30 Year-Old Bar Mitzvah
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Drama, Romance
What do you believe in? Does God exist? "Am I a Man?" On Jonah Lieberman's 30th birthday, with the help of his new Bar Mitzvah tutor and the Ghost of his Father, Jonah decides it's finally time to ask the hard questions. A coming-of-age drama about rediscovering Faith.
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What do you believe in? Does God exist? "Am I a Man?" On Jonah Lieberman's 30th birthday, with the help of his new Bar Mitzvah tutor and the Ghost of his Father, Jonah decides it's finally time to ask the hard questions. A coming-of-age drama about rediscovering Faith.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
On the eve of Jonah Lieberman's 30th Birthday, the Ghost of his Father appears and gives Jonah a spiritual mission. Jonah ventures to his father's old synagogue, and after an awkward exchange with Ava – the bright, no nonsense, local bar mitzvah tutor – Jonah’s adventure begins.
Over the next few weeks, Jonah wrestles with his torah, romantic sparks with Ava, and his belief (or lack thereof) in God. All the tension comes to a head at his Bar Mitzvah ceremony where Jonah, overcome with existential grief, spirals into sacrilegious meltdown. But after a sudden, divine act of love from Ava and his Father, Jonah is struck with the unexpected realization he was looking for all along: there is no one right way to be a Jew. It’s about finding yourself, your community, and whatever Higher Power brings you peace.
I'm a Jew - always have been - and I have never really known what that means! I didn't know what it meant when I was 13. And now, at a time when Americans are feeling more Godless than ever: it's time for us to reclaim our Faith. I'm making this film to figure out what Judaism means to me. Although politics and the endless violence happening in the Middle East are on everyone's minds (mine daily), the core of Judaism reaches much deeper within each of us.
What does it really mean to talk to God? What does it truly mean to search for community? I'm making this film for every Jew -- and anyone -- who has ever wanted to reconnect with their Faith.
-Elijah Newman, Writer/Director/Producer/Lead
Themes
- God: Does God exist? How do I find him/her/it?
- Judaism: What does it mean to be a Jew? Is there a right way to do it?
- Love: How do we grieve loved ones? How do we welcome new love into our lives?
Tone & Mood
- Intimate, quiet, reflective
- Traveling from gloom to glory, dark to light
- Awkward tension transforms to peaceful relief
Visual Style
- Quiet suburban tension
- Darkness transforms to Light
- Family settings that feel eerily empty
- Synagogue as a character
Cinematic References
- "Shiva Baby" (dir. Emma Seligman): identity & love explored through Jewish Culture
- "Obvious Child" (dir. Gillian Robespierre): self-discovery, awkward romance, challenging stigmas
- "A Serious Man" (dir. Joel & Ethan Cohen): Jewish identity & Bar Mitzvah dread
Jonah Lieberman 
30, Ernest, awkward, and hopeful. Ethnically Jewish yet Spiritually Confused. Jonah's father died when he was a baby and he's just felt lost every since. But when Jonah meets Ava his hope, faith, and love begin to blossom.
Ava Cohen
30, bright, sharp, blunt. Grew up in a conservative Jewish family but now works at a reform congregation where her only friend is Rabbi Green - until she's assigned to tutor Jonah for his Bar Mitzvah. Starts out skeptical but quickly becomes inspired and smitten by Jonah's spiritual awakening. Bright, sharp, charming.
Role of Ava Cohen played by Becky Keeshin
Becky Keeshin is a Chicago-based actor and musician. Credits include The Band’s Visit (Writers Theatre, TheatreSquared), In the Grove of Forgetting (TheatreSquared) Frozen (Fulton Theatre), Ride the Cyclone, Indecent (Contemporary Theatre of Ohio), ShakesFest! (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Mockingbird, Tuck Everlasting, Auntie Claus (Nashville Children’s Theatre), Nunsense (Porchlight Music Theatre), two seasons at Door Shakespeare, and work with the Marriott Theatre and Red Orchid. Commercials: UW Credit Union, STARZ. She holds a BFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University and is represented by DDO Artists Agency.
David (the Ghost)
Jonah's Father who died 30 years ago. Appears on Jonah's 30th Birthday to give him a spiritual mission. Erie yet loving - Jonah's Guide.
