Beautiful.
How are you feeling now, Mrs. Wellers?
You're pretty.
We're good to go.
Benjamin, what are you doing here?
Who's the woman?
My girlfriend.
What are you doing here?
You and I...
...are okay.
What?
Jake.
Hmm?
Lunch.
That's a lot of bridesmaids.
Don't worry, I'm only going to have eight.
But it will be in a church,
and it will be big.
That's my family's thing.
Jake?
I had a dream about my brother.
"Brother"?
I told you I have a brother.
"I have a brother."
That's about it.
He's a rabbi.
A religious one.
I haven't seen him in six years.
Now, he comes to me in a dream.
Maybe it's time to reconnect.
Eight bridesmaids, huh?
Diane, my younger sister, had 14.
Oh, that's ridiculous.
Yeah, I know.
Hey, Mom, what's up?
What?
The brother's single, a doctor.
He's coming with the mother.
Point him out to me.
I never met him.
He's Reform, like the mother,
who shows up once a year, if that.
Leah.
You're in my prayers.
Thank you, Mrs. Goldfarb.
Malka.
He should've been here already.
You sure you told him the right time?
Oh, I have on open-toed shoes.
What was I thinking?
Ma, it's fine. Come on.
Mama, they're here.
- Dr. Lever?
- Yes?
My condolences to you both.
If you would stand with the men.
And if you would join Leah.
Janice.
I always thought of Benjamin as my own son.
Here, sit.
In the days and weeks to come,
when we think Rabbi Lever,
we may be compelled to ask God,
"Why?
"Why would a man so full of life,
"in his prime
be taken from his wife and his family?"
We come into this world with a purpose.
And because death is so much a part of life...
...we come to see Benjamin's departure,
as a, a lesson,
which we must take as a gift.
And in time,
it will become apparent
what his gift is
to each of us.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Are they going to stare at us the whole time?
Shh-shh, shh-shh.
Danish?
No, thank you. No, thank you.
I'll be back around with a tray of fruit.
I think the fruit comes next.
Esther.
Why he never comes to visit?
He disapproves of us?
Esther!
The fruit is ready.
To drop dead just like that...
I tell you, it's best that Leah has no children.
It's a terrible thing
- when children are left...
- Yeah, I know.
- Well, what happens now?
- Well, Rabbi Tenzer's
family will take the apartment
since the shul owns it,
and Leah'll move back here with me.
Oh...
Janice?
Can I get you something?
Nothing, thank you.
I'm going to get some air.
Sorry, look, I'll...
It's okay.
I should go.
Don't leave
because of me.
I should be downstairs.
I just needed some air.
I wish I had worn an old suit.
What's the meaning behind it?
The rending of the garments.
It allows the mourners to express
their grief and anger.
There are things of Benjamin's you should have.
Thanks, but don't rush.
I know you have to pack.
I heard you're moving.
It's just down two flights.
Your mother lives in the same building?
Yes, and my sister, too.
He wanted you in his life.
I know he did.
I just couldn't find a way to relate to him.
Everything I did was sinful.
I should have been around.
You know, I might, I might have
seen the signs, and then...
you and I, you and I wouldn't
be standing here right now.
When it happened,
Benjamin couldn't find me.
I should have felt something when he died.
He couldn't find me to say good-bye.
What do you mean?
A person's soul finds the one
they love to say good-bye.
He found you?
It was just a dream.
The rabbi is downstairs.
You're wanted now.
Oh, you, too.
Me?
The Levirate Marriage takes place
between the childless widow whose husband
has just died and the unmarried
brother of the deceased.
It's his obligation to marry her,
so the brother's name will carry on.
You're kidding right?
He's kidding?
Well, I-I, I can't.
I'm in a relationship. I'm sorry, but...
I mean, it's no offense, Leah,
or to all of you, but I...
Shh-shh, Dr. Lever.
We no longer practice this.
However, to release
both of you from your obligation,
we have to perform a ceremony.
Great. What do I have to do?
You have to wait three months
to see if Leah is pregnant.
If not, we reconvene
for the Halizah,
that's the ceremony that will
release Leah from the law.
Tante.
All right, everybody inside.
No running like meshugges, huh?
Come on, come on, in you go.
In you go.
Hannah Rifka?
Come. You're in charge, okay?
Play quietly.
Bubbe, she has more toys!
What a mistake giving them sugar.
Here, I saved the last two doughnuts for us.
Have you seen Mama yet?
Why?
She's meeting with Mrs. Finkelman.
I'm sure it's only preliminary, you know?
To see who's out there and interested in you.
Nothing can really happen if you're...
What? Pregnant?
I'm not pregnant, and you and Mama know it.
Things do happen.
She called the matchmaker?
What is her hurry?
I got other plans, Essy.
I don't like that look.
What are you digging?
Vayzmeer.
I've got my interview this afternoon.
How are you going to tell Mama?
Winging this would not be advised.
