Film Review: Just the Tip
by Karen Pecota

Jessie Kahnweiler, United States, 2024

Filmmaker Jessie Kahnweiler explores her Jewish heritage in her latest short film JUST THE TIP. Kahnweiler falls madly in love with Rufus, a goy (a term for a gentile in modern Hebrew and Yiddish used by Jewish people for a non-Jewish person) and discovers he is not circumcised. Jessie says, “I am a Jew who is interested in being my 100% authentic self and a member of the tribe.” This is an issue she had not confronted. JUST THE TIP focuses on circumcision at the intersection of religion/identity/masculinity/body image/ and bodily consent.”

In all seriousness, this creates an issue for her as a faithful and devout Jewish feminist. She wonders if their marriage would be kosher to have a life partner that is not circumcised when her Jewish heritage honors the tradition of changing the natural male appendage. Kahnweiler takes time to research the dilemma that faces her because she’s thinking about the ramifications down the road when they procreate, and a boy is born. Kahnweiler thinks it best for both the father and the son to have the same look of their genitalia.

Jessie wonders, “How important is it to keep up this sacred tradition?” As you can well imagine, the conversation between Jessie and Rufus becomes rather enlightening, at times intense, and often hilarious.

Jessie continues, “The film exposes this deeply controversial yet prized ritual with humor, heart, and fearlessness. And asks what place this tradition has in both the singular and collective Jewish future.”

In her research, Kahnweiler first explores the reason for circumcision among the Jewish rite and then begins to talk with her rabbi, medical professionals, her parents, as well as her extended family and friends to get their thoughts.

Rufus, while he is also proud of his background as a goy, his openness to talk about Kahnweiler’s concerns is genuine. He understands the importance of her Jewish heritage and her desire to do the right thing according to her beliefs.

Over time Jessie and Rufus come to an agreement, and well, the rest is history. Kahnweiler gives the audience a wild ride that relates to a personal conviction that’s deeply honest; one can’t resist chuckling at times, especially when a surprise discovery completes the film’s ending. A film not to be missed!