One of my favorite things in the show was Julia and all her children still maintained a relationship with the dad. I know often when people leave these ultraorthodox communities those ties are completely severed, and I’m glad that wasn’t the case in their situation.
@@mariapower6961 that is a disgusting comment. That young girl has the right to change her name because of what she has gone through. HER FATHER accepted her choice. You have no right to speak for her clearly loving father.
@@lilymcmanaway I couldn’t agree more. And also, even if she hadn’t had the childhood she had and just wanted to change her name because she could, that would be fine too. People get SO hung up over names and it drives me crazy. It’s not like as a baby is coming through the birth canal they have to stop and sign a contract to keep the names given to them 🤦🏻♀️
Thank you for posting this Marion. I enjoyed hearing you explaining and speaking in this review and I wish you the absolute best in the rest of your pregnancy, you are a great woman with a great family!
I feel like Netflix is really capitalizing on these “coming of age” style shows with the added intrigue of getting an inside view of an otherwise private community. I do agree that they do need to be conscious of how these shows tend to focus on the negative aspects of Judaism. However, all religion in general is painted as negative in media it’s unfortunate but the sentiments around organized religion leans more on the negative side than positive now a days 😕.
Polarizing Jewish communities is their goal I think. The media loves to polarize, but the Jewish people are so stubbornly resistant to that left/right dichotomy that it's screwing with their whole 'culture wars' agenda. Orthodox Jews often manage to be cosmopolitan *and* spiritual. Exclusive *and* inclusive. Embracing modernity *but* not postmodernity. They break the rules. That's why the media has to try to wedge apart instead of build bridges.
I believe everyone is entitled to tell over their personal story but they're not entitled to change facts in order to fit their desired narrative. While it may be true in certain ultra orthodox communities many of the restrictions that Julia spoke about such as girls and women not being able to ride bikes or drive cars etc It was not true for Julia herself growing up in her community. There were plenty of other women who grew up with her in the same community that said straight out that Julia's claims were pure fiction since they all did these things together. Julia has every right to decide she doesn't want to be religious anymore just like everyone has a right to change their mind as to how they want to live their lives but to disparage the community where she grew up with charges that are blatantly false which causes people to have a skewed view of the orthodox community is extremely unfair.
Yes!!! As someone who’s worked in reality tv as well it’s very obvious how much work this show still needs. They all need to get more comfortable around the camera, a lot of the conversations you could tell were producer forced
She did not leave a long time ago just a few years ago. She's obviously looking to be vindictive against someone bec she lies about EVERYTHING......I don't just mean some things.
This video just triggered a memory for me. I was living in Connecticut at the time and going to a small synagogue in Hamden. One of the families there their son had decided that he wanted to keep kosher so what they did was they gave him a small section of the refrigerator where to keep his kosher food and that was how they handled it.
I'm Reform and my issue with series like Unorthodox and My Unorthodox Life is that the diversity in Judaism isn't being captured and represented. Gentiles are getting one image of Judaism and that doesn't leave room for nuance. I'd love to see a Netflix series about differences in practice between the branches or diversity within a specific branch.
True, however these shows aren't meant to show the diversity; that's hopefully covered in documentaries on Judaism (many of which do poorly on representing nuances and diversity anyhow) This show specifically shows the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle which is an important detail. The very little positive I can find is that at least it is not the entire Jewish nation that is painted with one brush. But it is very damaging to an already poor image of Orthodox Jews in society (just my opinion).
We are halfway through the show. My husband and I are conservative Jews but, just like you, Marion, we have extended family who are modern Orthodox on my husband's side, a few are even ultra-orthodox in Israel, and we know other Jews who are conservative but have Orthodox family members. So we can relate to both sides of the equation while understanding photos of where to fit in. We are going through similar questions with a nephew who is less than a year away from his bar mitzvah but not totally unborn with how and where he wants to do it. He feels 100% Jewish but doesn't connect to our synagogue at all, so he's trying to define his own Jewish identity right now. What's important is to have conversations but let him explore for himself so that his identity is Meaningful and not forced upon him.
Totally agree and yes it sounds like a really similar family situation to my own and each person sort of chooses their own path as they grow up get married etc.