I'm not moving back in with Mama.
Come on, I'm going to be late.
Help me with my wig.
We've got your transcripts.
You're not applying for financial aid.
You plan to matriculate
as a bachelor's candidate.
That's right.
So, uh, okay,
well, all we need are your, uh, SAT scores.
Yeah, uh, no, I know I have
to get that over with.
So are you applying
- for housing?
- Oh, yes.
Actually...
do you have a kosher meal plan?
We do... I'll, uh, I'll make a note of it.
So you'll be requesting a roommate who is also
- of your faith?
- Oh. I didn't even know that was an option
seeing I'm applying so late for this semester.
Oh, Mrs. Lever,
the earliest if accepted here or... anywhere
would-would be for next semester.
That's almost six months away.
- Yeah, I know.
- I'm sorry.
You're covering for me in clinic tomorrow, right?
Sure. What's up?
Remember? I have to be in
Brooklyn tomorrow morning
to divorce my sister-in-law.
Right. And people think my religion's strange.
What do you have to do?
It's all online.
Recite some biblical passages,
get spit on by Leah,
and then the rabbi will
consider my obligation broken.
Strictly ceremonial.
No. It's my experience
that in the presence of God and religious men
that nothing's strictly ceremonial,
especially when there's spitting.
Oh. That, they say, signifies...
Oh, one special.
Ten even, please.
"To shame the brother
for not building up his brother's house."
"For he shall be forgotten now
that no offspring shall be raised in his name."
It sounds different when it's read aloud.
Like I said.
Do you love him, Loretta?
- Ma, I love him awful.
- Oh, God, that's too bad.
She loves me.
What's the matter, Pop?
I'm confused.
I'm sorry I'm late, Ruth.
You have Mama's order ready?
Yeah.
Hi, Mama. Ruth gave away your lemon cake,
- so...
- Oh...
here she is.
I told Carmie you might stop by.
Join us for a L'Chaim, Leah.
Mrs. Finkelman thought it'd be nice
for you two to get reacquainted.
Hello, Leah.
Hi, Carmie.
Why do you have to go so far away, Benjie?
There are good colleges right here.
I just do.
I want you to have something.
This a Jewish thing?
It's a Hamsa, for each of us.
It protects against evil forces.
Bless these artifacts and make them holy.
Let them be a symbol of our bond.
We will always be there for each other,
no matter what.
No matter what.
Say amen.
Amen.
- Hey.
- Hey.
I'm right over here.
When does your train leave?
Not for another hour.
What is that?
My brother's prayer shawl.
Leah's note said Ben wore this
one on the High Holidays.
Really? Do you have to wear it for the ceremony?
I don't know.
"Be prepared" is my motto.
I'll definitely be needing one of these, however.
So, is Leah nice?
Is she pretty?
She's pretty religious.
She can still be pretty.
Do you think you'll keep in
touch with her after this?
I hadn't really thought about it.
It's not like we have much in common.
Except your brother.
Make an effort, Jake.
She's family.
Leah?
Leah?
Leah.
The new tenants are ready to hang the drapes.
You're still going through boxes?
I'm going away to college.
Okay.
I've got this figured out, Mama.
I'm sure you think you do.
Tell me.
Does running off to college
include a family, huh?
I'm not any good at marriage.
All right, this is grief talking.
- Mama...
- No, it is.
You were a good wife to Benjamin, Leah.
What do you think, every marriage
doesn't have its share of problems?
- He loved you, Leah.
- I know, Mama.
I just always...
...thought that...
a marriage could be something more.
You're living in a fantasy world.
Marriage is not like those movies
you're always sneaking off to see.
Before I married your father,
I lived in that world.
Everybody chasing crazy dreams...
looking outward inside of inside themselves
for a spiritual life.
Leah...
the answers you seek are not
to be found in a movie theater
or a college campus.
Well, maybe for you they weren't, Mama.
Leah...
you have got to erase
this meshugge dream from your head.
I can't.
Then I fear
God may grant it to you.
After you put on the Halizah
shoe, take a walk in it.
Make sure it fits.
Walk here, in front of the judges.
It fits.
Okay.
Now, Leah, repeat after me.
"My husband's brother refuses to establish a name
for his brother within Israel."
My husband's brother refuses to establish a name
for his brother within Israel.
"He does not consent
to perform the Levirate marriage to me."
He does not consent to perform
the Levirate marriage to me.
Do you prefer to marry your sister-in-law
or release her through this ceremony?
Release her.
All right, go lean against the wall over there.
Now press your foot down hard hard on the ground.
All right, now, Leah,
go over and put your left hand on Jacob's calf.
Go on, it's all right.
Go on.
Then with your right hand,
undo the loops
on the Halizah shoe.
Now raise his leg.
No, not so high.
Now, take off the shoe and cast it
across the room.
Put down his leg. Now, Leah...
spit on the floor in front of Jacob.
Now, repeat after me, Leah.
"That is what shall be done unto the man
who doth not build up his brother's house."
This is what shall be done
to the man that doth not build
up his brother's house.
Jacob, you deny your brother's existence?
You deny
your brother's existence?
We got to talk.
- Dr. Lever?
- We'll be right back, Rabbi.
I can't do this, Leah.
I thought I could,
but I can't.
You have to, Jake.
Because if you don't, then...
you will be obligated to marry me.
Then I'll marry you.
I can't go back in there and
let them finish this ceremony.
If I do, I'll be denying my brother's existence.
I did that, for years,
and now he's gone, and I... I j...
I can't.
I worshipped him.
He gave me one, too.
I kept it with me...
...since I was 11.
We can do this.
Not like what you and Ben had, but...
Uh, what are you suggesting?
We'll be roommates; separate bedrooms.
- Didn't you say you have a girlfriend?
- Yes.
But she'll understand; family's
very important to her.
My plan is to go to college...
is that gonna be a problem for you?
Not at all.
There's plenty of good colleges in DC.
My mother would have to
believe that we are married
in the traditional way... if we do this.
Absolutely.
But, then... really, we would...
have separate lives.
Is that what you mean?
Yes. Yes.
All right.
We'll start, uh,
- begin at, uh...
- We'd... actually like
to talk about the other ceremony.
What other ceremony?
Marriage.
I know Jake wasn't your choice,
or Mrs. Finkelman's, but I did as you wanted.
Maybe this is God's plan.
Only He commands
who shall be with whom,
Mama.
It's gonna be fine. Really.
He's not religious.
And this is far from fine.
No, I got it, I got it.
Thank you.
So, who lives there?
Are you serious?
No.
It's a joke.
- This is your home?
- Yeah.
Oh, but... only the first floor.
Sorry, I...
wasn't expecting company.
Or a wife.
Yeah, right.
It's nice.
Well, it's, uh, usually cleaner.
At least... tidier.
But don't worry, I have someone
who comes in and cleans
- once a week, so...
- I can't believe
I'm going to be living in Washington, DC.
It's actually Georgetown.
- It's not my mother's house.
- Come on,
I'll show you your room.
It's, uh, kind of a mess right now, but...
don't worry, I'm gonna... I'm
gonna clear it out for you.
There's a storage area in back.
This'll be just fine.
Great. Well, um, I'm gonna make some room for you
in the medicine cabinet... how
many shelves do you need?
One.
You must be hungry.
Here. One of these is probably kosher.
No. I'll shop tomorrow.
What do you want me to buy you?
Oh, no, don't worry about me.
You just take care of you.
Map. You're gonna need a map.
I fight my junk drawer just like the Maccabees.
Maccabees, right.
Um, I know you know that I'm not religious,
but I'm-I'm really not religious.
How you choose to live
is between you and Him.
All right.
Map. House key.
You know,
I just don't... I don't want
my lifestyle to offend you.
I'm in the middle of my fellowship,
and I work long, odd hours, I'm
not here that much, and...
when I am, I'm usually sleeping.
But you'll be in school...
you said you wanted to go to college, right?
Yeah.
Do you think...
that at my age, that's...
a crazy dream?
No, no. My first year of med school,
my roommate was 35.
Like I said, I'm never here.
I could, uh, drop you off somewhere
on my way to the hospital...
you could check out M Street.
No, I think I'll stay and unpack.
Hey, do you need any money?
No, thank you.
All my numbers.
So, I'll, uh...
I'll see you.
See you.
Yeah.
See you when?
Um...
I'm not sure.
But soon.
Tomorrow morning, maybe.
Will you do me a favor
and just let the machine
pick up if anyone calls.
I should first tell people what's going on here.
It is probably best to do in person.
Yeah.
All right, um...
I'll see you.
You married her?!
Yes, but not in the biblical way.
We're roommates... she'll have
her life; I'll have mine.
- There's nothing more to it.
- You were supposed
to go there and get unmarried,
not bring her back as your bride!
I know, but I couldn't do it.
I just couldn't.
You did say I should stay in touch with her...
- that was your idea.
- Shut up. Shut up.
14 months we've been going together.
I'm the one that you should
be getting married to.
You said you wanted to take it slow.
I know what I said, but I didn't think
you were gonna marry somebody else first!
We're roommates. Room-mates.
You call it "roommates"...
everyone here will call it married.
How old is she? You know, it doesn't matter.
You're married. That's it.
You're not hearing me.
No, you're not hearing me.
Until you get unmarried, we're done!
Oh, come...
Carol...
Good morning.
Do you like scrambled eggs?
Do you want a cup of tea?
Uh, coffee's fine, thanks.
I made you lunch.
You really don't have to wait on me,
cook for me.
Some habits are hard to break, I guess.
- Right.
- Can I now
pick up the phone if it rings?
Sure.
So Carol is fine with me being here?
She's very cool with it, yeah.
I really should run.
