CineAttico Films Production
The Universal Secret of Jewish Sexuality Revealed
THE LOST KEY
Rediscover Intimacy
A Film By
Ricardo Adler and Manis Friedman
Contact:
Melissa Mackenzie
mmackenzie@thelostkey.com
Ph:561-281-3401
Venezuela/USA • 2014 • 89 mins • 16:9 • 5.1 Surround • NR
English, Spanish & Hebrew with English Subtitles
Short Synopsis
The Lost Key explores how a sexual relationship can go beyond mere physical pleasure
and become a spiritual experience where two become One. This ancient Kabbalistic
secret was kept hidden for centuries, but now filmmaker Ricardo Adler and leading
Rabbis of this generation are breaking a historical tradition and revealing it for the first
time. After a traumatic divorce, Ricardo set out to discover how to attain a fulfilling and
lasting marriage. His search took him to renowned Torah scholar and marriage
counselor Rabbi Manis Friedman, whose book Doesn´t Anyone Blush Anymore? boasts
a cover quote by the legendary Bob Dylan. The film portrays the dramatic transformation
of Ricardo's new marriage, and the reactions of other couples to this revolutionary way to
intimate connection. The Lost Key reveals forgotten wisdom that could inspire modern
society to rediscover intimacy and usher in a new era in sexual relations.
Long Synopsis
Finding your soul mate can be difficult. But, once you do, reaching true and lasting
intimacy with your partner can be even harder. That’s what filmmaker Ricardo Adler
thought too until he discovered Jewish secrets about intimacy kept hidden for thousands
of years and decided to try them himself… and it worked like magic.
After speaking with many prominent Rabbis, Ricardo traveled extensively, filming and
speaking with relationship experts, married couples, and people on the street to find out
their views on marital intimacy. Some were skeptical while others were accepting. But all
wanted to know more about Ricardo’s discovery.
The Lost Key is a revolutionary new film that offers everyone, secular and religious, the
possibility to reach a form of intimacy in the bedroom that few couples have ever
experienced, where two people actually can become one.
Rabbi Manis Friedman, a world-renowned author, marriage counselor and lecturer,
along with leading sexologists, Western and Chinese medical doctors and media experts,
add modern insight into the subject. Young couples in many countries discuss in
remarkably candid terms their own relationship struggles and successes.
Director’s Statement
Thousands of years ago, Jewish sages instructed that teachings on sexuality found in the
Torah and Kabbalistic sources should be taught to groups of only 2 or 3 students. This
wisdom was kept private, almost occult, over the centuries. However, this
knowledge began to get lost several generations ago when Jews started to assimilate, and
even observant Jews are unfamiliar with some of these teachings today.
After a painful divorce I began to explore my roots and came across this wisdom, almost
by accident because Rabbis weren´t sharing it. Eventually I remarried, and we’ve
completely transformed our intimate relationship by following these ancient practices.
The process has been exhilarating and difficult, and we share it in the film. It was worth
it though, because we´ve experienced what Kabbalah describes as the highest form of
physical intimacy, Oneness. It changed our marriage forever.
I had to make this film. By now, after seven years in the making, it has become a life
mission. I would like everyone to know these hidden teachings, which are universal.
They could transform the way society views sexuality and bring deep fulfillment to
marriages everywhere. And I’m expecting resistance, despite support from leading
Rabbis, but I’m prepared and keen to encourage dialogue even in the most unlikely of
places.
This is not your typical documentary. It’s about sexuality but, because I wanted it to be
“kosher”, we faced an awesome creative challenge to make it provocative while dealing
with considerable limitations on the visuals and language. It also has a topical
component, but it’s precisely these teachings that are being revealed that make the film
unique and, we hope, a turning point in the history of human sexuality.
-- Ricardo Adler
What is Kabbalah?
Kabbalah is an ancient Jewish tradition integral to the Torah and is often referred to as
the "soul" of the Torah. Kabbalah reveals the deepest insights into the essence of G-d,
His interaction with the world, and the purpose of Creation. Sometimes called "the Inner
Torah" or the "Wisdom of Truth", it offers a comprehensive overall structure and plan for
the universe, as well as a detailed understanding of the particulars of our lives. The
student of Kabbalah is made aware of the personal as well as the collective rectification
process and is encouraged to play an active part in it.