Role of David played by Gabriel Newman
Gabriel Newman is grateful to be apart of the 30 Year Old Bar Mitzvah. He recently made his New York City debut playing Hans Lyngstrand in Lady from The Sea by Henrik Ibsen with Hudson Classic Theatre Company. Gabriel completed the two year Meisner progression at the Maggie Flanigan Studio this past June. At the studio, Gabriel played Tom in a staged reading of The Glass Menagerie. Last summer, Gabriel played Lysimachus in Pericles in his hometown of Chicago. Gabriel also works as a teacher artist with The Possibility Project and Stella Adler Arts & Justice division. Gabriel has their BFA in acting from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Rabbi Green
0, stern and traditional, yet warm and nostalgic. Was best friends with Jonah's father (before he died 30 years ago). Now the Rabbi at Jonah's synagogue and Bar Mitzvah. Empathizes deeply for Jonah but also has a congregation to run.
Role of Rabbi Green played by Daniel Cantor
Broadway: Leopoldstadt. Off-Broadway: Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight, Tuesday with Morrie, Strictly Personal. National: Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Regional: Goodman, Court, Victory Gardens, Drury Lane, Chicago Shakespeare, A.C.T., Berkeley Rep., Cincinnati Playhouse, Milwaukee Rep, Cleveland Playhouse, Marin Theater Company, Studio Theater, Hartford TheaterWorks, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, CATF, Barrington Stage, Notre Dame Shakespeare, Arkansas Repertory, Worcester Foothills, Mill Mountain, National Shakespeare. TV/Film: Empire, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: CI, Conviction, Sopranos (web), As the World Turns, Asphalt Man, Miskits, Auteur Theory, Alchemy, Justice, House of Satisfaction, Alternative Universe: Rescue Mission. Daniel is also a director, writer, and Head of the Acting program at the University of Michigan.
By our first day of Principle Photography: we aim to raise our goal of $19,850 through a dedicated audience on Seed & Spark to cover the bare minimum costs of shooting the film. With help from our community, with our years of experience making low-budget and no-budget films, along with the sheer passion and talent of our cast & crew -- we believe we can reach our goal.
When we reach our goal we will:
- Use top-of-the-line equipment to deliver the highest quality film possible;
- Fairly compensate our talented industry professionals;
- Share the film at community screenings and at no-cost to our tier 3 (and above) pledgers;
- Bring our film to Jewish Film Festivals and Top-Tier Film Festivals nation-wide (the more help we get, the more amazing & diverse film festivals we can submit/travel to!); and
- Pitch our short film to production companies who can help us turn this into a Feature Film.
Principle Photography will take place in Chicago on November 8, 9 & 10th, 2025.
Most importantly: Your contribution is TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
Our fiscal sponsor is Basement Brother Productions,
a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
With your contribution, you will receive a receipt with our EIN for your tax-filing.
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Please Follow and Share!
Sharing our campaign on your social media is as helpful as a donation.
And doing BOTH will help bring 30 Year-Old Bar Mitzvah to life!
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROJECT
-Elijah & the 30YOBM Team
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew Costs
Costs $4,300
Our crew is filled, top to bottom, with expert filmmakers and industry professionals. Help us get them the salaries they deserve!
Equipment Costs
Costs $4,200
We need high-quality equipment to tell this story with precision and care. Help us make this film look and sound spectacular!
Talent Costs
Costs $1,000
Top-notch artistic voices will bring this story to life. Help us bring the best actors in Chicago to our set!
Location Costs
Costs $2,000
Our locations create the world of our story. Help us build our film's universe!
Crafty Costs
Costs $2,000
Our hard-working cast and crew need to be at the top of our game. Help us stay well-fed and nourished while on set!
Art & Props
Costs $1,000
Production design transforms every-day-spaces into a whole new world. Help us make the transformation!
Wardrobe
Costs $500
Costumes, hair styling, and make-up help transform actors into unrecognizable characters. Help us bring these characters to life!
Travel Costs
Costs $1,000
Our talented cast and crew are sourced from all over. Help us get top industry professionals to set!
Insurance
Costs $2,000
Our cast and crew need to feel safe and secure while on set. Help us protect our locations, equipment and team!