Mmm.
These are really good.
By the way, a man is coming today
to blow-torch your oven.
Makes it kosher.
Okay.
Well, I got to go.
Oh, don't forget your lunch.
Thanks.
Welcome, movers and shakers
of tomorrow.
So, you are here to prepare for the SAT,
the mother of all tests.
You can say good-bye to your,
uh, TV, your iPod, your...
text-messaging
for the next eight weeks.
On your desks,
you will find a packet
that contains your study material.
Please take those out,
and let's begin.
Can I see this one, please?
Not gold, dude.
What you did calls for platinum.
I have it in platinum.
One moment.
Welcome to matrimony.
I'm not married.
Not like you and Priya are married.
Eventually, Leah will move
out, we'll get this annulled.
- You mean divorced.
- Whatever. Leah will move on,
Carol will calm down, and everything will go back
- to the way it was.
- And you're on Demerol.
Here it is.
The other one didn't have diamonds.
I know.
We're out of those... but...
these are Pav diamonds.
She'll love them.
How much?
Only $4,200.
He'll take it.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah
Uh-huh, huh
All right, all right, now
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, yeah
Uh, uh, uh
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Uh, uh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, huh, huh, huh, uh-huh...
Lee-ah, right?
It's Leah.
Oh, Leah, yeah.
Well, I'm Emily.
Everybody calls me Em.
I was hoping you'd be back
before I finished cleaning.
Here, let me help you.
Oh. Jake didn't tell you about me?
Uh, no... He did.
He-he just didn't mention
that you were coming today.
I'm so sorry... this place is a disaster.
And I got to get this stuff out of your way.
Oh, it's taken care of.
Herbert, my husband, moved
everything into the back.
Thank him for me.
I will.
Well, it looks like somebody's
gonna be doing some baking.
Yeah. I'm making challas.
The elderly lady I work for
on Wednesday, Mrs. Blaustein,
she makes those, too.
- Maybe you know her.
- No.
Hm. I thought... she wears the same hair as you.
Oh, because she's married, she wears a wig?
Is that why?
Our real hair
shouldn't excite men other than our husbands.
Mrs. Blaustein has nothing to
worry about in that department.
Mm-hmm.
I'm guessing,
but you being here
has shaken things up a bit.
What do you mean?
You're here, and Carol isn't.
No.
No, it's not like that.
We're roommates.
Nothing more.
Hm. Well, that's too bad,
because he is fine!
- How long have you worked for Jake?
- For years.
But seriously, he is a good man.
Well...
I'm hoping to get to find out.
He doesn't spend much time here.
Oh, that'll change.
I have never known a man to stay away from a home
where there's someone cooking.
Well, he doesn't want me cooking for him.
That will definitely change.
Carol, will you wait up?
I don't want to speak to you.
All right, so don't talk then.
But please, just take it.
Hey, congratulations,
you two, you finally did it.
Let me know where you're registered.
Closing time.
Almost 11:00.
Five more minutes.
I love it here this time of day.
I'm Gerry.
Though some people here call me Rabbi.
It's nice to meet you.
I should go.
I'd hate to think that I'd sent you away.
Well, you have a beautiful shul.
Thank you.
I'm sorry, I've never met a female rabbi.
Wow, that's a lot of pressure,
me being your first.
So what brings you here?
Oh, my brother-in-law's got
an apartment in Georgetown.
Well, technically he's my husband now,
but really, he's just my brother-in-law.
The Levirate marriage?
I thought that wasn't practiced any longer.
It's not.
We were having the Halizah ceremony,
and... something happened.
I was a part of something
being married to Benjamin...
having my family around me, the shul.
A built-in community.
Yes.
Now, I'm trying to make a life for myself.
Jake has his life.
But I'm having trouble with all the alone time.
That's understandable.
You miss your husband.
I miss the job.
I don't have that now... or a real home.
I mean, it's a place to
sleep, but it's not a home.
I really don't know what I thought would happen
when I did this.
This is the first time
I've ever run away,
except for when I'd sneak off to the movies.
Sometimes on Sundays,
I run away and I go bowling.
Shh.
This will get easier, Leah.
Life will take hold again.
Looks to me like you need a little smothering.
In a good way.
Hey, thanks for coming.
It looks really pretty on you.
Thank you, it's stunning.
Must have really set you back.
- Miss?
- Yes?
Grilled salmon to go.
Mm-hmm.
And for you?
Hamburger, medium rare, for here,
and a Coke, thanks.
Okay.
So what happened to having lunch?
Look, I've been trying to
wrap my brain around this.
I understand why you did it.
You just have to end it if
you want us to be together.
I just can't do it any other way.
Okay.
I'll talk to Leah this weekend.
Good.
I'll stay.
Great.
Leah?
Leah?
Amen.
Amen.
Shabbat Shalom.
Shabbat Shalom.
Shabbat Shalom.
Nice service.
Shabbat Shalom.
