Srugim takes as its starting point the generation of Modern Orthodox Jews who are simultaneously extremely observant and also, genuinely, contemporary. (The title means knitted, and refers to the stitching of a style of yarmulke, as well the characterss’ full integration into Israeli society). It begins with its characters going on a familiar series of bad dates: the blind date, the speed date, the date that devolves into a fight about salaries—cliches that, as with everything about Srugim, are lightly reinvigorated by religion. The closet case, sleeping with an ex, losing one’s virginity, trying to advance one’s career, weekly dinners with friends: Srugim puts all of these recognizable beats in a new cultural context. It is comfort food you’ve never tasted before. Eat up.
Meet roommates Yifat and Hodaya, and their friends Reut, Nati and Amir—five modern-Orthodox singles looking for love in the singles-centric Katamon area of Jerusalem, affectionately known as “The Swamp,” as they approach the big 3-0. Captivating and alive with characters and story, this episode is what starts off the entire series.
