.
- May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.
- May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.
- The sixth day.
And the heaven and earth, and all their hosts,
were completed.
And God finished by the seventh day
all His work that He had done.
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe.
From all His work that God created to function,
He creates the fruit of the vine.
ALL: Amen.
[woman vocalizing]
♪
♪ Oh, child, come on in.
♪ Jump in the water.
♪ Got no trouble with the mess you been. ♪
♪ Walk on the water.
♪
♪ Walk on the water.
♪
♪ Walk on the water.
♪ Oh, child,
♪ Walk on the water.
♪ Got no trouble.
♪
♪ Walk on the water.
♪
♪ Walk on the water.
- You're so good at that.
- Mary!
You try.
- Oh, no; no, no, I can't.
- Yes, I have seen you braid Lia.
You are wonderful.
[Mary sighs]
Go ahead.
[market noise]
- How'd I do?
- Told you she was excellent.
It is a shame only Ananias will see it.
You know what would be great?
Do we have any flowers?
- Oh, I'll get the buttercup! Don't move!
- Oh, I'm sorry.
Excuse me, sorry, I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.
- I need to see Quintus immediately.
- Praetor, there's no time.
- It's urgent; it's a matter of life and death.
- Who, him? - Yes.
- Bah! See to your dog.
- What did he say?
- He detests you as much as I do.
- And?
- This was a horrible idea.
- Gaius, we must see Quintus.
- Or what? He does not need to clarify anything for you.
I mean, do you have any idea who--
No, clearly you do not, dumb question.
- Idea of what?
- Who you are dealing with.
- Yes, I do. - Really?
- Yes.
He is the Roman occupying overseer of this region,
and his primary responsibilities are to enforce the law
and ensure financial stability--
- I am aware of his responsibilities.
I don't think you know what he's capable of.
- I know he's made a deal with this Simon person.
I have valuable information related to--
- Have you ever heard of somebody
making a decision based on a hunch?
- If he has, then I must let him know.
- Yes, you must.
Listen, I don't want to have to carry your corpse out,
so I'm going to wait outside for your replacement.
Good luck.
- I don't understand.
- You are a fool.
- Publicanus requests an audience.
Publicanus?
- Yes, Dominus.
- And are you his escort, centurion?
- Yes.
- So where are you going?
- Securing the passageway, praetor.
- Ah.
Well done.
Come on.
So, a Jew tax collector and his escort
demand to see the praetor of Judaea.
It's urgent, they say.
A matter of life and death.
Last night burned very hot, and today I'm ash,
so I'll get to the point.
Why should I not kill you both? You first.
- Dominus, I was recently approached by a man
while at my tax collecting--
- Faster.
- He was many months delinquent,
to relieve the substantial amount--
- Skip to the end.
- Did you hire a man to spy of Jewish merchant vessels
fishing on Shabbat to avoid taxation?
- Yes, Simon.
He's in your district?
- He is.
- His debt's forgiven.
Surprise.
- As well as those of his brother?
- His-- yes, forgiven, goodbye.
- Thank you for your time, praetor.
- I do not find Simon reliable.
Once, he was deficient in his taxes,
and when I pursued remedy,
I discovered that he had spent an inordinate amount
on games of chance at the local establishment.
Additionally, based on his financial status,
I question Simon's connections to the merchant class.
In spite of his current intentions,
I do not believe you have an accurate understanding
of what he can deliver.
- I am sorry for this dishonor.
- Say your last prayer, Jew.
- Stay there a moment, captain.
Are you saying I made a bad deal?
- Yes.
- [laughing] Where did he come from?
- Here, Capernaum, Dominus.
- You know, my brothers across the world
search for brave men to spare and recruit,
but our power prohibits those very efforts,
for what sane person would stand up to the Roman Empire?
- I am sane.
- Yes, but a very different kind of sane.
- I'm sorry, I don't understand.
- So, you say this Simon isn't at the level
of the merchant class at sea.
