8.2 / 10 (based on 419 reviews)
“Srugim” is a dramady series that deals with the life of single Modern Orthodox people from Jerusalem. The series offers a glance into the lives of intelligent and educated young people who can’t find their place in the existing religious framework, which is based mostly on family. With the best of intentions, they each make choices that further complicate their lives, while holding onto the friendships that bind them together.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Yael Sharoni, Ohad Knoller, Tali Sharon, Amos Tamam
Creators: Eliezer ‘Laizy’ Shapira, Hava Divon
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3 seasons, 36 episodes, 35-minute runtime
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“Srugim” is an Israeli television drama that delves into the lives of a group of single thirty-something Modern Orthodox Jews living in Jerusalem. Premiering in 2008, the show quickly garnered attention for its honest portrayal of a community often overlooked by mainstream media. Over three seasons, “Srugim” explores themes of faith, love, and the quest for identity, offering a nuanced look at the challenges and joys of navigating modern life while adhering to traditional religious values.
The Setting
Jerusalem, with its ancient stones and bustling markets, serves as more than just a backdrop for the series. The city’s unique blend of the sacred and the everyday mirrors the lives of the show’s characters, who strive to balance their religious commitments with their personal desires and societal pressures. This setting provides a rich tapestry against which the characters’ stories unfold, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where ancient traditions meet modern challenges.
The Characters
“Srugim” features a diverse cast of characters, each struggling with their own dilemmas and desires. There’s Reut, a successful accountant who is fiercely independent yet longs for a partner who respects her autonomy. Yifat is the heart of the group, a graphic designer searching for love but often finding herself in complicated relationships. Nati, a pediatrician, grapples with his commitment to his faith and his fear of commitment in his personal life. Amir, a recently divorced teacher, finds solace and challenge in his newfound friendship with the group. Lastly, Hodaya, a rabbi’s daughter, faces the most profound struggle, questioning her faith and place within the religious community.
These characters, with their varied backgrounds and perspectives, provide a multifaceted look at the Modern Orthodox community. Their struggles with faith, love, and identity are universal, making their stories resonate with viewers from all walks of life.
Themes and Issues
Faith and Doubt
One of the most compelling aspects of “Srugim” is its exploration of faith. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the characters’ struggles with belief and practice, offering a rare and honest portrayal of doubt within a religious context. Hodaya’s journey, in particular, highlights the challenges of questioning one’s faith while surrounded by a community where belief seems unwavering. This theme is handled with sensitivity and depth, acknowledging the complexity of maintaining faith in a modern world.
Love and Relationships
At its core, “Srugim” is a show about relationships. Whether it’s the romantic entanglements of the main characters, their friendships, or their ties to family and community, the series examines the many forms love can take. It also addresses the pressures and expectations that come with dating within a small, tightly-knit religious community, where every decision can feel weighted with significance.
Identity and Modernity
The struggle to define oneself within the confines of tradition and modernity is a central theme of “Srugim.” The characters navigate the challenges of living in a society that often seems at odds with their personal desires and beliefs. This tension is portrayed with nuance, highlighting the characters’ efforts to carve out a space for themselves where they can be true to both their religious commitments and their individual aspirations.
Why “Srugim” Stands Out
“Srugim” stands out for several reasons. Its setting and focus on the Modern Orthodox community offer a fresh perspective rarely seen in television. The show’s willingness to tackle difficult questions about faith, identity, and love with honesty and complexity sets it apart from more superficial portrayals of religious life. Additionally, the characters are richly drawn, with their flaws and struggles making them relatable and their victories all the more satisfying.
Cultural Impact
Since its debut, “Srugim” has had a significant cultural impact. It has sparked conversations about the representation of religious communities in media and the challenges of balancing tradition with modernity. The show has also found a devoted fan base both within and outside of Israel, with viewers drawn to its universal themes and specific cultural setting.
Final Thoughts
“Srugim” is a rare gem in the world of television. It offers a thoughtful, engaging look at the lives of Modern Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem, tackling complex themes with grace and humor. Through its compelling characters and honest storytelling, the show invites viewers to consider the universal struggles of faith, love, and identity. Whether you’re drawn to its unique cultural setting or its exploration of universal themes, “Srugim” is a series that rewards viewers with its depth and humanity.