Charlie finds Rabbi Jacob Kessner in his synagogue and decides to spend the night. After helping him fix a light bulb, Charlie believes that they can fortify the temple and make it home for her group. However, John and June say it won't work because it's too small and far from a water source. Walkers begin to breech the fences as the rabbi explains they were his congregation that he left behind after losing his faith. Charlie is forced abandon the idea after Jacob leads the walkers inside the temple to trap them inside.
Meanwhile, the caravan led by Sarah and Dwight attempt out run Logan's men until they leave without giving more chase. While everyone is relieved, Dwight believes it was a ruse. He suspicions are confirmed when Logan and his crew arrive at Tank Town.
Episode 12 of "Fear the Walking Dead" Season 5, titled "Ner Tamid," is a poignant exploration of faith, hope, and survival amidst the apocalypse. This episode introduces a new character, Rabbi Jacob Kessner, who serves as the focal point of the story. The episode skillfully intertwines the struggles of Charlie, June, and John Dorie, who seek refuge in Rabbi Kessner's synagogue, a sanctuary that has withstood the outside chaos until now.
The central theme of "Ner Tamid," which translates to "eternal light," metaphorically illuminates the episode's narrative. The rabbi's determination to keep the synagogue's eternal light burning serves as a symbol of enduring faith in a world overrun by despair and decay. This beacon of hope is juxtaposed against the practical challenges the group faces, particularly when the security of the synagogue is breached by a horde of walkers. The ensuing struggle to maintain this sanctuary highlights the constant tension between maintaining one's faith and confronting the harsh realities of the apocalyptic world.
One of the episode's most powerful scenes occurs when Rabbi Kessner and Charlie discuss faith. Charlie, still a child but aged beyond her years due to her experiences, questions the rabbi's adherence to his religious duties in the face of such a dire reality. This conversation not only deepens the episode's exploration of faith but also underscores the generational perspectives on hope and survival. The rabbi's story about his congregation's fate and his subsequent isolation provides a deep, introspective look at what it means to hold onto beliefs when all seems lost.
In conclusion, "Ner Tamid" is a thoughtfully crafted episode that stands out for its thematic depth and character development. The introduction of Rabbi Kessner adds a new layer to the series' exploration of faith and hope. The episode's critical approach to these themes, coupled with intense action sequences and moral dilemmas, offers a reflective yet tense narrative. It effectively captures the struggle between preserving cultural and spiritual identity and adapting to new survival realities, making "Ner Tamid" a memorable addition to the season.