But he claims they all spend time at the same establishments.
Is that false?
- I am afraid I'm not aware of their social interactions.
But even if that were true, it would be highly unusual
for Jewish men to betray one another.
- So says the Jew who collects taxes from them.
- Mine is a different circumstance.
- Ah, spare me, I admire it.
Well, it won't surprise you to learn that to date,
Simon has not fulfilled his obligation
to uncover the tax evaders.
- He's in breach of contract.
- Not yet... but time may prove you out.
Uh... what are you called?
- Matthew, Dominus.
- I may yet have need
of your keen powers of observation, Matthew.
A special assignment.
- I would relish the opportunity, Dominus.
- Of course you would.
I'll be in touch, Matthew of Capernaum.
- Thank you, Dominus.
- Thank you.
- All right, a round for the table.
[men respond]
No, you all need this to have a good time.
- What is this about?
- Oh, Baruch, I can't celebrate my brothers... and sisters?
Sol, make sure Amos gets a cider...
he can't handle the good stuff.
[men laugh]
Tobiah, Jason, you'll need this to drown your sorrows
after you lose this game.
[laughing]
And you, I don't know your name, you're new.
But, wow, we're not afraid you'll steal our fish,
we're afraid you'll steal our women.
Look at this mane, like Absalom, no?
- Hopefully, he does better than Absalom.
- Stay away from low-hanging branches, my boy.
- Stay away from steep staircases, old man.
- That's it, Sol, none for Jason.
- Oh, what did he do this time?
- Ask your wife.
- Oh!
- Drinking alone again, Simon?
- Oh, you merchants need twice the help at sea.
I need twice the help on land.
- Oh! - What's your bet?
- John, I see The Hammer
changed its rules on allowing children.
- Go get caught in a net.
- But you're here with a responsible adult.
Saul, make sure James and John get some, too.
Please, please, after you. Please.
- What is that?
- Whatever do you mean, brother?
- Your face... you happy?
- No, I'm handsome.
I just happen to be wearing a happy face.
[cheering]
- Buying drinks for the merchants.
You're fattening your lambs before the slaughter?
- Better?
- I don't want you to be miserable.
- You are, so I should be too, no?
- I want you to be serious.
This is not a game.
- Well, nothing wrong with enjoying
a little financial freedom.
Your temporary reprieve from doom.
- That double knockout was a sham.
- Thanks, Jori.
- Get your footwork down and next time--
- Yeah, yeah, practice; thank you, Jori, thank you.
- Temporary reprieve.
- Believe it or not, I don't like it, either.
But these men, they're not family.
You and Eden are my responsibility.
Not them.
You two keep me up at night.
Not them.
- And you want to be rich.
- Yeah, well, I thought I'd try the sentimental route.
Maybe it's not my best look.
♪
SHMUEL: Nicodemus?
- Grief!
- Nicodemus?
- Shmuel, I'm studying... or was.
- Apologies, Rabbi.
- What is so urgent, Shmuel?
- The judges of our Sanhedrin sent for you.
The Av Beit Din himself requests your presence.
God is good.
- What happened?
- Ah, Rabbi Nicodemus of the great Sanhedrin.
We are greatly honored by your presence.
- The honor is mine, Av Beit Din.
I was given the impression it was a matter of some urgency.
- We are considering a formal inquiry.
- What are the charges?
- A miracle, rabbi of rabbis.
This man's testimony is clear.
His account, miraculous.
The woman in the Red Quarter, to who you offered rites...
she is redeemed.
- You--you saw her?
- Yes, teacher... perfectly restored and radiant.
- Where?
- At the hairdresser's at the market.
- Men are not allowed at the hairdresser's.
- Of course I did not go in.
But she was on an errand.
I believed my eyes betrayed me,
so I followed until I was certain.
There can be no doubt.
- Teacher, you were successful; I told you.
- Silence.
This is an unparalleled revelation.