Post Production
Costs $1,850
We aim to take this film to festivals all over the country (and beyond)! Help this story reach audiences far and wide.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is committed to creating a production that reflects the diversity of the world we live in — on screen and behind the camera. We pledge to prioritize the hiring of creative leadership and department heads from underrepresented groups. This may include but is not limited to women, Jews, other racial or ethnic groups, LGBTQ+, and people with cognitive or physical disabilities. Additionally, we will ensure the film’s production, distribution and/or financing company offers training and/or work opportunities for below-the-line skill development to people from the stated underrepresented groups. As a commitment to the communities involved in the making of our film, we will do our best to acknowledge any inherent biases we may have, and will lead with the intention and best faith effort to be inclusive and source locally when we can.
Elijah Newman is a Chicago-bred actor, most well-known for performances at Sundance Film-Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Court Theatre. His 2025 trip to Sundance opened his eyes to the power of diverse indie films, and launched him into production for his latest project. With “30 Year-Old Bar Mitzvah” Elijah explores “What does it mean to be a Jew?” At 13 years-old, Jewish kids are lightly forced to have these big ceremonies where they talk to God, explore mature existential issues, and sometimes collect large sums of money – when they often aren’t even really people yet! Elijah is now 30 years-old, and feels like he hardly has more clarity about God, Judaism, or even what it means to be a “Man” than when he was 13. Elijah is making this film for anyone who has ever felt uncertain about their faith, and everyone who has ever wanted to re-connect with it.
Pavit Gandhi is a multidisciplinary artist exploring the blurred lines between fact and feeling. Born in India and based in the U.S., she weaves journalism and cinema into compelling narratives. Her body of work spans films produced in the U.S. and screened at festivals nationwide, including the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
Kyle Anne Grendys is a Chicago-based filmmaker, editor, and production designer whose work centers on people and community. She has served as Production Designer, Art Director, or Art Production Assistant on two features and five shorts, as well as Production Designer for the stage musical The Last Five Years. She recently earned her MFA in Film and Television Directing from DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, with her narrative debut, Late Bloomer.
Hannah Smith is a Chicago-based Camera Operator and Assistant Camera Operator. She graduated from DePaul University in 2024 with a BFA in Film and Television and a concentration in Cinematography. Since graduating, she has worked on several indie feature films and short films in the camera department. This is her first time stepping into the role of Director of Photography and is excited for this new opportunity.
Ava Breslin is a writer/director/assistant director who started working in the Chicago area and now lives and works in NYC. Her directing debut “Irish Beef Stew” was featured in NewFilmmakers NY festival. Some of her AD work has appeared at DePaul Premiere Film Festival, Driftless Film Festival, Milwaukee Short Film Fest, World Culture Film Fest, Salt City Film Fest, and Patrick Lives on Film Showcase. She has worked on dozens of short films, features, music videos, and more and is incredibly excited to be a part of this project.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
On the eve of Jonah Lieberman's 30th Birthday, the Ghost of his Father appears and gives Jonah a spiritual mission. Jonah ventures to his father's old synagogue, and after an awkward exchange with Ava – the bright, no nonsense, local bar mitzvah tutor – Jonah’s adventure begins.
Over the next few weeks, Jonah wrestles with his torah, romantic sparks with Ava, and his belief (or lack thereof) in God. All the tension comes to a head at his Bar Mitzvah ceremony where Jonah, overcome with existential grief, spirals into sacrilegious meltdown. But after a sudden, divine act of love from Ava and his Father, Jonah is struck with the unexpected realization he was looking for all along: there is no one right way to be a Jew. It’s about finding yourself, your community, and whatever Higher Power brings you peace.
I'm a Jew - always have been - and I have never really known what that means! I didn't know what it meant when I was 13. And now, at a time when Americans are feeling more Godless than ever: it's time for us to reclaim our Faith. I'm making this film to figure out what Judaism means to me. Although politics and the endless violence happening in the Middle East are on everyone's minds (mine daily), the core of Judaism reaches much deeper within each of us.
What does it really mean to talk to God? What does it truly mean to search for community? I'm making this film for every Jew -- and anyone -- who has ever wanted to reconnect with their Faith.
-Elijah Newman, Writer/Director/Producer/Lead
Themes
- God: Does God exist? How do I find him/her/it?
- Judaism: What does it mean to be a Jew? Is there a right way to do it?
- Love: How do we grieve loved ones? How do we welcome new love into our lives?