Good Shabbos.
She's been here for a month.
Maybe she's out with friends.
Leah has no friends.
Look, I got some takeout.
Come over, and when you get
back, she'll be there.
It always works that way.
Yeah, you're probably right.
All right, I'll be there in a few minutes.
Bye.
Go ahead, Jake.
What?
Call her.
You know you want to.
Just one more time.
Maybe she met someone.
Leah is not like that.
You have feelings for her.
Don't be silly.
I can't believe this.
I've become the other woman.
What are you talking about?
You're making me out to be the bad guy
and I've done nothing to deserve this.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
Look.
You and me, Jamaica, my treat.
What do you say?
A nice long weekend.
As soon as Leah is gone, once, once she's found.
Yes?
Hmm?
No?
Hmm?
Is that a yes?
Dr. Perkins, call the pharmacy, please.
Dr. Perkins, please call the pharmacy.
Hey.
Hey, man, what's up?
Any word yet?
None.
Called the police?
48 hours before I can report a missing person.
Called the morgue.
Thankfully nothing.
Where have you been?
I've been going out of my
mind worrying about you.
Y-You didn't answer my calls,
you didn't leave a note.
You can't do that, Leah.
I spent Shabbos with the rabbi.
I don't use the phone on Shabbos.
Shabbos... of course.
Look, you need to tell me when you go out.
I don't need to tell you, the
same way that you don't tell me.
This isn't Brooklyn.
I'm responsible for you.
No, you're not.
No one told you to do that, so stop.
Fine.
Good.
I'm sorry.
I was looking for an address book,
some, some way to find you.
I like what you've done
with the room.
You look good with long hair.
The picture on the desk.
Thank you.
I thought maybe you packed up and left.
Is that what you were hoping?
No.
No, I wasn't.
I asked you to come here,
but I'm not sure I know how to do this.
Let's stop then.
This... is ridiculous.
I don't want to feel like a boarder,
and you, you don't even
treat me like I'm a guest.
When I cook for you,
- you're never home to eat it.
- I told you not to.
I can't help it. I like to cook.
And you're a great cook.
How would you know?
I liked your eggs.
Do you like Chinese food?
This is my first time asking a man out.
So... you never just hung out with guys?
Where I'm from, we don't go
out with the opposite sex
besides our husbands or our brothers.
Even in high school?
No, we're kept separate until
we're ready to get married,
and then we're set up by a family friend
or a professional matchmaker.
You mean like you and my brother?
Yes.
Esther's husband set us up.
- Then you guys dated.
- It's not
like what you would consider dating...
dinner, dancing.
It's more like seeing if we
could make a life together.
Excuse me, may I?
Thank you.
Thanks.
So how did you meet Carol?
At the hospital.
We had the same late lunch schedule,
started eating together,
and, and it turned into what we have now.
She can't be too pleased with this arrangement.
I should move out.
It would be easier for you.
Look, you're the one who uprooted your life
because I asked you to.
When you're ready, I'll help you find a place.
Till then, let's just keep this arrangement.
From now on, we're gonna let the other one know
when we plan to spend the night out.
Deal?
Deal.
Are you cold?
- Oh.
- Here.
Thank you.
Sure.
Here you go.
You're not at all what I expected.
Why, what did you expect?
I don't know.
You're kind of sassy.
"You got spunk, kid."
Bogart.
Seriously, though, Ben was smart to grab you.
He was a lucky guy.
Thank you.
You know...
the day he died I told everyone
I was on Delancey Street
looking for Torah covers...
...but really I was at a revival house
watching The Way We Were.
So Ben couldn't find me to say good-bye.
Hey.
Yeah, she's found.
Shabbos.
Yeah.
I'll be there in 30 minutes.
Okay.
All right, bye.
Sorry.
It's okay.
Want some help?
Sure.
Here, you want to translate?
"On Tuesday, Kate buys an apple pie.
"She eats two-fifths of the pie that night.
"On Thursday, she takes out the pie again
and eats two-fifths of what is left."
You see what I mean?
What's the lowest common denominator?
So five... five times five is 25.
Remember, two-fifths of what's left.
So... so it's 9/25.
So the answer is "D"?
You know this, you're just over-studied.
- You know what I do when I feel burnt out?
- What?
I told you I don't really know how to swim.
I'll teach you.
You planning
on swimming in your towel?
Hey, Leah, I forgot to tell you
that Carol and I are leaving
Wednesday for Jamaica.
I'll be back Sunday, but we'll talk before then.
Herbert loves those scary movies.
You know, any excuse to grab for me.
Though I did make him pick
me up that one movie...
you know, the one you told me about...
Doctor Zhivago.
Leah?
I'm in love with him, Em.
Oh.
Well, have you two, you know...?
No.
Of course not.
Jake loves Carol.
How could I have let this happen?
He's taking her to Jamaica.
Well, maybe to try to convince himself
there's nothing between you and him.