You, yourself pointed out that the depth
of her demonic oppression was beyond human aid.
We want to send word to Jerusalem at once.
- Av Beit Din, with your permission,
I would like to investigate this sighting myself
before you conduct a formal inquiry into this
or have news of it spread.
- We will, of course, yield to your request, but...
may we inquire as to the reason for your reticence?
- Just as this exorcism took some time to prove effective,
it may have a tentative hold.
It could come as a shock for a young woman of her station
to be poured over by your learned judges,
whereas mine's a familiar face.
- It is decided.
Conduct your investigation, but please be efficient.
News of this kind, it grows legs.
[waves splashing]
- Andrew?
Andrew, will you help me, please?
- Help you with what?
I can barely see anything.
- Of course, it's the darkest night in weeks.
Okay, we saw Jori, Haim and Baruch all come in,
offloading, and cleaning their holds.
- Of course, tomorrow is Shabbat.
- Well, there's still a fleet out there.
They are staying late
because they're not cleaning out the holds tonight.
They're definitely sailing tomorrow.
I'm guessing it's Amos.
- Pffft! This is all a waste of time, if it is.
- What do you mean?
- What I mean is Gideon and Tobiah sail with Amos.
- Well, I'm not saying it's Amos for sure or not.
Whoever it is, they're definitely sailing tomorrow.
We got them.
- We got? Those are our brothers.
Tobiah looks to you before his own father.
- So what?
It's my fault that a dumb kid doesn't know better?
- I keep waiting for you to tell me
this is all part of a plan to double-cross the Romans.
- Andrew, there's a crew out there.
That crew is stealing food out of Eden's mouth.
They're going to take our boat, maybe our lives.
- Maybe, but we made our choices too.
- You think this was a choice?
[door opens and closes] - You're not teaching today?
- I have research.
- Well, don't be too long.
Our guests will be arriving early.
- Oh.
- Nico, they are dear colleagues who admire you.
They have been waiting weeks
for the teacher of teachers to lead Shabbat.
It will be like sharing loaves with God Himself.
- Sharing-- am I the only one hearing this?
- It's a small gathering,
you can just go through it quickly.
- I'll try to avoid spending too much time honoring God
and our heritage.
[market noise]
- Fools.
[arguing]
- I'm commanding you to stop, I said.
- Are you the Messiah?
- Stop!
- Enough!
Do you want to lose that ugly nose of yours?
- Thank you.
- Only one language keeps their peace, Marcus.
Learn to speak it.
- Matthew.
Another unhappy citizen expressing his disapproval?
- I'll be fine.
- Oh, you're disgusting, go home.
- I have a job to do.
My father never allowed me to shirk responsibility.
- Well, he raised you right.
You must have Roman blood.
- We don't speak.
- Jews are odd.
- People are.
- How can you not have a relationship
with your own father?
- He says he has no son.
Next?
- I got them... at least I think they're right.
That's what everyone else was getting.
- Oh, what did you get, Mary?
- Shabbat candles.
- Okay, I would not have guessed that.
- It's Mary's first Shabbat dinner in a little while.
- In a long while; I barely remember how to do it.
- It'll be great.
- I know how to make the bread... part of it.
- How do you make part of a loaf of bread?
- If you're hosting Shabbat, Sweetheart,
you better get moving.
Preparations might take you all afternoon?
- Really?
- Just to be safe.
- I haven't even swept.
- Get out of here.
- Get the fire going first thing.
- I'm excited... and a little terrified.
- After you knead, rest the dough.
- With this kind of advice, what could go wrong?
- Shabbat shalom.
- Hello.
- It's you!
It's real.
Lilith.
No, no, please, don't be frightened.
My name is Nicodemus.
I ministered to you, Lilith.
- I don't answer to that name.
I am Mary.
I was born Mary.
- But you were called Lilith, yes?
- Please, I must go.
- No, no, please, Mary.
I am desperate for your help, Mary.
