The year is 1956 and Michael, a wide-eyed young boy, is growing up in New York City. Loving the matinée at the local movie house, he can hardly wait to see "The Ten Commandments" just before Christmas recess. Mesmerized by Moses parting the Red Sea, Michael begins to wonder if Jewish people have magic powers. His curiosity leads to the unraveling of family secrets and a neglected promise, which, when fulfilled, reveals intriguing details about his history and his own identity.