Oh,
honey.
You are not the type of person
to have these feelings for no reason.
Obviously,
I am.
He was just being nice.
Here, men can be nice and take you to dinner...
...and swimming, and it doesn't mean anything.
I've got to move out, Em.
Leah.
Hi, I'm calling about the studio apartment.
Is that still available?
Yeah, that would be great.
Oh.
Could you hold on?
Hi, Mama.
No, I'm shopping for dinner.
I think this arrhythmia case is
a better choice for Journal Club.
Dr. Lever,
your wife is on the phone.
- My what?
- Your wife.
Leah?
My mother is coming here.
When?
- Tomorrow.
- Tomorrow?
Yes.
She's coming to check on us... and this marriage.
Uh... I have got to make
your place look like a home.
Leah, why don't you just tell her?
No, n... you don't "just tell" Mama.
Well, this might be the perfect
time to stand up to her.
Just tell her the truth about us.
You don't understand.
She will make my life a living hell.
She can do that.
She's a professional.
Look, I know you're going away,
and I can just make something
up about why you're not there,
but...
if you'd help me to get
your apartment into shape,
I promise I'll never ask
anything of you ever again.
Well?
We'll take it.
Excellent.
What else?
Um, curtains.
end tables, lamps.
Let me see.
Let's get a rug for the coffee table.
I've got some fantastic area rugs,
20% off.
Those pillows are perfect.
Right up her alley.
Which medical conference
should I say you're attending?
Let me look at the schedule
to see what's coming up.
Hi.
How did you like the...?
Um, we're looking
for very simple wedding bands like those.
What are you going to make your mom for dinner?
Um, brisket.
I do love your brisket.
What?
You're not going to believe this.
It involves Leah.
Her mother... she's coming.
I have to help her.
I'm sorry, but I have to.
I-I will more than make this up to you...
I will do the re-booking.
Whenever you say... next week
if that works for you.
Really, no more interferences.
You told me that she was
going to get her own place
and you were gonna end this marriage.
I know.
But I felt like a jerk.
I mean, she came down here for me.
I just can't abandon her.
Good-bye, Jake.
Dr. Lao, pick up extension 632.
Dr. Lao, pick up extension 632.
- Thank you for coming with me.
- Yeah, of course.
Oh, when you get to Jamaica
don't forget to call
to make it look like you're checking in.
Well, actually, there's been a change in plans.
I'm staying.
Really?
Vayzmeer!
What?
If you're staying,
that means I'll be sleeping in
your bedroom with you in it.
Oh, yeah, that's right.
Leah.
Hi, Mama.
Oh...
Hi, Mom.
- Could you get this?
- Sure.
- Uh... I'll take that.
- Thank you.
How was your trip?
Short.
Like your skirt.
Oh.
Uh-huh.
Ah.
Nice pillows.
No.
Honey...
we're having brisket tonight.
No butter.
Oh! Of course.
I'm sorry, sweetcakes.
"Sweetcakes"?
It's... his name for me, Mama.
Well, I certainly hope he
doesn't use it in public.
It smells delicious.
Mama,
Jake is one of three who was accepted
to the cardiac fellowship program.
Out of thousands.
Actually, it was hundreds.
Do you belong to a shul, Jake?
- A shul?
- Yeah.
No.
I belong to a gym.
That's the sense of humor you said he had.
I got Leah there
for a swimming lesson.
Hm.
Time for recreation; no time for shul.
We talked...
about joining,
for the future.
Does the future include a family?
Sure, yes.
After I get my practice started up.
I want to be the kind of dad
who has time to spend with his kids.
Then what's Leah's job?
Oh. Well...
my wife.
Leah's...
gonna make a great mom.
Just as you have.
And wha-what a cook.
But you're still the best, Mama.
Yes, you are.
Are you saying I'm better than your wife?
Uh...
I-I don't have an answer for that one.
I'd say we pulled it off.
Shh.
That's just a warm-up.
Wait till tomorrow.
When you brought up the swimming...
What, you're not allowed to swim?
Not with the opposite sex.
Where's the fun in that?
Do you have an extra blanket?
- Yeah, it's in the closet... I'll get it.
- I'll get it, I'll get it.
Shh-shh...
Sorry.
Here.
What?
I left my nightgown under the pillow.
Oh, no.
What do we do?
I'll just tell her that
I had to sleep in the guest room,
'cause you, uh, had the German measles.
Look, if she asks, go with a cold.
Or even better, say your snoring
kept me up, and I had an early call.
That's good.
I don't know if I snore.
Look, don't worry, we'll figure it out.
Okay.
Here, try these.
Oh.
Thanks.
Find romance.
Jamaica awaits.
Come find your paradise.
Jamaica.
Leah, the bed is
wider than Rhode Island.
Look.
I'm in Massachusetts.
I'm sorry.
Um...
I can see how this is all really new for you.
You do whatever makes you feel comfortable.