I'm a Pharisee, I'm visiting from Jerusalem.
I am a man of God.
And I believe you have experienced a miracle, Mary.
- Are you really a Pharisee?
- Yes.
I'm sorry I wasn't--
I'm not here to enforce Jewish law.
- So, how do you know who I am?
- You really don't remember me at all?
I burned incense.
- I don't remember.
It's all a blur.
I can't go back into that.
- No, no, I don't want you to.
I can't even imagine.
But you--you are healed.
That, that much is clear.
I just want to understand how it happened.
- That makes two of us.
- How long after my visit did you feel the change?
- It wasn't anything you did.
It was someone else.
- Some... one else?
- He called me Mary.
He said, "I am His.
I am redeemed."
- And it was so?
Who did this?
- I don't know His name.
And even if I did, I could not tell you.
- Why not?
- His time for men to know has not yet come.
- His time for men--
He--He performs miracles and seeks no credit?
But what does He look like? Is he a member of Sanhedrin?
Would you at least know Him if you saw Him again?
- I don't know why I am sharing this with you.
I--I don't understand it myself.
But here is what I can tell you.
I was one way... and now I am completely different.
And the thing that happened in between... was Him.
So, yes, I will know Him for the rest of my life.
I have to be home to prepare for Shabbat, as I'm sure you do.
- So mended you're even hosting Shabbat dinner.
- It will be nothing like yours, I am sure of that,
but I'm going to try.
Shabbat shalom, Nicodemus.
- Shabbat shalom, Mary.
[chopping noise]
- Good morning, love.
- It's not morning.
- Well, first seeing you, then.
Mmm... that is wonderful.
- I know.
How was fishing?
- It's fine.
- Really?
- You're surprised?
- Why would I be surprised?
- I don't know, you tell me.
- You haven't taken a catch to market for days.
- And yet you have flour, vegetables.
Did you sleep in a warm bed last night?
- In fits.
- Why are you baiting me?
- I don't understand what's happening.
- Nothing is happening.
- You don't sell to market.
Your hours are upside down.
And your face is frozen in worry.
Don't tell me nothing is happening.
- Look, we're in a challenging season right now.
I just need to work hard to get through it,
and I'll get caught up tonight, and I'll be right on--
- Tonight? What do you mean?
- I'm not happy about this, either.
I need to work tonight, so that--
- You need to work on Shabbat?
- It's a special circumstance.
I can't get into it right now.
Andrew will be here for dinner as normal,
and I'll just be gone for a few hours.
- Oh, well, would you like me
to fix you a Shabbat plate to take with you?
- Listen, love, I know this is not--
- Don't "listen, love" me, I'm not a child.
- I just need you to trust me on this, please?
I've--I've got this, Eden.
- You answer to God, not me.
But next time, you answer to the both of us.
Because whatever this is,
I don't have the strength for it twice.
- If there's any left when I come back,
I'll give it to you.
- From an artisan.
This is the last of a long line of traditional works
that his family has made.
This is solid gold, from the finest goldsmiths in Jerusalem.
I hope you will enjoy eating off these beautiful plates.
The clay has to sit for many days,
and then it has to be re-worked.
I hope you will enjoy eating your meal from it.
So, enjoy.
What's on your mind, love?
- Hasmonean.
Do you know the significance?
- Tell me.
- 200 years ago, we were ruled by the great king, Antiochus IV.
He suppressed our religious observances.
It wasn't until the Maccabees revolted,
and ushered in the Hasmonean dynasty,
that our worship was restored.
- You are as smart as you are handsome.
- [sighs] Who is responsible for suppressing our worship now?
I fear I know the answer.
- Well, it is a beautiful tapestry.
Should the artist have made it less so?
To what purpose? Sadness?
A conquered people?
- You are wise as you are beautiful.
[knock on door]
[door opens]
- Shabbat shalom.
- Shabbat shalom, Rabbanit.
- Shabbat shalom.
NICODEMUS: Shabbat shalom.
