As someone who converted because my spouse is Jewish (not to GET married, but because I grew to love Judaism through witnessing and experiencing it with my partner), I loved all the parts of learning about Jewish traditions (Shabbat), and messing up (charcuterie board??). Esther and Bina are exaggerations of Jewish women for comedic value (especially Bina), and there was a lot of relatable content. I loved Esther! And even though Rebecca’s character had her issues, it was really just because she was heartbroken. Esther especially was only the way she was toward Joanne because Rebecca was her best friend. Her treatment of Joanne had nothing to do with being Jewish or not being Jewish.
Yes, I'm hoping that in Season Two, Esther realizes that she actually really likes a lot of aspects of Judaism and makes that her foundation for converting, because I honestly think that's more realistic than a rabbi deciding her faith doesn't matter. Now I'm actually curious if there are real life examples of a rabbi with a non Jewish spouse. I also think that while they didn't mention it, it seems like Noah's temple is conservative rather than reform, where it wouldn't be as big of a deal. I know it's a distinction that people outside of Judaism don't really understand, but it would be nice for people to know that people practice Judaism very differently depending on what temple you affiliate with.
Yes! I told my partner that I hope they show Joanne loving Judaism and not Noah leaving his faith for her.
I know of one rabbi who is married to a non Jewish woman, but she is a queer, female rabbi in a reform temple, and while her wife hasn’t converted, she’s very supportive, and even does a lot of support work with the Jewish education classes for new and potential converts.
I’m also part of a group on FB called “Jewish &”, which highlights the beauty of blended-faith couples and families (and has a lot of queer Jews, who tend not to fit into conservative Jewish spaces).
There are lots of ways to be Jewish and it would be so nice if the show highlighted some of that along with highlighting the beautiful parts of this faith and our traditions.
I am watching now and absolutely LOVE it. I am a black woman married to a Jewish man and am very lucky we got zero push back from either sides of the family.
I loved it, as did every one of my Jewish friends and family members. The only criticism I heard came from, as you said, people who are generally looking to take issue with something. It was hilarious and binge-worthy (helloooo 25 min episodes) and honestly, a pure delight (well said by you). I can’t imagine the pressure on Erin Foster to write Season 2 given how incredibly this has been received, but I am looking forward to it!
Fully agree with this take! Were there tiny moments where I was like, "that would never happen" - yes, absolutely. Did I find the whole show a pure delight? Also an absolute yes. And I really love your point about the familiarity of the leading women.
Hi! I was waiting to read your post because I hadn't finished the show yet. Sorry if my english isn’t perfect.
I am non-religous but raised in catholic faith. But I have a huge respect for all the religions and I like to learn Jewish traditions through your family. That being said, I have enjoyed this show very much, and the jewish women in it seems to me very powerful, empowered, and very likeable. Like I want to be her friend xD
Esther remind me a lot about you (phisically since I dont know you more than by your instagram xD) and I think she is beautiful.
Also Joanne and her sister were amazing to watch. Anyway, I have loved the show and Im glad to have read your opinion about it since I agree 100%
Cant wait to see how they approaches to season 2!!
I loved this show, and loved the progression of Esther’s character. At first she is “the enemy,” but as always, as you see the other perspective all the lines blur. Plus, I felt like an expert after learning “all the things” from reading and following your stuff for years, haha.
I love your take on this. I think Bina, Esther, and Rebecca are portrayed the way any antagonist to the main relationship would be in a show. And they have valid reasons to be resistant to the relationship! I’m sure this has given some insight to Judaism to people who aren’t familiar at all. As with any movie/show that portrays non-dominant culture, there will be some people offended and some people who misinterpret exaggerated stereotypes as reality.
As an aside, I love Esther and Sasha’s relationship.
Lol, I definitely loved this particular story for the way a healthy relationship bloomed between them. I saw them grow, and I understood what made them stick to each other. I saw honesty on TV! Good God! How can anyone hate this?
I love this. Also, I have a friend (non religious) who is very serious with her boyfriend who is Jewish. Another friend of theirs passed away recently and they are hosting a celebration of life for him. She texted me to ask who it was that I know that makes charcuterie boards…and I couldn’t stop laughing 😂
Love your take and I agree that the Jewish women in the show are awesome! I’m Jewish and the child of a mixed faith relationship (Jewish dad, WASP mom) and love seeing this representation.
I haven't watched the whole season yet....There are definitely parts that are reminding me of when Charlotte converted to Judaism for Harry in SATC and that learning curve. I am loving it!
yes!! this is the take I agree with!
As someone who converted because my spouse is Jewish (not to GET married, but because I grew to love Judaism through witnessing and experiencing it with my partner), I loved all the parts of learning about Jewish traditions (Shabbat), and messing up (charcuterie board??). Esther and Bina are exaggerations of Jewish women for comedic value (especially Bina), and there was a lot of relatable content. I loved Esther! And even though Rebecca’s character had her issues, it was really just because she was heartbroken. Esther especially was only the way she was toward Joanne because Rebecca was her best friend. Her treatment of Joanne had nothing to do with being Jewish or not being Jewish.
I loved the show and can’t wait for season two!
Yes, I'm hoping that in Season Two, Esther realizes that she actually really likes a lot of aspects of Judaism and makes that her foundation for converting, because I honestly think that's more realistic than a rabbi deciding her faith doesn't matter. Now I'm actually curious if there are real life examples of a rabbi with a non Jewish spouse. I also think that while they didn't mention it, it seems like Noah's temple is conservative rather than reform, where it wouldn't be as big of a deal. I know it's a distinction that people outside of Judaism don't really understand, but it would be nice for people to know that people practice Judaism very differently depending on what temple you affiliate with.
Yes! I told my partner that I hope they show Joanne loving Judaism and not Noah leaving his faith for her.
I know of one rabbi who is married to a non Jewish woman, but she is a queer, female rabbi in a reform temple, and while her wife hasn’t converted, she’s very supportive, and even does a lot of support work with the Jewish education classes for new and potential converts.
I’m also part of a group on FB called “Jewish &”, which highlights the beauty of blended-faith couples and families (and has a lot of queer Jews, who tend not to fit into conservative Jewish spaces).
There are lots of ways to be Jewish and it would be so nice if the show highlighted some of that along with highlighting the beautiful parts of this faith and our traditions.
I am watching now and absolutely LOVE it. I am a black woman married to a Jewish man and am very lucky we got zero push back from either sides of the family.
I loved it, as did every one of my Jewish friends and family members. The only criticism I heard came from, as you said, people who are generally looking to take issue with something. It was hilarious and binge-worthy (helloooo 25 min episodes) and honestly, a pure delight (well said by you). I can’t imagine the pressure on Erin Foster to write Season 2 given how incredibly this has been received, but I am looking forward to it!
Fully agree with this take! Were there tiny moments where I was like, "that would never happen" - yes, absolutely. Did I find the whole show a pure delight? Also an absolute yes. And I really love your point about the familiarity of the leading women.
Hi! I was waiting to read your post because I hadn't finished the show yet. Sorry if my english isn’t perfect.
I am non-religous but raised in catholic faith. But I have a huge respect for all the religions and I like to learn Jewish traditions through your family. That being said, I have enjoyed this show very much, and the jewish women in it seems to me very powerful, empowered, and very likeable. Like I want to be her friend xD
Esther remind me a lot about you (phisically since I dont know you more than by your instagram xD) and I think she is beautiful.
Also Joanne and her sister were amazing to watch. Anyway, I have loved the show and Im glad to have read your opinion about it since I agree 100%
Cant wait to see how they approaches to season 2!!
I loved this show, and loved the progression of Esther’s character. At first she is “the enemy,” but as always, as you see the other perspective all the lines blur. Plus, I felt like an expert after learning “all the things” from reading and following your stuff for years, haha.
I love your take on this. I think Bina, Esther, and Rebecca are portrayed the way any antagonist to the main relationship would be in a show. And they have valid reasons to be resistant to the relationship! I’m sure this has given some insight to Judaism to people who aren’t familiar at all. As with any movie/show that portrays non-dominant culture, there will be some people offended and some people who misinterpret exaggerated stereotypes as reality.
As an aside, I love Esther and Sasha’s relationship.
Lol, I definitely loved this particular story for the way a healthy relationship bloomed between them. I saw them grow, and I understood what made them stick to each other. I saw honesty on TV! Good God! How can anyone hate this?
I love this. Also, I have a friend (non religious) who is very serious with her boyfriend who is Jewish. Another friend of theirs passed away recently and they are hosting a celebration of life for him. She texted me to ask who it was that I know that makes charcuterie boards…and I couldn’t stop laughing 😂
Love your take and I agree that the Jewish women in the show are awesome! I’m Jewish and the child of a mixed faith relationship (Jewish dad, WASP mom) and love seeing this representation.
I love it. And I want it.
I haven't watched the whole season yet....There are definitely parts that are reminding me of when Charlotte converted to Judaism for Harry in SATC and that learning curve. I am loving it!