Pandemic Propels a New Film on the Rebbe’s Reshimos

By COLlive reporter

A few years ago, filmmaker Bentzi Avtzon began working on a new film project, “Alone, With G-d,” that tells the story of the Reshimos, the private journals of the Rebbe.

The film consists of carefully curated entries written during the dark years leading up to and during World War II, many of them are notes for speeches the Rebbe would give in shuls to strengthen his devastated brethren.

The film presents these entries alongside carefully researched rare archival footage of the time and place in which they were written. Beginning with footage of the Jewish Quarter in Paris before the war, the scene becomes increasingly ominous as the world descends into complete chaos. The film then follows the Rebbe’s journey to the south of France and eventually to the United States.

“The idea was to bring these entries to life,” Avtzon says. “The Rebbe wrote these entries in real times and places and shared them with real people. Only with this living context can they be fully appreciated.”

But after a one-off showing in Philadelphia, the project stalled and was never finished.

Then the recent Covid-19 crisis began, and Avtzon felt that these materials and the ideas they contained had become more relevant than ever. “When I began working on the project, some people felt that it was too difficult a subject to relate to,” he says. “They don’t anymore.”

It’s not only the scenes of burning buildings that have become more relevant but also the subjects of the Reshimos themselves, he said. Speaking to an individual who feels increasingly alone in a world spinning out of control, these entries encourage the individual to find meaning and faith even in the darkest of moments.

“It’s been very touching to see how people have responded to this film,” Avtzon told COLlive.com.

A couple from Long Island who has seen the video commented: “I feel that there are parallels, always, bridging past and present human struggles. We are in one now… I am happy to have met the Rebbe in person twice, but even if I had never met him, I met him meaningfully, tonight.”

Avtzon says, “I won’t suggest that this film has the answers. But I do believe it will help people feel less lonely in the questions they are asking today. And if that’s the case, what more could I hope for?”

VIDEO:

The film is being screened in over 20 Chabad Houses across four continents. To arrange a screening for your community please visit: yuvlamedia.com/alone or email: [email protected]