This haunting and lyrical drama explores the place of women and sexuality in Orthodox Judaism. Naomi, the brilliant and pious daughter of an ultra orthodox rabbi is studying at a women’s religious seminary. Naomi and a classmate, Michelle, befriend a beautiful, mysterious older woman, Anouk, (Fanny Ardant) who is ill and who may or may not be Jewish, and may have committed a crime of passion. Naomi devises a series of rituals which will “purify” Anouk and purge her of her sins, but they must be kept secret. Eventually this journey into the forbidden leads to a growing attraction between the two girls and more crossroads are faced.