Tone & Mood
- Intimate, quiet, reflective
- Traveling from gloom to glory, dark to light
- Awkward tension transforms to peaceful relief
Visual Style
- Quiet suburban tension
- Darkness transforms to Light
- Family settings that feel eerily empty
- Synagogue as a character
Cinematic References
- "Shiva Baby" (dir. Emma Seligman): identity & love explored through Jewish Culture
- "Obvious Child" (dir. Gillian Robespierre): self-discovery, awkward romance, challenging stigmas
- "A Serious Man" (dir. Joel & Ethan Cohen): Jewish identity & Bar Mitzvah dread
Jonah Lieberman
30, Ernest, awkward, and hopeful. Ethnically Jewish yet Spiritually Confused. Jonah's father died when he was a baby and he's just felt lost every since. But when Jonah meets Ava his hope, faith, and love begin to blossom.
Ava Cohen
30, bright, sharp, blunt. Grew up in a conservative Jewish family but now works at a reform congregation where her only friend is Rabbi Green - until she's assigned to tutor Jonah for his Bar Mitzvah. Starts out skeptical but quickly becomes inspired and smitten by Jonah's spiritual awakening. Bright, sharp, charming.
Role of Ava Cohen played by Becky Keeshin
Becky Keeshin is a Chicago-based actor and musician. Credits include The Band’s Visit (Writers Theatre, TheatreSquared), In the Grove of Forgetting (TheatreSquared) Frozen (Fulton Theatre), Ride the Cyclone, Indecent (Contemporary Theatre of Ohio), ShakesFest! (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Mockingbird, Tuck Everlasting, Auntie Claus (Nashville Children’s Theatre), Nunsense (Porchlight Music Theatre), two seasons at Door Shakespeare, and work with the Marriott Theatre and Red Orchid. Commercials: UW Credit Union, STARZ. She holds a BFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University and is represented by DDO Artists Agency.
David (the Ghost)
Jonah's Father who died 30 years ago. Appears on Jonah's 30th Birthday to give him a spiritual mission. Erie yet loving - Jonah's Guide.
Role of David played by Gabriel Newman
Gabriel Newman is grateful to be apart of the 30 Year Old Bar Mitzvah. He recently made his New York City debut playing Hans Lyngstrand in Lady from The Sea by Henrik Ibsen with Hudson Classic Theatre Company. Gabriel completed the two year Meisner progression at the Maggie Flanigan Studio this past June. At the studio, Gabriel played Tom in a staged reading of The Glass Menagerie. Last summer, Gabriel played Lysimachus in Pericles in his hometown of Chicago. Gabriel also works as a teacher artist with The Possibility Project and Stella Adler Arts & Justice division. Gabriel has their BFA in acting from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Rabbi Green
0, stern and traditional, yet warm and nostalgic. Was best friends with Jonah's father (before he died 30 years ago). Now the Rabbi at Jonah's synagogue and Bar Mitzvah. Empathizes deeply for Jonah but also has a congregation to run.
Role of Rabbi Green played by Daniel Cantor
Broadway: Leopoldstadt. Off-Broadway: Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight, Tuesday with Morrie, Strictly Personal. National: Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Regional: Goodman, Court, Victory Gardens, Drury Lane, Chicago Shakespeare, A.C.T., Berkeley Rep., Cincinnati Playhouse, Milwaukee Rep, Cleveland Playhouse, Marin Theater Company, Studio Theater, Hartford TheaterWorks, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, CATF, Barrington Stage, Notre Dame Shakespeare, Arkansas Repertory, Worcester Foothills, Mill Mountain, National Shakespeare. TV/Film: Empire, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: CI, Conviction, Sopranos (web), As the World Turns, Asphalt Man, Miskits, Auteur Theory, Alchemy, Justice, House of Satisfaction, Alternative Universe: Rescue Mission. Daniel is also a director, writer, and Head of the Acting program at the University of Michigan.
By our first day of Principle Photography: we aim to raise our goal of $19,850 through a dedicated audience on Seed & Spark to cover the bare minimum costs of shooting the film. With help from our community, with our years of experience making low-budget and no-budget films, along with the sheer passion and talent of our cast & crew -- we believe we can reach our goal.