About the Filmmakers
About Ricardo Adler
If Ricardo were a name-dropper (he isn’t), he might mention Stanford University where
he earned a Master’s Degree on a scholarship from Apple Computer. Or the Fortune 500
clients he served as CEO of Sapphire Design Systems out of Palo Alto, California. He
might bring up the major conferences at which he’s been a featured speaker, or the
numerous technology articles he’s published, with prominence in such magazines as
Machine Design and MacWorld.
But Ricardo would, by far, rather discuss his work after he switched careers and became
a filmmaker, starting CineAttico Films with his wife, Vivian, in 2006.
His first film, Mazal Tov: What You Didn’t Know About Jewish Marriage has been
downloaded over 75,000 times over the Internet and screened throughout Latin
America.
However, his most important effort to date is The Lost Key, a very personal story, seven
years in the making, which presents an alternative approach to sexuality for all couples
based on ancient Jewish teachings. The Lost Key is Ricardo’s debut as Director and it
promises to significantly raise the profile of this talented filmmaker.
About Rabbi Manis Friedman
World-renowned author, counselor, lecturer and philosopher, Rabbi Manis
Friedman uses ancient wisdom and modern wit as he captivates audiences around the
country and around the world. He hosted his own critically acclaimed cable television
series, Torah Forum with Manis Friedman, syndicated throughout North America. Over
150,000 copies of his provocative yet entertaining tapes, both audio and video have been
sold.
Rabbi Friedman’s first book, Doesn’t Anyone Blush Anymore?, published by Harper San
Francisco in 1990, was widely praised by the media, and features a cover commendation
written by the legendary Bob Dylan. Blush is currently in its fourth printing. Following
the publication of the book, he was featured internationally in over 200 print articles,
and interviewed on more than 50 television and radio talk shows. He has appeared on
CNN, A&E Reviews, PBS, and BBC Worldwide, and has been the subject of articles in the
New York Times, Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Guideposts, Insight, Publisher’s Weekly and
others.
Rabbi Friedman is a noted Biblical scholar, recognized for his sagacious grasp of Jewish
mysticism. In 1971, he founded Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies in Minnesota, the
world’s first yeshiva exclusively for women, where he continues to serve as Dean. From
1984-1990 he served as simultaneous translator for the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s televised
talks.
Rabbi Friedman is a professionally ranked member of the National Speakers Association.
His speaking tours take him to every part of this country as well as Israel, England, The
Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Canada, and Hong Kong.
Rabbi Friedman was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1946 and immigrated with his
