Torn
Can a Catholic priest be an observant Jew?
Discover the fascinating true story of a Polish Catholic clergyman who discovers his Jewish heritage and moves to an Israeli religious kibbutz.
‘Torn’ will be available exclusively for members of our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community, to stream May 21-28.
Torn
2011 | 72 Minutes | Directed by Ronit Kerzner | May 21-28, 2026
Can one be a Catholic priest and an observant Jew at the same time? Twelve years after he was ordained as a Polish Catholic priest, Romuald Jakub Weksler-Waszkinel discovers that he was born to Jewish parents. The film follows his amazing journey: from conducting mass in a church in Poland to life as an observant Jew in a religious kibbutz in Israel.
Torn between two identities, Weksler-Waszkinel is unable to renounce either, and consequently, he is unaccepted by both religions as well as the state of Israel. Now, he is required to choose.
Watch the trailer:
‘Torn’ is available exclusively for members of The Times of Israel Community as a part of our ongoing collaboration with DocuNation.
About DocuNation for the ToI Community
DocuNation provides outstanding Israeli documentary films for you to stream online from the comfort of your home. The films, plus follow-up live discussions with the filmmakers themselves, are available for a week at a time — exclusively for members of our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community.
DocuNation allows Times of Israel Community members to enjoy two award-winning Israeli documentary films with English subtitles each month.
Already a ToI Community member? Click below to access the DocuNation films:
All of the funds earmarked for this project go directly to Israeli documentary filmmakers at this difficult time when they’re encountering global cultural boycotts.
For DocuNation, we’re collaborating with renowned documentary filmmaker Yonatan Nir, who hosts the discussions with the filmmakers.
How it works
Each film — with English subtitles — will be available to watch for seven days over a weekend. On that Sunday, you can join our live English webinar with the filmmaker. We will send out a reminder for each event.
‘Torn’ will be available to stream May 21-28, 2026. The live Q&A hosted by Yonatan Nir will take place on May 24 at 8 PM (Israel time) /1 PM (Eastern Time) with filmmaker Zvika Kerzner.
Upcoming Films
- Does the series cost money?
Nope, the series is included in your ToI Community membership – there is no additional cost. If you still need to sign up for the ToI Community, our reader support group, click here. - Where can I see other upcoming DocuNation films?
You can check out upcoming films here. - How long is each film?
Each film is between 50 and 90 minutes. Each live discussion with filmmakers will be around an hour. - If I sign up for the ToI Community can I access previous films and discussions?
You can only watch the films during the 7-day period scheduled for each. We do, however, record every webinar discussion with the filmmakers, which you can watch at your convenience, even if you sign up after streaming for a film has ended. - Where can I send any questions for DocuNation?
We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Just email us.