I'm gonna turn the light off now.
Ready?
This is like that movie, It Happened One Night.
I don't know that one.
Black-and-white, 1934.
Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.
They shared a room, not married, in a motel,
and they were broke, so Clark Gable hung a sheet
between their beds.
Called it the "Wall of Jericho."
Was she worried that he'd try something?
Or was he worried that she'd try something?
I don't know.
Good night.
Good night, Leah.
This would be the perfect school for me, Mama.
If I can get in.
It's close to the apartment.
I am already familiar with the library.
And thankfully, you don't have to choose
a major until sophomore year.
Which isn't gonna be anything that involves math.
The shul is right up here.
Uh, this is far enough.
No, Mama,
- I want to show you.
- What? What?
Another one of your charades?
I found your nightgown.
And don't tell me you slept there
because you got sick or Jake did.
And now you want to bring me to a reformed temple
with a woman rabbi, and you think
this is okay?
Leah,
you come from two completely different worlds.
You are not right
- for each other.
- You don't know him.
No, I but I know you!
You don't hold the same values as him.
Where is his love of God, huh?
He jokes.
He puts vanity... he puts a gym before God.
Well, he was nervous; you scare him.
He puts his career before God?
He's ambitious.
And his profession is saving lives.
You're in love with him?
God and you come last in this man's life.
It's all about him!
You're not being fair.
I am telling you,
this is wrong.
You're becoming so assimilated
that God won't know who you are.
I can't find you.
It's still me.
I'm still observant.
Okay, so...
come back with me today,
and we'll tell everybody at home...
Mama, this is home!
Know that you have a home back in Brooklyn.
Hey. Sorry I'm late.
Shlomo's was a madhouse.
So, is it a good thing or a bad thing
that your mom left early?
Did she say something
to upset you?
I moved my clothes out of your room.
We can return the furniture,
bring back your pool table.
Thanks, but I kind of like what we've done here.
You want chopsticks or fork?
Chopsticks are good.
So, when are you and Carol leaving on your trip?
We're not.
There is no more Carol and me.
We broke up.
It's my fault.
You canceled your trip to help me.
No, it is not your fault at all.
The truth is, I was never gonna marry Carol.
And I...
I probably should've told
her that a long time ago.
I guess I just got comfortable.
Besides, she's a...
she was a better dancer than me.
It's a black-tie event for
a doctor who's retiring.
I want you to go with me.
I'd like you to go with me.
Will you go with me?
Is this a date?
Yeah, it's a date.
We don't want you trashy, stuff all hanging out.
Everybody seeing what you had for breakfast.
We need you looking clean.
All right, try those.
See what else we got here.
Ooh! Ooh-ooh-ooh, yes. Like it.
All right, go. Put it on. Hurry up.
Wow!
Hors d'oeuvres, sir?
Good evening.
- No, thank you.
- No, thanks.
Do you want some?
- Not nervous, are you?
- Doctors.
Kind of a stuffy crowd, but nice.
You want a drink?
Sure.
You know, he hired a personal trainer.
Oh, yeah, heard that.
Hey, thanks for coming with me.
Thank you.
Jake! I see they got you here.
Feldman.
Hello.
Oh, I'm sorry. You haven't met.
Um, Dr. Feldman,
this is Leah.
Is this one your wife?
Yes, this is Leah. My wife Leah.
Hello.
Not much.
I'm gonna take the SATs soon.
So how are your studies going?
Jake told Raj that he's been helping you.
I think that's sweet.
Oh, he's been a lifesaver.
Looks like the fellows are
moving up in this world
to get invited to this.
Hi, Carol. Carter.
This is... Leah.
Carter Weston, renal transplant.
It's nice to meet you...
both.
You guys are
so tan! Where you been?
- Jamaica.
- Away for few days.
Carter, I love this song.
Nice to meet you, Leah.
Raj, ask me to dance.
To this? I-I can't dance to this.
Lucky for us you won't be tempted
to make any of your breakout moves.
You do work with these people. Come on.
Carter can dance.
She's looks pretty,
but in person, Carol is really beautiful.
You're the one that's beautiful.
Come on.
Come on.
I've never danced with a man before.
Just follow my lead, okay?
Want more juice?
Eggs.
No, I got it. I got it.
Go get 'em.
Do not touch your pencils until we have...
Sorry. We were late leaving Greenwich.
So, uh, where is Jake gonna meet us?
Oh, at home, after his shift.
I'm really glad you're here.
Yeah, me, too.
Yeah. Thank you.
You're so, uh...
What happened to the Brooklyn you?
I'm still here...
with some modifications.
Aha.
Your cooking puts me to shame, Leah.
McDonalds puts you to shame, Ma.
It's true. It is true I cannot cook.
I could never cook.
Jake was always very, very kind about it.
He never complains. Very diplomatic child.
On the other hand,
Benji used to call up his
friends every single night
to find out what their mothers were cooking.
