A Marginal Man

Dan Kramer, a college professor and a former rabbinical student, adores his handsome, athletic son Lance. Sitting in the bleachers in the town park, Kramer could watch Lance for hours. Observing his son's self assurance and grace on the playing field, Kramer recalls his own experience as a poorly coordinated boy, blind without his thick glasses. He saw himself standing with his elementary school classmates in the chilly schoolyard during gym, watching the captains -- always the same two quietly confident boys -- select their teams. The best athletes were picked first and only the weakest players remained. Feeling increasingly exposed as the number dwindled, Kramer yearned for the ordeal to come to its familiar conclusion -- his standing alone, picked last with grudging reluctance. Now an adult, Kramer seeks a second chance at self-realization through his son. Kramer and his wife Claire learn that Lance and his friend Andy have broken into a synagogue to steal Torah ornaments from the holy ark. Kramer meets with the rabbi, Herschel Himmelshine, to arrange for the return of the ornaments. The rabbi was a schoolmate and friend of Kramers when they were both rabbinical students and Kramer pleads with Himmelshine not to contact the police. Himmelshine consents, and their old friendship is renewed, with life-altering consequences for Kramer, including the betrayal of the son he adores.