When we reach our goal we will:
- Use top-of-the-line equipment to deliver the highest quality film possible;
- Fairly compensate our talented industry professionals;
- Share the film at community screenings and at no-cost to our tier 3 (and above) pledgers;
- Bring our film to Jewish Film Festivals and Top-Tier Film Festivals nation-wide (the more help we get, the more amazing & diverse film festivals we can submit/travel to!); and
- Pitch our short film to production companies who can help us turn this into a Feature Film.
Principle Photography will take place in Chicago on November 8, 9 & 10th, 2025.
Most importantly: Your contribution is TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
Our fiscal sponsor is Basement Brother Productions,
a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
With your contribution, you will receive a receipt with our EIN for your tax-filing.
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Please Follow and Share!
Sharing our campaign on your social media is as helpful as a donation.
And doing BOTH will help bring 30 Year-Old Bar Mitzvah to life!
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROJECT
-Elijah & the 30YOBM Team
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew Costs
Costs $4,300
Our crew is filled, top to bottom, with expert filmmakers and industry professionals. Help us get them the salaries they deserve!
Equipment Costs
Costs $4,200
We need high-quality equipment to tell this story with precision and care. Help us make this film look and sound spectacular!
Talent Costs
Costs $1,000
Top-notch artistic voices will bring this story to life. Help us bring the best actors in Chicago to our set!
Location Costs
Costs $2,000
Our locations create the world of our story. Help us build our film's universe!
Crafty Costs
Costs $2,000
Our hard-working cast and crew need to be at the top of our game. Help us stay well-fed and nourished while on set!
Art & Props
Costs $1,000
Production design transforms every-day-spaces into a whole new world. Help us make the transformation!
Wardrobe
Costs $500
Costumes, hair styling, and make-up help transform actors into unrecognizable characters. Help us bring these characters to life!
Travel Costs
Costs $1,000
Our talented cast and crew are sourced from all over. Help us get top industry professionals to set!
Insurance
Costs $2,000
Our cast and crew need to feel safe and secure while on set. Help us protect our locations, equipment and team!
Post Production
Costs $1,850
We aim to take this film to festivals all over the country (and beyond)! Help this story reach audiences far and wide.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is committed to creating a production that reflects the diversity of the world we live in — on screen and behind the camera. We pledge to prioritize the hiring of creative leadership and department heads from underrepresented groups. This may include but is not limited to women, Jews, other racial or ethnic groups, LGBTQ+, and people with cognitive or physical disabilities. Additionally, we will ensure the film’s production, distribution and/or financing company offers training and/or work opportunities for below-the-line skill development to people from the stated underrepresented groups. As a commitment to the communities involved in the making of our film, we will do our best to acknowledge any inherent biases we may have, and will lead with the intention and best faith effort to be inclusive and source locally when we can.
Elijah Newman is a Chicago-bred actor, most well-known for performances at Sundance Film-Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Court Theatre. His 2025 trip to Sundance opened his eyes to the power of diverse indie films, and launched him into production for his latest project. With “30 Year-Old Bar Mitzvah” Elijah explores “What does it mean to be a Jew?” At 13 years-old, Jewish kids are lightly forced to have these big ceremonies where they talk to God, explore mature existential issues, and sometimes collect large sums of money – when they often aren’t even really people yet! Elijah is now 30 years-old, and feels like he hardly has more clarity about God, Judaism, or even what it means to be a “Man” than when he was 13. Elijah is making this film for anyone who has ever felt uncertain about their faith, and everyone who has ever wanted to re-connect with it.
Pavit Gandhi is a multidisciplinary artist exploring the blurred lines between fact and feeling. Born in India and based in the U.S., she weaves journalism and cinema into compelling narratives. Her body of work spans films produced in the U.S. and screened at festivals nationwide, including the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
Kyle Anne Grendys is a Chicago-based filmmaker, editor, and production designer whose work centers on people and community. She has served as Production Designer, Art Director, or Art Production Assistant on two features and five shorts, as well as Production Designer for the stage musical The Last Five Years. She recently earned her MFA in Film and Television Directing from DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, with her narrative debut, Late Bloomer.
Hannah Smith is a Chicago-based Camera Operator and Assistant Camera Operator. She graduated from DePaul University in 2024 with a BFA in Film and Television and a concentration in Cinematography. Since graduating, she has worked on several indie feature films and short films in the camera department. This is her first time stepping into the role of Director of Photography and is excited for this new opportunity.