Shtisel complicated my Judaism

I succumbed to Shtisel-mania this summer. 

 I am a non-Orthodox convert to Judaism and am not considered a “real Jew” by the Charedi community portrayed in this series. 

 I am fairly certain that Nuchem would refer to me as one of those “damn evil people.”  Until Shtisel, my opinion of the Charedim was also not very flattering.

I co-chair a  Jewish Federation committee that advocates for religious pluralism in Israel, that in many ways “fights” the ultra orthodox monopoly on religion in Israel.  The ultra orthodox are a fast growing and marginalized population.  We ignore them at our peril. Shtisel helped me see that.  It also complicated my Judaism.

I cried when Shulem painted over the woman’s hair in Akiva’s painting.   I wanted to be indignant at him for his reaction to the painting, but I found myself feeling his pain. I understood why he couldn’t have possibly had a different reaction to it.

As a modern woman, I wanted to agree with Giti that Ruchami should not be married at 15.  However, I found myself understanding that a divorce would permanently affect her prospects for a future “normal” life in her community.  I found myself agreeing with the table of men discussing whether or not her marriage was valid or if she should seek a divorce.

Most of all, I saw Giti as a strong woman, a feminist in her own way. She took the power from her husband by refusing to acknowledge his betrayal when he begged her for forgiveness.  She understood the power of that forgiveness and later gave it.  I wanted to hate Lippe, but I found myself sympathizing with his  rebellion.  I didn’t want to want Giti to forgive him but I rejoiced when she did.  Both Giti and Ruchami are strong women who understand their power in a culture that many assume leaves them powerless.

Akiva’s artistic talent is accepted by him as gift from G-d while his community seems to see it a temptation to undermine his Judaism.  He said it was a part of his soul and a way for him to share “memory” in a figurative way.  But Charedi culture does not have much room for figurative interpretation, and this most sensitive character risked everything to be true to his nature.  I rejoiced for him when he rejected his own promise to give up painting and despaired when Zvi Aryeh gave up an opportunity to pursue his own artistic dreams.  I understood why each  made an opposite decision within the same cultural context.

I believe we should be engaging members of this community in our shared society work.   Increasing marginalization will only lead to a greater divisions between secular and religious Jews in Israel.   I very much want to engage and learn and grow in partnership with this sector of Israeli society, perhaps finding opportunities to build bridges to the women within it.

After watching “Shtisel,” I have changed as a Jewish woman.  I won’t be covering my hair anytime soon or wearing unflattering, modest clothing, but I now kiss every mezuzah I see and have learned many new blessings for everyday miracles. By opening a window into a closed, misunderstood world, Shtisel enriched my Judaism while complicating it.  I wouldn’t want it any other way.

B’ruch Hashem.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julia Malaga is a Jewish communal professional with a strong interest in strengthening Israel/Diaspora relations and building living bridges within the Jewish world and between the various Tribes of Israel. She is currently the co-chair of the Kedma Shared Society Platform of the Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ.