When 12-year-old Messianic Jew Rivka Margolis unexpectedly loses her father, she is sent to live with her Jewish orthodox uncle, who is offended by her belief in Christ. Still grieving, Rivka struggles to adjust to her new synagogue and she has trouble making new friends. To make matters worse, the entire congregation turns on her after she answers questions about her messianic viewpoints. She is accused of deviously trying to convert her peers to Christ.
The Sound of the Spirit incorporates realistic elements of the tension between mainline Judaism and Messianics, who maintain their Jewish identity but accept that Jesus is the Savior. This dichotomy is poignantly addressed when a national Jewish foundation refuses to sponsor Rivka for a youth trip to Israel, solely because of her beliefs. Enraged at her treatment, Rivka considers abandoning the synagogue, but decides she must wait on the Holy Spirit for direction.
Despite some awkward dialogue, this movie has an endearing storyline and a smart, likeable heroine that will inspire believers. Viewers looking for a resolution to the Messianic-orthodox debate will find disappointment; the film’s main focus is Rivka’s journey of faith. After several days of prayer, fasting and hiding out in her old house, Rivka finally hears the Holy Spirit urging her to forgive her new congregation as her father would have wanted her top do. And she faces her, once dreaded, bat mitzvah without fear. By the movies’ end, the orthodox synagogue grows to respect her beliefs and takes up a collection to send her to Israel.
