Eliezer Shkolnik, a philologist specializing in Talmudic studies, has spent his entire career at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem entrenched in meticulous and largely unrecognized scholarly work. He toils in obscurity, overshadowed by his son, Uriel, who is a celebrated academic in the same field. The father harbors deep resentment, feeling that his life's work has gone unnoticed, while the son basks in the limelight of academic acclaim. Their complicated relationship becomes even more strained as professional jealousy mixes with familial bonds.

Expectations collide when Eliezer receives unexpected recognition—he is informed he will be awarded the prestigious Israel Prize. This momentous event shifts the family dynamic and brings long-simmering tensions to the surface, leading to a series of revelations and ethical dilemmas that challenge both characters' principles and loyalties. As the story progresses, personal and professional conflicts intertwine, revealing deeper layers of rivalry, pride, and the complex nature of paternal relationships.