- Oh, honored Rabbi.
We are humbled and honored by your presence in Capernaum.
You make us whole.
- Only God can do that.
- Shall we join the others?
- Thank you.
- Try to get a seat near the head of the table.
- A woman of valor, who can find?
♪
[knock on door]
- Ah, Barnaby!
- Mary.
- Come in, I'm so glad you came.
- Oh, thank you, Miss Mary.
This is a fine place.
- Oh, thank you.
SHULA: Are we on?
Is it still on?
- Yes, Shula, how did you find us?
- I followed that mule, Barnaby.
Not that he waited.
Looking as handsome as ever, Barnaby.
- Lucky guess, Shula.
- Is this the place?
- If Mary's here, it is.
- Do I know you?
- Oh, sorry, I'm James, this is Thaddeus.
We were told this would be a good place to come.
We can leave, if it's awkward.
- Oh, no, please come in, you are most welcome here.
- So, can we help?
- Ah, no... well, yes, I-- I don't know what I am doing.
- I see food, that's a victory.
- If I'm not doing something,
or doing something wrong, you tell me.
- Oh, nonsense; it's already great.
- Can't remember the last time
I was invited to a Shabbat dinner.
- Me, never.
- You've never been to Shabbat?
- Of course I've been to one. Been to lots.
Just never got invited.
[laughter]
Who's the extra seat for?
- For Elijah! Am I right?
I remember my mother always setting an extra place
for Elijah.
- That's only for Passover.
- Just once a year at Seder.
- Well, when Seder comes, I'll have a head start on setting up.
[laughter]
All right, I'll just take a look at my little notes.
[chuckles] Let's see.
- Can I read it for you, Mary?
- Stop it, Barnaby, I read better than you.
- My father taught me.
- Very impressive.
- Oh, is the first star out?
- Yes, let's eat.
[knock on door]
- Like I said, you are very popular.
- Or it's a Pharisee here
to shut us down for letting you be here.
- Hello, Mary.
- Hello.
- It's good to see you.
- Yes... yes.
- I don't want to be rude, but would it be okay if I--
- Oh! Yes, of course, please come in.
I just never thought you'd, um--
I have guests here, this is my first time.
I don't know what I'm doing.
- Rabbi.
- You already know these men?
- They are students of mine.
I trust they have been polite?
- Of course.
- Your guest can take the seat, yes, Mary?
- Oh, of course!
- Yes, of course, please have a seat.
I keep saying "of course" a lot.
[chuckles]
Um, friends, this is the man I told you about, who, um...
who helped me.
- Oh, yes, Mary told us so much about you.
- Oh, I hope not too much.
- I'm Barnaby, this is Shula.
She is blind.
- Ah.
- In case you couldn't tell.
- I'm so sorry, I don't actually know your name.
- I'm Jesus, of Nazareth.
- Well, apparently something good can come from Nazareth.
[laughing]
What?
- Mary, I'm honored to be here.
Why don't you begin?
- Oh, no, I couldn't, now that You're here, You must.
- Thank you, but this is your home,
and I would love for you to do it.
- Okay.
I'll just-- I'll just read from this now.
And the heavens and the earth were completed,
and all their hosts,
and God completed on the seventh day
His work that He did.
- And God completed...
MARY: And God abstained on the seventh day
from all the work He did.
And God blessed the seventh day, and He hallowed it,
for thereon, He abstained from all the work
that God created to do.
- Blessed are you, Lord our God...
MARY: Blessed are you, Lord our God,
Ruler of the universe,
who creates the fruit of the vine.
- You have lovingly and willingly given us...
MARY: You have lovingly and willingly given us your Shabbat
as an inheritance in memory of creation.
Because this is the first day of our holy assemblies
in memory of the Exodus from Egypt.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe,
who brings forth the bread from the earth.
Amen.
- Amen.
[waves splashing]
♪
[woman vocalizing]
[man vocalizing]
♪