This shiksa needs more! This show is so well done and enthralling that I burned through 3 seasons in a week. I couldn't wait until I could find out what happens next with Kiva, Shulem, Giti...all of them! Now, is this show a 100% accurate portrayal of orthodox life in Jerusalem? I'm going to say probably not since no show is. It's called dramatization and it's a necessary evil. But I would bet that it's somewhat close.
The writing and acting is way above par. It's excellent in many areas and nothing less than good in all others. Some storylines make escaping clichés impossible, but I am more than willing to forgive those sins since it can't be helped.
The themes are universal and done in a way I haven't experienced before. Granted, I'm an English speaking American watching a foreign Yiddish, orthodox show and things will be new to me simply for that reason alone. But watching how a specific group navigates universal themes manifesting themselves in a constricted, rigid environment is what was new to me. The tradition crashing into new, the timeless tale of unrequited love and desire, the sacrifice of self for something greater believed in. But then also the oppression of women by men, the ostracizing of those who dare to rebel, the prejudices against others of different faiths (I'm sure they wouldn't love me, a gentile, as much as I love them, but that's ok). The love and happiness. The sadness and despair. The celebrations and the grieving. It's all there, it's beautiful and I need more!