Study Abroad: Intro to Srugim

It tantalized me, teased me with promise. It’s the most popular show in Israel, filled with witty humor and gripping drama. It tackles issues of religion, gender, and coming of age. It is Srugim, the first Israeli TV show to capture international attention.

The problem? It’s only available on DVD in Region 2, and the one American channel airing it with English subtitles can only be found in NYC. I tried to find it online, but most video clips were only viewable in Israel and with Hebrew subtitles.

So I caved. I bought the official DVD through a bookstore that sells Israeli books and movies in America. The box set was $5 off, but I guess not a lot of Americans have taken advantage of the deal. The bookstore actually called me the next day, asking, “Are you aware this DVD is Region 2?” Yes, yes I am. I’ll sacrifice my laptop to the region gods.

I’ve been avoiding spoilers so that I can watch the show fresh. What I do know is that it is about a group of Modern Orthodox (and politically religious-Zionist) Jewish singles who try to navigate the dating scene in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Katamon. It won Best Drama at Israel’s TV Academy Awards. The reason why it is popular is that it has captured the attention of the Modern Orthodox community, many of whom belong to a growing population of Modern Orthodox singles. They are excited to finally identify with characters on TV, but these characters are also written in a way that is accessible to the secular majority. The show’s acting and writing are good to the point where it is earning international attention, including a run with English subtitles on The Jewish Channel.

“Srugim” is Hebrew for “knitted.” This refers to the knitted and crocheted kippot worn by religious-Zionist men. (While studying abroad in Jerusalem, I learned that you can quickly discern a man’s religious, political, and ethnic affiliation just by looking at the style of his head covering.) “Knitted” also refers to the nature of the show’s characters. They live in a small country where meeting someone new turns into a game of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon--er, Brisket. They are part of a community where their religious choices are watched and noted. These conditions encourage and even force connections. Will their relationships grow closer, or will they unravel?