And, unlike other, older Christian movies, which once avoided the Jewishness of the biblical past, they now make a point of emphasizing Jewish practices.

The film’s focus on two legendary runners – one Christian and the other Jewish – also pleased believers who rarely applaud how faith is handled on screen.

A blue “Happy Hanukkah” ornament hangs on a Christmas tree. Traditionally, for Christian-Jewish families, the month of December is referred to as a “dilemma.” This time of year brings ...