Definitely, it's a dynamic not talked about much but popular among religious communities in Israel, if you watch the show Shtisel you'll see that dynamic a lot.
I belong to ultra orthodox judaism and I am the sole breadwinner for my family while my husband studies Talmud. Would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Hello Mary Anne I am going to watch the show you have recommended as I am fascinated by the Jewish religion and lifestyle. Can you recommend any other series or movies Regards Sandra .
The reason for Orthodox Judaisms opposition to women wearing pants (trousers) is because of gender roles in clothing, not modesty regarding revealing parts of the body. I honestly don't know where she gets the idea that pants are forbidden because of attracting men.
I like how you talk about the time periods. If I remember correctly, Julia is close to 50 yrs old, so she would have been a teenager in the 80’s. Then got married and had her kids in the 90’s & early 2000’s. Which was about 20 years ago, and you make a good point that things were quite possibly very different then, especially in her community in Monsey.
I saw a few episodes yesterday (my excuse was I was fasting for Tisha B-av and looked for distraction). I TOTALLY thought the same thing about pants and her mini skirt reveals her naked legs. What I cannot understand is the storyline's emphasis on religious freedom and yet she is clearly so wealthy that she has another kind of freedom. Thanks for your review!
I haven’t watched my unorthodox life, but it keeps being recommended. I just don’t watch much of that type of “reality” tv. It looked like a pretty sensationalized version of a culture, not necessarily very informative, which I guess would make it more entertaining. Anyway, have you read The Lost Shtetl? It’s a recent novel imagining a Jewish village in Poland, that somehow got cut off from the rest of civilization for most of the 20th century. It’s definitely more clash of cultures/ historical social norms vs modern social norms than a representation of Judaism/ modern Jewish life. Couldn’t put it down; very entertaining! Would be interested in your perspective on it
Have u ever thought of doing review on very old movies such as Fill the void by Rama Burshtein (although the movie flow may have been a tiny bit disjointed I found it fascinating being the first orthodox film I've seen and before spending time on utube it had me wondering over what was most specific to Israeli culture and what is typically orthodox.Overall I considered it sweet and enjoy rewatching it trying to notice something different everytime (stores, house layout I could never figure out 😂,park...;50th anniversary of Fiddler on the roof (just for kicks)I thought this one shows a lot of different backgrounds and views probably influenced by actors, stories, recommendations on research and shows the transition of eras and places.And some of your childhood kid favs.good oldies compared to what's popular now 😉
I put this question out on my Instagram today to see what people say as I honestly don’t have a go to answer! I love All of a Kind family books for kids about an orthodox family but they’re very vintage now
@@MyJewishMommyLife When I was a girl I loved The diary of Anne Frank, but it was very much disturbing... 🙏 obviously. As a young adult I'm discovering Martin Buber, Franc Kafka.. I've just recently "discovered" Isaac Bashevis Singer, didn't know that he won the Nobel Prize for literature! Fascinating writer.. Definitely a recommendation. I have to say I'm surprised that Ben Shapiro as a modern, yet Orthodox Jew has not addressed this Netflix "obsession" toward Orthodox Jewish community, life, tradition, spirituality... 💞
I would recommend watching videos about chassidishe life done beautifully by Peter Santenello. He travelled to diffirent Chassidishe communities in Brooklyn that portrayed them in a positive light. He also interviewed Rabbi Manis Friedman in which he asked him questions about marriage and relationships in the Orthodox community. Although it is true that there are Jews who left Orthodoxy due to living with dysfunctional families, that is far from the norm, thank G-d. So, watching Unorthodox gives a very false and distorted outlook on the real beauty of our way of life.
@@mgold3986 From time to time I do watch rabbi Manis Friedman's videos, but there's also other interesting rabbis that I follow. I'm more professor Daniel Matt kinda girl, I like Kabbalah approach.
You mentioned people who didn’t marry Jewish but are religious- that’s my husband! People find it strange that we are intermarried but he continues to keep kosher and live a Jewish life. We are finding a home in the reform movement where I will be converting. I was interested in the conservative movement because it more closely matches my husband’s level of day-to-day observance but we thought they might look more negatively on our marriage.