He re-, he enrolled me in cooking school.
Do you remember that?
I went, but I couldn't do it.
I can't measure. It's just not me.
I was giving the teacher agita.
I was, I was, driving her crazy.
They finally threw me out.
They gave him his money back.
I'm gonna tell that story
at the unveiling, I think. And you know what?
You should pick a good story about your brother.
Or, or maybe that's not
permissible where he's buried?
No, it is.
Is it? Good.
And what's with the little rock
that they put on the gravestone?
It... shows the soul that someone's been to visit.
Isn't that nice?
Actually, I haven't heard from the mortuary
since I picked out the stone.
That was in September.
Oh, I got a letter.
Jake, did you get a letter?
Mm-mm.
It's just a little reminder to say, you know,
you have to set a date for the unveiling.
It's been almost a year.
And listen, you two, whatever you want,
whatever you decide, it's fine with me.
What do you think?
I'll have to check my schedule.
Ma, how's Aunt Francine doing?
Francine? She's fine.
She's complaining about everybody and everything.
Darling, what do you think?
Should we have maybe a little lunch
the day of the unveiling?
I'd like that.
Jakie?
What?
Oh, lunch, sure.
Okay. Well, we're gonna have to set a date.
Ma!
I heard you,
and I'll get to it!
I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
Hey.
What's wrong?
I don't want to talk about it.
Is it me?
No.
It's us. It's...
it's these.
Our letters.
I feel like I'm betraying Ben.
I mean, you were his wife.
Don't you feel guilty?
No.
I love you.
That's what I feel.
Did you love him?
Our marriage wasn't set up like that.
I was 18.
Your brother
was a good man.
He was very serious,
dedicated...
but there was something missing between us.
You didn't answer my question.
Did you love him?
You know, I didn't plan this
would happen between us.
I gotta go.
I don't know what to do.
Dude, it was so much easier
when you dated non-relatives.
Sorry.
Look, man, maybe you're
looking at this all wrong.
Maybe the brother you shunned all those years
is actually looking out for you.
Don't go.
I don't know how to make this right for him.
It's just too complicated.
Next is room 217.
65-year-old Caucasian male,
who developed end stage heart disease...
Excuse me one second.
Leah's SAT scores arrived.
She's gone.
That's for you.
Listen, I know how much you loved your brother.
So I know what's eating you.
But you love Leah, and she loves you.
So, if God
arranged this marriage, which apparently He did,
I think He's going to take a very dim view of it
if you mess it up.
Good to see you.
Shabbat Shalom.
Shabbat Shalom.
Thank you so much.
Shabbat Shalom.
Shabbat Shalom.
Good Shabbos.
Nice service.
Well, I hope that means you'll come again.
I think I might.
My brother was a rabbi.
He, uh, died this past May.
My condolences.
I need to ask his forgiveness.
Is that possible?
Your brother is in what we call a place of truth.
Sort of a holding pattern.
It is in this place that it is possible
to fix a wrong.
Can you show me a prayer?
Three days you're here and not a word?
You want to talk?
Everything I prayed for...
came true.
Just like you said.
Only I ran away.
This is the only thing I seem to do well.
Look at me back here.
I've got to stop running away.
You're right.
Go back to your home.
You love him.
He, Jake, loves you.
Leah, even in the best of
marriages problems don't leave.
People do.
What if he can't get over the fact
that I was married to Benjamin?
You know, I saw something
back there in Washington.
You and he... Jake, you and Jake,
work together as a team.
Even if it was just to convince
me that you were living together
as husband and wife.
I think he'll get over it.
Does this mean you accept me with him?
Leah... a mother,
you should only find out soon,
is only as happy as her saddest child.
I want you to be happy.
And back there, you were happy, right?
Yeah.
God kept you two together long
enough to find each other.
And you know me... I never argue with God.
Come here.
What are we doing out here
when you've got packing to do?
Okay.
All right, another hug.
Me, too.
The meter's running.
- Go, go.
- Bye.
- Penn Station, please.
- You got it.
Wait, Leah!
Wait, wait, wait.
Wait.
Hi.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Uh, your test scores.
Oh.
And?
- Um...
- Open it.
Go on.
Yeah? So?
She did great.
1920 total score,
600 on math.
I did great!
She passed.
And you drove all this way
to give her test scores?
Esther.
Get in. We're going for a short ride.
I want you to go around the block slowly.
You know,
things happen when you're around.
I think I'm growing on them.
Yeah.
You look good.
I mean, you always look good.
You, too.
- I went to temple.
- You did?
It's still standing.
You remember Ben's funeral...
the rabbi said that Ben left us a gift
in the form of a lesson?
It was you, Leah.
Ben's way of taking care of me
was to bring me someone I could love.
I know.
He did the same for me.
I want to marry you.
We're already married.
No. No, no.
This time, for the right reasons.
I love you.
May his soul be bound up in life eternal.
Amen.
Amen.
No matter what.