family to the United States in 1950. He received his rabbinic ordination from the
Rabbinical College of Canada in 1969.
Interview Subjects &
Dramatic Voices
Ricardo & Vivi Adler
Rachel & Eric Poses
Pauline & Yosi Salman
Hila Mizrahi & husband
Rabbanit Goldie Slavin
Samra & Michel Vogel
Rabbanit Chani Lipskar
Rabbi
Eitan &
Hadara
Weisma
n
Bruce Turkel
Dr. Norman Goldwasser
Dr. Marilyn K. Volker
Dr. Yong Ming Li
Dr. James Pitisci
Credits
Executive Producers
Mairo Cohen
David Fridzon
Salomon Levy
Ricardo Adler
Written & Directed
Ricardo Adler
Co-Directed By
Belen Orsini
Ricardo Korda
Co-Written By
Fernanda Rossi
Sonia Chocron
Edited By
Carolina Aular
Cacho Briceño
Daniel Ruiz
Produced By
Jose Ernesto Martinez
Cinematography
Antal Steinbach
Daniel Garcia
Jose “Junior” Gonzalez
Many Thanks to the Brave Ones who Let Us in:
(in order of appearance)
RICARDO (RICKY) ADLER
RABBI MANIS FRIEDMAN
RABBANIT GOLDIE SLAVIN
PAULINE & YOSI SALMAN
DR. JAMES H. PITISCI
RABBANIT CHANI LIPSKAR
DR. NORMAN GOLDWASSER
BRUCE TURKEL
HILA MIZRAHI
SAMRA & MICHEL VOGEL
DR. YONG MING LI
RACHEL & ERIC POSES
RABBI EITAN & HADARA WEISMAN
VIVI ADLER
DR. MARILYN K. VOLKER
Friend who Dragged Ricky to See the Rabbi
JOSE ABITBOL
Also Appearing
Sushi Chef
JENNY ARANGUREN
Climbers in Love
PAUL FELLERMEIER
ROSA OHANESIAN
Yom Kippur Cantors
LEVI GROSSBAUM
BENZION SPRITZER
Shofar
JORGE MANDELBLUM
Rabbinical Supervision
RABBI MANIS FRIEDMAN
RABBI YOCHANAN FRIEDMAN
RABBI DAVID PERETS
RABBI YEHOSHUA ROSENBLUM
Creative Consultant
JESSE ZOOK MANN
Assistant Director
PATRICIA RAMIREZ
Art Director
JORGE MIRADA
Technical Advisor
DANIEL GOLDSCHLAGER
Initial Script
SAMUEL HENRIQUEZ
Research
RABBI YOCHANAN FRIEDMAN
RABBI YOSEF SLAVIN
DEBBIE AKININ
DR. ENDER BOSCAN
DR. SCHANTHAL FELSENSTEIN
PRODUCTION CREW
Unit Producers
CARACAS
Field Producer
Second Unit Producer
JOSE ERNESTO MARTINEZ
NATHALIE SAR-SHALOM
VICTOR GUEDEZ
SAMUEL KLEIN
Production Assistants
JOSE COHEN
ROMINA HENDLIN
DANIEL MORENO
Casting Director
GUILLERMO LONDOÑO PARRA
Camera Assistants
KRENDYLL NIETO
JESUS GABRIEL ROJAS
Glide Cam Operator
FREDDY VASQUEZ
Glide Cam Assistant
JORGE DIV
Gaffers
MIGUEL GONZALEZ
JAIRO VARGAS
Electricians
JULIO APONTE
JHAN CARLOS PINEDA
MIGUEL TACOA
Apprentice Electrician
JEFERSON SANZ
Key Grip
GERARDO VELASQUEZ
Props & Wardrobe
NORA R. GONZALEZ
Assistant Art Director KAREN KAUFMAN
Production Sound
CARLOS MARTINEZ
FRANKLIN OSTOS
CARLOS TORRES
Recording Facilities
ROBERT RECORDS
AUDIO FILM SIGLO XXI
Hebrew-Spanish Interpreter FORTUNA BEHAR
Catering
MERY SASPORTES
SERVICIO DE CATERING COROMOTOZ
Driver
SEGUNDO ANTONIO JIMENEZ
Security
GUSTAVO MELENDEZ
MIAMI
Producer-Miami
Unit Producers
RHONDA MITRANI
BEATRIZ URGELLES
MARIA FERNANDA URGELLES
Production Coordinator
AYMEE CRUZALEGUI
Production Assistant
PATRICIA HERNANDEZ
Casting
HENRIETTA SCHWARZ
Camera Assistant
ALEJANDRO RENTERIA
Media Manager
JUAN CAMILO BARRIGA