I hope your search leads you to a welcoming community! I'd encourage you to still give Conservative a try if there's a schul near you that you like or that you like the rabbi but either one sounds like you're going to have a wonderful community!
I grew up in the same neighborhood as the Hendler's. Went to the same synagogue and schools as Batsheva. Everyone who knows them is horrified by the way Julia describes our community. It's hard to find a sliver of truth actually. She's describing a life people in Williamsburg or Monroe might lead. That wasn't how she was raised or how her family lived.
Aye I’ve heard that much as well- from what I’ve heard a lot of the stuff on the show is pretty much fake. She wasn’t ultra orthodox as she led everyone to to believe- they were modern. The or whatever never wears a hat- he was told to by production.
@Jeffrey Royer She stated that her last 8 years of her marriage she was modern Orthodox. She taught at a modern Orthodox school in Atlanta in the 90’s. Her ex husband was a wharton graduate!
So funny you posted this video today as I watched the first episode last night! I’m not a big reality show fan but I found the story line about the family very interesting. All the scenes about the fashion show was a bit boring for me. I also think they need to go into more detail as to how Julie left her orthodox life and became a successful shoe designer. It doesn’t seem like it could happen overnight. She had little education, money, or connections. Not sure if I’ll continue.
Lovely family but I didn't like the way Netflix filmed the show. It could have been so much better. Question: How is a community determined? Is it a geographic area around a synagogue? Your family history? Obviously, I am not Jewish but I live in a small city with many Jewish people and I'm trying to learn. Your channel has been really helpful!
Agreed there was definitely some choppy story line creation from the way it was filmed as compared to some more seamless reality TV shows. I would say the synagogue or school is real foundation of community but geography plays a big role as well.
Interesting perspective! But I would say that fundamentalism specifically refers to a group that holds power over its community and restricts their freedoms of thinking and action, I think it dilutes the word to refer to someone who just holds a strong opinion about something.
@@MyJewishMommyLife well I think we tend to look at fundamentalism stems from religion, but isn't not allowing her children their own path fundamentalism too? Because she's not tolerant of her youngest son. People grow and I think it's his decision ultimately. She doesn't strike me as an anti fundamentalism, she strikes me as anti Judaism. Someone who is anti fundamentalism would not try so hard to be the exact opposite. Balance is key to a healthy life.
I agree with you, CanisLupus. She is so invested in rejecting her old life that she wants everyone around her to do the same, but everyone needs to find their own path. In that way, I find her rather close-minded
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I loved how they let Julia's children explain throughout where they fall into the Jewish religious world/ if they're still religious. As a Christian, I can't speak on the cultural end. However, as any religious groups there's always going to be a form of modern, moderate, and conservative views. I agree, the show didn't explain or show much positive light on other sects of Judaism as they should have.
Hi! Thanks for sharing! I am a Christian lady, and what you are saying about religious divide in a family’s very true. I don’t like the word “religious” but for this comments sake I will use it. For me my faith is a relationship with the Lord. I grow up there was certain religious rules, but my mom got less religious over the years. I think that had to do with changing of times. Like you also say about different times, and things that would not fly now, was normal for some years ago. I have grown up becoming more religious. It has had some growing pains in the family, but it is not a big problem now. I dress modestly. Like only skirts below knees, no pants, jewelry, makeup and so on. My mom dress like typical mom in her 60ths in Norway. Not very unmodest, but for my standards it is clothing I would not use. Since it is about a relationship for me, I don’t care what other do, it is between them and the Lord. I have my own convictions. My point is that what you are talking about it’s not just in Judaism, it is all over the board. I have Muslim friends with the same divides in there family too. I hope you don’t get more anti-semitism because of the show, Jews has gone through too much of that already 💕 I don’t have Netflix right now, and I am not sure if the show is available here in Norway, but I will put it down my list for shows to watch next time I have Netflix, and hope it is available here then. Thank you for sharing! Love and blessings from Johanne, Norway
I watched the entire series and there were a couple of moments I absolutely cringed at and I wouldn't consider myself a conservative person in general. I don't know why but something about this woman's way of going about this, mannerisms and all seemed kind of off to me. Personally I felt bad for the youngest son, he made a great point how he feels like he's "getting in trouble" for doing things most parents want their kids to do: not watch tv/not do it too excessively, not dating too young (hes 12/13 and she's incessantly encouraging him to get a girlfriend?) and just overall staying out of trouble during an age when most kids don't. The young man had a very solid point and I wonder what kind of long-term message she is truly sending to her kids and particularly the youngest one who is going through such a formidable time in his life whilst being forced to do so on camera. Something about her interactions with her children particularly rubbed me the wrong way and it was uncomfortable to watch.
