Sixteen-year-old Simone is under no illusions about her family - they are loving, kind, thoughtful and intelligent.

She couldn't ask for anything more, even though she's adopted.

Then from out of the blue Rivka, her birth mother, rings.

Simone's life is thrown into disarray as she starts the slow process of getting to know her biological mother and understanding her Jewish heritage.

But Rivka has pressing reasons for getting to know her daughter: she has a terminal illness.

With love comes heartbreak - and also a great affirmation of life.