Gaffer
JORGE LUIS ALMEIDA
Sound Operators
JOSE “BUTE” MARQUES
JON UDELL
Hebrew-Spanish Interpreter ALAN CHAMO, MAGIC HUT
Russian-English Interpreter LUCY SOKOLOVA, FTIA
NEW YORK
Unit Producer
Production Assistant
Camera Assistant
Additional Camera
Gaffer
DAVID DIAZ
MICHELLE GARCIA
ORLANDO THOMPSON
ROD WEBER
RANDOLPH “RUDIE” CARTER
Sound Mixer
RICK LOMBARDO
Russian-English Interpreter ZAKARY LEVIN
POST PRODUCTION
Animation Director
Post Production Coordinator
Assistant Editor
Photo Editor
Post Production Consultants
RICARDO KORDA
JOYCE KAHN / OPA FILMS
AURELIEN MORYUSEF
VIVI ADLER
DIEGO CARDIER
MICHAEL M. McGUIRE
ALEJANDRO PEREZ
Post Production Assistants ANDREA STELLUTO
LEON KLEIN
JAMES MATHISON
PATRICIA RAMIREZ
Hebrew-Spanish Translator RABBI ISAAC CHOCRON
Russian-Spanish Translator ALEXANDER TREGUBOV
Animation & Graphic Design
TITAN POST
ALBERTO HADYAR
JESUS MARQUEZ
HECTOR DO NASCIMENTO
PEDRO DA SILVA
JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
DANIEL BORRAT
End/Final Credits
ESTA NIÑA ESTUDIO
Audio Post by
Audio Post Supervisor
Sound Design
Dialog Editor
Re-Recording Mixer
Mixing Facility
TAURUS STUDIO
GUSTAVO GONZALEZ
GABRIEL DELGADO
GUSTAVO GONZALEZ
FRANCISCO TORO
GUSTAVO GONZALEZ
360 STUDIO LABORATORIO DE AUDIO
Color Suite
Color Grading
TREMENDO GROUP
GABRIEL PINEDO
Music by
Music Editor
Additional Music Editor
Music Consultant
MUSICMIND TRACKS
JUAN CAMMARANO
EDOUARD BRENNEISEN
ELIK ALVAREZ
Legal Services
FERNANDO RAMIREZ
JOSE SALGUEIRO
JUSTINE JACOB
VITINA ARDIZZONE
Accounting Services
FIGUEIRA-GUADA & ASOCIADOS
Production Insurance
D.R. REIFF & ASSOCIATES
EMPIRE FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE
FILER INSURANCE
SUPPLE-MERRILL & DRISCOLL
Transcribers
VICTOR BIGIO
CATHERINE GULACSY
JULIANA BARRETO
Distribution Strategist
PETER BRODERICK
Marketing Consultants
SONIA MARTINEZ
ERIK GUDRIS
MIKE SALISBURY
LESLIE J. YERMAN
Copywriter
RICK LAWRENCE
Website Development ORUGA STUDIO
Stock Footage & Images Provided by
BAIS CHANA WOMEN INTERNATIONAL
GERENCIA DE COMUNICACIONES E INFORMACION / CSCD HEBRAICA
iSTOCKPHOTO
KENT ADAMS
NUEVO MUNDO ISRAELITA
POND5.COM
UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS / UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
MAN INSPECTING TORAH © HULTON-DEUTSCH COLLECTION/CORBIS
TEACHER & TEEN BOYS IN YESHIVA CLASS © BLAINE HARRINGTON III/CORBIS
TALMUD SCHOLARS IN A YESHIVA © ANNIE GRIFFITHS BELT/CORBIS
TOMB OF RABBI MOSHE BEN MAIMON © WALTER BIBIKOW/JAI/CORBIS
READING TOGETHER © PETER TURNLEY/CORBIS
YESHIVA STUDENTS STUDY IN WEST BANK © JIM HOLLANDER/EPA/CORBIS
Additional Footage & Images
YEARBOOK PHOTO OF RICKY ADLER © UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
PAINTING OF RABBI SHIMON BAR YOCHAI © BENE ISRAEL NEWS
¿DE QUÉ TAMAÑO ES TU HAMBRE? © BURGER KING CORPORATION
BEEFY CRUNCH BURRITO © TACO BELL CORPORATION
STEAKHOUSE BURGER © BURGER KING CORPORATION
ULTIMATE STUFFED CRUST PIZZA © PIZZA HUT, INC.