I finally watched a little of this and found that I totally agreed with everything in your review! If you’re at all familiar with different branches of Judaism and ways to practice, it isn’t difficult to grasp that this is just one story and not representative of all Jews or even all orthodox Jews. I also liked Batsheva, thought some of the conversations seemed a little staged, and was disappointed that they didn’t seem to embrace any Jewish tradition at all after leaving orthodoxy. But overall, not as cringe as I had anticipated based on a lot of reactions.
I just discovered your channel. I find Julia’s show extremely anti-Semitic and exaggerated. How about the people who are happy living a frum life? If I hear people on that show talking about not being allowed to sing in public I’m going to puke.
Honestly, i was watching the 3rd episode and there was a moment when Rob reading out loud the sexual parts of Julia’s experiences with her ex husband in front of Miriam. I mean this show is clearly hit the boarders of being liberal. It is okay to accept each other and be free. But I feel like it’s too much. People needs boarders in their life. Without it you can make so big mistakes that at the end you can harm your people around you and mostly, yourself. I feel many disrespect moves in this tv show. Shtisel was much nicer to me. I don’t know why but I felt much more good energies. Clean energies.
Extremism sells sadly. This TV show does well because it is shocking. It's important to raise awareness for this kind of community, however I hope it doesn't breed further anti-Semitism.
Thanks for mentioning that not all Orthodox Jewish sects are as strict as those portrayed in this work. The Reconstructionists will not be happy that you left them out, though. LOL. In all the major religions there is some tension at times among the denominations. Even in Christianity, there remain certain stresses between Roman Catholicism, the largest of the denominations, and others, whether they be Protestant, independent, Eastern Orthodox.
I feel especially offended by Netflix 's antisemitic shows and fabrications. They found out that actually she's from a Modern Orthodox family. Like for instance she was caught lying about not being able to ride a bike or doing a lot of things she claimed to be unable to do. We found a lot of lies. And I hate how she's trying to turn her children into promiscuous people. Especially her young Yeshiva son
I think based on my research her parents became more and more religious as she grew up and this was a difficult transition for her. This doesnt paint a full picture of all Orthodox Jews.
I’m watching that show and I found that, how she describe Judaism and her community, is with a lot of anger because she didn’t live her religion with peace and love. It’s all about single life experiences, just like “Unorthodox”.
I found myself thinking--in addition to WOW THIS IS SOME MISREPRESENTATION!--huh, did you ever think maybe you just had a poor relationship with your family or your husband? Those things are not unique to a particular religion.
@@mbrady0014 I absolutely agree with you. I'm always judging the extremism, in every religion and in every political wing. But in this case, they are just describing the bad aspect of their religion, on the other hand we have Ben and in some ways Shlomo that describe it in a mild-positive way. I don't understand 🙄
I wish more of the non-Jewish world understood about the different branches. E.g. A Catholic, a Baptist, and Amish person are all “Christian”. A Satmar ultra-Orthodox person, a Conservative Jew and a Progressive Judaism adherent are all considered Jewish too. The difference is, Judaism is such a small percentage of the world’s religions as a whole, that too many non-Jews don’t understand this concept and just think that whichever group gets the most publicity represents all Jews. Kudos to you and your RUclips channel for making it more possible to understand it.
For me and my house it’s not so much about the religious aspect, it’s more about the quality of the relationship that they have with our Heavenly Father!!! 🌈☝️🌈
I wanted to know where I can purchase your book? Also not to say this to be rude or anything, I'm concerned about your breathing; I have lung issues, so I know it when I see people struggling to breathe it does concern meme. I noticed you are having some trouble breathing, taking a breath after your sentences. I hope you're okay.
