At the West Hartford screening of “Next Year Jerusalem” – Jewish Home residents and travelers: (front row, l to r) Helen Downs, Regina Aroute, Juna Wein, and Bill Wein; (back row, l to r) Rabbi Stephen Schulman, Jewish Senior Services; Denis Geary, executive director, Jewish Association for Community Living; filmmaker David Gaynes; videographer Eric Budney; Ellen Ashkins, director Resident Life, Jewish Senior Services; Andrew H. Banoff, president & CEO, Jewish Senior Services.

Residents of the Jewish Home in Fairfield, whose journey to Israel was documented in the film “Next Year Jerusalem,” were on hand for a screening of the film in West Hartford on March 26. The film, which was presented at The Emanuel Synagogue as part of the Mandell JCC Hartford Jewish Film Festival, tells the tale of the eight residents of the Jewish Home as they embarked on their last great adventure; a 10-day pilgrimage to Israel in 2011. Their story of faith and hope in life’s final chapter is told by filmmaker David Gaynes, a native of Weston, who captured their preparations for the trip, Israel experience and return to Connecticut. Some of the travelers – both Jews and Christians – made the trip using wheelchairs and walkers, overcoming physical and emotional challenges. The screening was followed by a talk with the filmmaker and producer. The film, which has also screened in Stamford, Sarasota, Atlanta and Sacramento, will be shown in Pittsburgh, Detroit and Buffalo this spring. It will open in New York City May 16-22 at the Quad Cinemas.

For more information visit  www.nextyearjerusalemmovie.com.