FIRST CUP, TWO THUMBS, FAUSTIN © BURGER KING CORPORATION
OREO O’S ISLAND © KRAFT GENERAL FOODS
PAULY D PHOTO BY PETER GONZAGA
VINNY GUADAGNINO PHOTO BY JOSH KESSLER
JERSEY SHORE © 495 PRODUCTIONS/MTV
MOET & SEX AND THE CITY2 © MOËT & CHANDON
SEX AND THE CITY © NEW LINE CINEMA
NATALIA VODIANOVA PHOTO BY MARIO TESTINO © VOGUE UK
EMPORIO HE & SHE © PERFUME REPUBLIC/GIORGIO ARMANI
MAGNUM ICE CREAM FEAT, RACHEL BILSON © UNILEVER ICE CREAM
SPECTACULAR NEW YORK © CASTLE FILMS/UNITED WORLD FILMS/TRAVEL
FILM ARCHIVE
VALENTINE’S DAY © NEW LINE CINEMA
THE PROPOSAL © TOUCHSTONE PICTURES
YOU’VE GOT MAIL © TOUCHSTONE PICTURES
WHAT IS THE TORAH’S VIEW ON BIRTH CONTROL? © CHABAD.ORG/
CHABAD-LUBAVITCH MEDIA CENTER
YASMIN BIRTH CONTROL © BAYER SCHERING PHARMA AG
MIRENA BIRTH CONTROL © BAYER SCHERING PHARMA AG
NUVARING OH © MERCK & CO. INC.
YOUR CONTRACEPTION GUIDE © NHS CHOICES, DEPT. OF HEALTH (UK)
Music
“SABBATH PRAYER”
Written by SHELDON HARNICK
Performed by PEDRO STERN
“NALE, NALE”
Performed by ELENA REY Y ORQUESTA LA TRAYECTORIA
TRADITIONAL
“MAZAL TOV”
Performed by ELENA REY Y ORQUESTA LA TRAYECTORIA
TRADITIONAL
Film Equipment Provided by
ADN COMUNICACION VISUAL
ALFARERIA CINEMATOGRAFICA
CINEQUIPOS 2002
KRENDYLL NIETO
REGALO RENTAL
LUIS SUAREZ
ALEJANDRA GUEVARA (MIAMI)
MIDTOWN VIDEO (MIAMI)
LVR CAMERA RENTAL (NEW YORK)
Caracas Film Locations
ALCALDIA DEL MUNICIPIO CHACAO
ALCALDIA DEL MUNICIPIO LIBERTADOR
ALTAMIRA TENNIS CLUB
CENTRO LIDO
CENTRO CULTURAL EDUCATIVO GONZALO BENAIM PINTO
CSCD HEBRAICA
COOPERATIVA DE ARTICULOS RELIGIOSOS DR. JOSE GREGORIO HERNANDEZ
HOGAR JABAD LUBAVITCH JOSE Y SARA LERNER
HOSPITAL DE CLINICAS CARACAS
INSTITUTO AUTONOMO DE AGUAS Y ACUEDUCTOS DEL MUNICIPIO SUCRE
INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE PARQUES
RESIDENCIAS PARQUE SAN FELIPE A
UNION ISRAELITA DE CARACAS
HOME OF MARISOL & SALOMON COHEN
HOME OF EILEEN & DAVID OBADIA
Miami Film Locations
CITY OF MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH / MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
COCOWALK MALL
GLOTTMAN DESIGN
JOEY’S CAFÉ
THE SHUL
HOME OF LISA & GABRIEL GROISMAN
HOME OF TILA & MOSHE LEVI
HOME OF RABBI SHOLOM & CHANI LIPSKAR
New York Film Locations
CITY OF NEW YORK
THE WELLSPRINGS CENTER
Very Special Thanks
ELENA COHEN
SONIA & SHARON FRIDZON
NATHALIE LEVY
CHANI FRIEDMAN
RABBI ZALMAN FRIEDMAN
KRAINDY KLEIN, MIKVAH.ORG
CHAYA M. KLEIN, MIKVAH.ORG
Special Thanks
RABBI MOSHE PERMAN
RABBI AARON RASKIN
GERALDINE & JACKY ABECASSIS
VALERIE & MANUEL ADLER
SYLVIA & ISAAC BENAIM
HILA & GUY BESSIS
ALEX BRENER
EFRAIM BURDEINICK
SILVESTRE CHACON
MICHELINA CIANCIULLI
DR. RAFAEL COHEN
FRANCESCA FERRARI
DR. BERNARD GARTNER
ELLEN & PETER ITZLER
HANNAH, GABRIELLA & SOPHIE ITZLER
YOEL KELMAN
SALOMON LERNER
ESTHER HADASSAH LOEWENTHAL
GABRIEL POSADA
BEN ROZSANSKY
FREDDY SHEINFELD
NECHAMA & PAUL SHUTYAK
YOCHEVED SIDOF
ELKE & SAUL SUDIN
BATSHEVA VYNER
DAVID VYNER
NAOMI, MICHAEL & AVISHAI WEINBERGER
...AND OUR INTERVIEWEES ON THE STREET!