Aww yes just a symptom of pregnancy for me (I have had my heart rate etc. tested in previous pregnancies but they think it's just my body is small (short torso) so it just happens. Here's a link to my book: amzn.to/3isgkrI
@@MyJewishMommyLife awe I see okay, def see if you can check out with a pulmolnogist as well just to check off the boxes. Going to buy your book :) Thank you for the link
Julia just flat out lied about her earlier life to spice up the show and gain attention. I'm from the same sect of orthodoxy that she left, and her nonsense about not being allowed to get educated and work is ridiculous. It's not "her truth", its BS. The women in my community are very often more educated than the men and many also enjoy the blessing of a large family.
And she's so selfish that her son has to struggle with this in front of the entire world......this is the sick world today......all private things happen in public......imagine how her son feels.....she doesn't care. This is so clear bec the only important thing to her is showing off her clothing.....a 50 year old women that says that's her prime focus.
As an Orthodox Jew, I have never felt or been told my modesty is about men or boys .... It's between me and G-d. It's a personal commitment . About anti-semitism: If you read the comments on the Netflix trailer.....there are some frighteningly anti-semitic comments .....
Most religions are fundamentalist! I am Roman Catholic and if I was too practice my religion to a tee it would be the same as ultra orthodox Jews. I hope no offense but most religions in the past have kept women down. Large families when there was little money. Women were encouraged to be the homemaker and yes in cases the breadwinner also!! At least today we have choice. I like Judaism but not ultra Orthodox. I love the traditions. I have great Jewish friends and also cousins. The parties and hospitality is famous.
My issue is HOW can her family disown her and say they “ religious virtuous people” 🙄🤮 disgusting!!! They’re horrible people to disown her !! No “religious excuse” ! In Any religion !
It's wasnt her life either. Her things women couldn't do are lies.....she's not from that community. She wasn't even ultra orthodox. She was like hovering in between more right wing and even modern orthodox.....SHE was from the exact type of background she talking about.....all that is MADE UP by Julia.....what's frustrating is that she lies.
Seriously this show is not worth my time. I've started it and decided not to continue. This is portraying Judaism in a very bad way. I'm Jewish and religious (not orthodox though). This show just keep showing the negative things about Judaism and we seriously do not need that right now. Judaism is a very beautiful religion but people who do not understand it, by watching this, they will just hate on us even more!!
@@MyJewishMommyLife I completely agree with you. There are a lot of tv shows nowadays showing very specific Jewish experiences. I find it to be kind of like how Islam is represented in media. It is mostly showing extreme sides to it. When in reality both religions can be very normal and completely in sync with modern values and society
@@MyJewishMommyLife Btw I totally agreed with the thing you said about finding other Jewish communities. That would be awesome. But I think it had more to do with her being atheist as she said in the series that she did not believe in any of it. But for the children I feel like she could have done that. The conservative movement for example is a good community
I was very upset with the show, and your review proved the very reason that the show is so damaging. You say that you are conservative and not fundamentalist like where julia came from. Thats the exact negative and harmful idea that the show is causing people to incorrectly believe. According to all accounts Julia actually came from a very middle of the road orthodox community, where women go to college, work outside of the home, and even ride bikes. Even if she actually came from a hassidic community which she most definitely did not, it still be an exaggeration and overly negative view. . We are already a group that is looked down on by a world that doesnt know anything about us, and she took every negative stereotype and exaggerated it for full impact. Perhaps she was unhappy and felt trapped etc, but she doesnt share just her story. She repeatedly calls orthodox jews fundamentalist, which clearly is a term makes the viewer believe that their practices are very negative and even harmful. It is not stated as an opinion which she has every right to, but rather as a fact. She chooses the most negatively viewed aspects and throws them out for full impact completely out of context. I come from a religious community very similar to the one she actually came from. In fact i went to high school in monsey. It might not be for everyone, and she might have been unhappy, but factually it was most certainly not as she described it at all. I cannot speak for her emotional experience in the community, but i can clearly state the most definite facts of her particular community. 1.the majority of woman work outside the home. 2. Many woman go to college. 3. Almost all woman drive, and if they dont its not for religious reasons. 4. Many woman ride bikes. In fact there is a big bike-a-thon called bike4chai in which woman participate. 5. Modesty has nothing to do with men not controlling themselves. Thats actually a secular idea that was popular at one time, that has nothing to do with our ideology. I cannot speak for the way all men treat their wives in any culture, but men are generally expected to respect their wives, and many woman are quite assertive in running the home. In fact many woman earn more than their husbands. Orthodox woman often are more educated than the men and often earn more . I hope this clarifies things. Furthermore I respect your conservative life, and enjoy your channel, and do not negatively judge how you practice, but would appreciate if you would give the same respect to communities like mine and not label us fundamentalist, just because Julia Haart claims it is so.
