Rieven is living with his aunt and uncle (Eizik, Yoel Weisshaus) per a ruling by the Rabbi (Meyer Schwartz) that Menashe must first remarry to provide a proper home for his son.

They argue in front of the Rabbi, who lets Rieven stay with Menashe for a week, until the upcoming memorial service for his wife, but reiterates the requirement for a two-parent home.

"[4] Customs and religious practices depicted include: The film was shot over the course of two years in Borough Park, Brooklyn,[5] home to one of the largest Orthodox Jewish populations outside of Israel, a decision that Weinstein has said was motivated by a desire for authenticity.

[7] The film was released only on Blu-ray in the United States by A24, rather than Lions Gate, who usually handles their home entertainment distribution.

The website's critical consensus reads, "Menashe offers an intriguing look at a culture whose unfamiliarity to many viewers will be rendered irrelevant by the story's universally affecting themes and thoughtful approach.

[9] In a glowing review, Clint Davis of WCPO-TV said it "might as well be a foreign film" for most American viewers, due to its setting and heavy use of Yiddish.