Thanks
HOLLYWOOD BADGERS
INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY ASSOCIATION
INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER PROJECT
THE BRITISH SCHOOL (CARACAS)
RABBI AMRAM ANIDJAR
RABBI PYNCHAS BRENER
RABBANIT MEIRA DAVIS
RABBI LEVI & CHANIE FOGELMAN
RABBI MORDECHAI KANELSKY
RABBI MOSHE & PENINA LIPSZYC
RABBI MEIR HAIM POSNER
RABBANIT CHANI ROSENBLUM
ARLENE & ROBERTO ADLER
BETTY ANIDJAR
DR. RONNY AQUININ
MANUEL AVILA
RACHEL BENCHIMOL
ALBERTO BENZADON
VICTORIA CARO
RABBI IONA BLICKSTEIN
RABBANIT ZIPORA BRUSOWANKIN
RABBI MOISHE DENBURG
RABBI ALEXANDER KALLER
RABBI SCHNEUR & DEVORAH KAPLAN
RABBI JOSEF MEDINA
RABBI CHAIM & MILKA RAITPORT
DR. ARIE COHEN
SILVIA COHEN
JACOBO COTTER
MARC ERLBAUM
DEBBIE & DANIEL FRIDZON
CHANA’LE & BENNY FRIEDMAN
JACQUELINE GOLDBERG
ANABELLA JAROSLAVSKI
MOISHY KORF
SAUL LEVINE
LU LIPPOLD
ROLANDO LOEWENSTEIN
LIA MAYER-SOMMER
JUAN CARLOS MELIAN
DR. ISRAEL PESATE
HEIDI REINBERG
SAMI ROZENBAUM
YAEL & SHIMON SIBONI
SAMUEL SULTAN
LIAV & PATTY TZIONI
DAVID YOBLICK
MARIA CAROLINA AGUERO
ESMERALDA AQUININ Z”L
GUSTAVO ARNSTEIN
MARIA AUXILIADORA BARRIOS
BELLA & ISAAC BENSICSU
NOI CARDOZO
MERCEDES CHOCRON DE RUSSO
SAMUEL COHEN
TAMMY COHEN
SHAYNA ELIAV
IVAN ESPEJO
AVRAHAM FRIED
ORLEY FUNDAMINSKY
SAUL GUTIERREZ, TERRARIUM
ANDRES KORDA
AIMEE LEON Z¨L
LUCERO LEVY
MEIR LOBEL
TIM MAHONEY
ALEXANDRA MEDIALDEA
KATHY & MOISES MIZRAHI
GUSTAVO PRIETO
MILO ROSSI
GINY SHNEIDERMAN
JEANNE SUGGS
SIMON SULTAN
MAURICIO VURGAIT
MONICA YUDOVICH
…AND THE BACHURIM! BACHURIM! BACHURIM!
Yom Kippur footage was recorded during a regular weekday.
Some food brands depicted in the film may not be kosher.
Torah quotations are not intended as literal translations.
CineAttico Films and the filmmakers make no representations or warranties as to results that
may be obtained from the information or content of the film. Reliance upon any opinion, advice,
statement, content, or information is solely at the viewer’s discretion.
This motion picture is protected under United States and International law.
Unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition may result
in civil liability and criminal prosecution.
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Le dedico esta pelicula a Mi Bella. Que Hashem siga iluminando nuestro camino!
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