Yeah I would also say as an Orthodox Jewish person that actually has a few Muslim friends that you're painting a wide range of people with the same brush the same way we unfortunately are painted.
@@jessed5641 exactly . What she describe is not be fitted with muslim . I know many orthodox muslim and their lifestyle . I think its depend on country ,culture and family
I think you didn’t watch the show. They didn’t left the religion. I am sorry but most of people that ate orthodox they don’t know any other life. Is not a choice if you can’t really choose to live that way and your totally brainwashed.
![[ GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULERS ] Teaser Trailer](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/e4TDqaE3XAg/mqdefault.jpg)
![[ GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULERS ] Teaser Trailer](/img/tr.png)
One of my favorite things in the show was Julia and all her children still maintained a relationship with the dad. I know often when people leave these ultraorthodox communities those ties are completely severed, and I’m glad that wasn’t the case in their situation.
Very true!! That was really nice to see
How dare that brat remove her Father’s last name - I’d erase the brat from my life if I were her Dad.
@@mariapower6961 that is a disgusting comment. That young girl has the right to change her name because of what she has gone through. HER FATHER accepted her choice. You have no right to speak for her clearly loving father.
@@lilymcmanaway I couldn’t agree more. And also, even if she hadn’t had the childhood she had and just wanted to change her name because she could, that would be fine too. People get SO hung up over names and it drives me crazy. It’s not like as a baby is coming through the birth canal they have to stop and sign a contract to keep the names given to them 🤦🏻♀️
Great review. It seems as if "Shtisel" is the only show about Ultra Orthodox life that is worth watching b/c of its nuanced portrayal of Jewish life.
It's definitely my personal fave!
I totally agree with you!
Shtisel was soooo goood!! 🕎🔯
I love Shtisel
Thank you for posting this Marion. I enjoyed hearing you explaining and speaking in this review and I wish you the absolute best in the rest of your pregnancy, you are a great woman with a great family!
Thank you so very much!!
I feel like Netflix is really capitalizing on these “coming of age” style shows with the added intrigue of getting an inside view of an otherwise private community. I do agree that they do need to be conscious of how these shows tend to focus on the negative aspects of Judaism. However, all religion in general is painted as negative in media it’s unfortunate but the sentiments around organized religion leans more on the negative side than positive now a days 😕.
I feel that too!
Polarizing Jewish communities is their goal I think. The media loves to polarize, but the Jewish people are so stubbornly resistant to that left/right dichotomy that it's screwing with their whole 'culture wars' agenda. Orthodox Jews often manage to be cosmopolitan *and* spiritual. Exclusive *and* inclusive. Embracing modernity *but* not postmodernity. They break the rules. That's why the media has to try to wedge apart instead of build bridges.
I believe everyone is entitled to tell over their personal story but they're not entitled to change facts in order to fit their desired narrative. While it may be true in certain ultra orthodox communities many of the restrictions that Julia spoke about such as girls and women not being able to ride bikes or drive cars etc It was not true for Julia herself growing up in her community. There were plenty of other women who grew up with her in the same community that said straight out that Julia's claims were pure fiction since they all did these things together. Julia has every right to decide she doesn't want to be religious anymore just like everyone has a right to change their mind as to how they want to live their lives but to disparage the community where she grew up with charges that are blatantly false which causes people to have a skewed view of the orthodox community is extremely unfair.
