This past year has been a journey of profound reflection and creativity for us at Reboot. Rarely in modern history has there been such extensive global discourse about our religion and culture. Throughout it all, Reboot has remained steadfast in our mission: helping individuals forge a personal connection to Judaism. Through innovation, collaboration, and resilience, we’ve celebrated extraordinary achievements.

Here’s a look back at some of our most exciting highlights from 2024—a year that truly showcased the power of uplifting Jewish voices across art, culture, and beyond.

A Big Year for Reboot Studios
2024 began on a thrilling note as The Anne Frank Gift Shop, the very first film funded and produced by Reboot Studios, was shortlisted for this year’s Oscars. A collaboration with the film’s visionary writer and director, Mickey Rapkin, this project marked a significant milestone for Reboot Studios—a testament to our commitment to bold and transformative storytelling.

Supporting Diverse Storytelling
Over the past three years, we have launched more than 40 projects, engaging over 30 million participants. Our investments in Jewish media projects have now surpassed half a million dollars, and this year we were honored by the Television Academy’s Expert Index for Storytellers as a leading authority on authentic and diverse Jewish representation. This recognition solidifies our reputation as a key resource for creators dedicated to genuine and nuanced storytelling.

Our creative consulting and educational initiatives also thrived this year. We provided regular cultural sensitivity consultations and training sessions, while also developing educational content on Jewish themes for major media studios, including Nickelodeon, Searchlight Pictures, and MTV. Notable collaborations included creating a conversation guide for Searchlight Pictures’ Golden Globe-nominated film A Real Pain. Additionally, we partnered with Paramount Global to produce the short film This Is What Jewish Looks Like, which features portraits by photographer Brian Molyneaux and challenges stereotypes while celebrating the vibrant diversity of Jewish identity.

Stage and Screen Triumphs 
From Broadway and festivals around the globe to top streaming platforms, Jewish stories supported by Reboot Studios shone bright this year:

• Alex Edelman’s Just For Us: This one-man comedy special, which had an acclaimed Broadway run in a production co-produced and funded by Reboot Studios, received both a special Tony Award and an Emmy this year. It is now streaming on HBO’s Max.
• Sabbath Queen: A documentary 21 years in the making, Sabbath Queen premiered as an Official Selection at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, earning glowing accolades. The Hollywood Reporter hailed it as “awe-inspiring… one of the best films I’ve seen this year.” Directed and produced by Sandi DuBowski, with executive producer Adrian Salpeter, the film chronicles Rabbi Amichai Lau Lavie’s epic journey as the heir to 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis.
• We Should Eat: Debuting at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, this short film has continued to make waves at festivals nationwide. Written and directed by Shaina Feinberg and featuring Alysia Reiner (Orange Is the New Black), Tovah Feldshuh (Nobody Wants This), and Jackie Hoffman (Only Murders in the Building), We Should Eat explores age-old familial irritations and existential questions through the seemingly simple context of food and dinner.
• Just The Tip: A provocative comedy from comedian Jessie Kahnweiler that takes on the controversial topic of circumcision as she struggles with giving up the connection to past generations of Jews. The film is now streaming on the Documentary Channel.  
• We’ve Been Here Before: Directed by Jacob Kornbluth, this powerful short documentary tackles themes of resistance and resilience. Highlighting the punk subculture’s fight against White Nationalists and featuring civil rights strategist Eric K. Ward, We’ve Been Here Before struck a deep chord with audiences across the country.

Music, Rituals, and Live Performances
Reboot CEO David Katznelson’s passion for music inspired the creation of a groundbreaking new score for the NCJF-restored 1922 silent film Breaking Home Ties. Featuring Grammy-nominated musicians like Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, the live-score premiere at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival was a magical experience that bridged history and innovation.

Stories That Move and Inspire
We brought Marval Rex’s poignant and hilarious live performance, Rexodus: Out of the Closet, Into the Tribe, to the stage in Los Angeles, with plans to take it on the road next year. This raw and deeply personal journey—from Catholic schoolgirl in Utah to transmasculine LA Jew—captivated audiences with its blend of humor, heart, and authenticity.

Reimagining Tradition
This month, we partnered with Rachel Sumekh and Tannaz Sassooni to launch Erev Yalda, a project that blends the Persian winter holiday of Yalda with Hanukkah themes. The initiative highlights how Jewish traditions can evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. As Sumekh aptly put it, “It’s not just about preserving our inheritance but reimagining traditions to help us navigate an ever-changing world.”

Community and Connection
Our annual “Tashlique,” a creative reimagining of the New Year ritual of Tashlich, drew over 700 participants in San Francisco for an unforgettable experience. Featuring performances by the Jazz Mafia, Irish bagpipers, and the Church of John Coltrane, the event was a joyous and deeply spiritual celebration. 

This year also saw significant growth across our digital audiences, with our Instagram followers doubling to over 35,000—a testament to Reboot’s expanding reach and impact.

Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into 2025, Reboot’s mission remains steadfast: empowering artists, storytellers, and innovators to transform society while helping individuals cultivate their unique Jewish identity. Through diverse, inspirational, and thought-provoking content and experiences, we look forward to tackling new challenges and embracing new opportunities.

Join us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube as we continue uplifting Jewish voices and fostering exploration and growth.