Yes!!! As someone who’s worked in reality tv as well it’s very obvious how much work this show still needs. They all need to get more comfortable around the camera, a lot of the conversations you could tell were producer forced
Totally it could be uncomfortable to watch at times!
I love your channel! Thanks for the great content.
I appreciate this review- your balanced approach. It helps me gain perspective as I’m watching the series.
I love your nuanced review of this show. I hadn’t heard of it but will add it to my list now! Thank you :)
So glad to hear it, thank you Ilina!!
This was sooo good!
Thank you so much Chalene!!!
She did not leave a long time ago just a few years ago. She's obviously looking to be vindictive against someone bec she lies about EVERYTHING......I don't just mean some things.
Agreed, she makes out she helped start Le Perla. It was her now husbands company and he basically gave it to her.
This video just triggered a memory for me. I was living in Connecticut at the time and going to a small synagogue in Hamden. One of the families there their son had decided that he wanted to keep kosher so what they did was they gave him a small section of the refrigerator where to keep his kosher food and that was how they handled it.
B'h that is great. A family respecting his choices
So interesting! So many families go through these scenarios.
I'm Reform and my issue with series like Unorthodox and My Unorthodox Life is that the diversity in Judaism isn't being captured and represented. Gentiles are getting one image of Judaism and that doesn't leave room for nuance. I'd love to see a Netflix series about differences in practice between the branches or diversity within a specific branch.
Couldn't agree more!!
True, however these shows aren't meant to show the diversity; that's hopefully covered in documentaries on Judaism (many of which do poorly on representing nuances and diversity anyhow) This show specifically shows the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle which is an important detail. The very little positive I can find is that at least it is not the entire Jewish nation that is painted with one brush. But it is very damaging to an already poor image of Orthodox Jews in society (just my opinion).
We are halfway through the show. My husband and I are conservative Jews but, just like you, Marion, we have extended family who are modern Orthodox on my husband's side, a few are even ultra-orthodox in Israel, and we know other Jews who are conservative but have Orthodox family members. So we can relate to both sides of the equation while understanding photos of where to fit in. We are going through similar questions with a nephew who is less than a year away from his bar mitzvah but not totally unborn with how and where he wants to do it. He feels 100% Jewish but doesn't connect to our synagogue at all, so he's trying to define his own Jewish identity right now. What's important is to have conversations but let him explore for himself so that his identity is Meaningful and not forced upon him.
Totally agree and yes it sounds like a really similar family situation to my own and each person sort of chooses their own path as they grow up get married etc.
Would love to see a video about what you mentioned about the men spending their time studying and the women being the breadwinners. Very interesting.
Definitely, it's a dynamic not talked about much but popular among religious communities in Israel, if you watch the show Shtisel you'll see that dynamic a lot.
I belong to ultra orthodox judaism and I am the sole breadwinner for my family while my husband studies Talmud. Would be happy to answer any questions you have.
The Bat Sheva miniskirt thing had me boggled, especially since we know their ex-community was about covering legs.
Totally bizarre!
Hello Mary Anne I am going to watch the show you have recommended as I am fascinated by the Jewish religion and lifestyle. Can you recommend any other series or movies
Regards
Sandra .
Hi Sandra, I have a video on my channel all about my favorite Israeli TV shows so definitely check that out!
The reason for Orthodox Judaisms opposition to women wearing pants (trousers) is because of gender roles in clothing, not modesty regarding revealing parts of the body. I honestly don't know where she gets the idea that pants are forbidden because of attracting men.
Modesty isn't only about not attracting men
@@mimib4310 she said pants are forbidden because they attract men when the reason is gender roles.
I like how you talk about the time periods. If I remember correctly, Julia is close to 50 yrs old, so she would have been a teenager in the 80’s. Then got married and had her kids in the 90’s & early 2000’s. Which was about 20 years ago, and you make a good point that things were quite possibly very different then, especially in her community in Monsey.
I saw a few episodes yesterday (my excuse was I was fasting for Tisha B-av and looked for distraction). I TOTALLY thought the same thing about pants and her mini skirt reveals her naked legs. What I cannot understand is the storyline's emphasis on religious freedom and yet she is clearly so wealthy that she has another kind of freedom. Thanks for your review!
That is a very very important point, the freedom and security that comes with financial success as an independent woman is huge!
You did a great job with explaining about the Jewish community
Much appreciated
Thank you!
I haven’t watched my unorthodox life, but it keeps being recommended. I just don’t watch much of that type of “reality” tv. It looked like a pretty sensationalized version of a culture, not necessarily very informative, which I guess would make it more entertaining.
Anyway, have you read The Lost Shtetl? It’s a recent novel imagining a Jewish village in Poland, that somehow got cut off from the rest of civilization for most of the 20th century. It’s definitely more clash of cultures/ historical social norms vs modern social norms than a representation of Judaism/ modern Jewish life. Couldn’t put it down; very entertaining! Would be interested in your perspective on it
Thanks for that recommendation, that sounds fascinating!!
Have u ever thought of doing review on very old movies such as Fill the void by Rama Burshtein (although the movie flow may have been a tiny bit disjointed I found it fascinating being the first orthodox film I've seen and before spending time on utube it had me wondering over what was most specific to Israeli culture and what is typically orthodox.Overall I considered it sweet and enjoy rewatching it trying to notice something different everytime (stores, house layout I could never figure out 😂,park...;50th anniversary of Fiddler on the roof (just for kicks)I thought this one shows a lot of different backgrounds and views probably influenced by actors, stories, recommendations on research and shows the transition of eras and places.And some of your childhood kid favs.good oldies compared to what's popular now 😉
Love this idea, I haven't seen many of those!
Always the prettiest girl 🤗❤️
Which character from SATC it’s your favorite or which your favorite jewish-American artist ?
Lol aww, I love them all but I guess Charlotte and Carrie!
I love Charlotte and Harry Goldenblatt. Harry's just a phenomenal guy.
What would you recommend as brilliantly done? In terms of representing Judaism in the most beautiful way. Which movie?
I put this question out on my Instagram today to see what people say as I honestly don’t have a go to answer! I love All of a Kind family books for kids about an orthodox family but they’re very vintage now
@@MyJewishMommyLife When I was a girl I loved The diary of Anne Frank, but it was very much disturbing... 🙏 obviously. As a young adult I'm discovering Martin Buber, Franc Kafka.. I've just recently "discovered" Isaac Bashevis Singer, didn't know that he won the Nobel Prize for literature! Fascinating writer.. Definitely a recommendation. I have to say I'm surprised that Ben Shapiro as a modern, yet Orthodox Jew has not addressed this Netflix "obsession" toward Orthodox Jewish community, life, tradition, spirituality... 💞
I would recommend watching videos about chassidishe life done beautifully by Peter Santenello. He travelled to diffirent Chassidishe communities in Brooklyn that portrayed them in a positive light. He also interviewed Rabbi Manis Friedman in which he asked him questions about marriage and relationships in the Orthodox community. Although it is true that there are Jews who left Orthodoxy due to living with dysfunctional families, that is far from the norm, thank G-d. So, watching Unorthodox gives a very false and distorted outlook on the real beauty of our way of life.
@@mgold3986 From time to time I do watch rabbi Manis Friedman's videos, but there's also other interesting rabbis that I follow. I'm more professor Daniel Matt kinda girl, I like Kabbalah approach.
You mentioned people who didn’t marry Jewish but are religious- that’s my husband! People find it strange that we are intermarried but he continues to keep kosher and live a Jewish life. We are finding a home in the reform movement where I will be converting. I was interested in the conservative movement because it more closely matches my husband’s level of day-to-day observance but we thought they might look more negatively on our marriage.
I hope your search leads you to a welcoming community! I'd encourage you to still give Conservative a try if there's a schul near you that you like or that you like the rabbi but either one sounds like you're going to have a wonderful community!
I would think quite the opposite.. Wouldn't
they be more eager to convert you if you're husband is already observant?
I grew up in the same neighborhood as the Hendler's. Went to the same synagogue and schools as Batsheva. Everyone who knows them is horrified by the way Julia describes our community. It's hard to find a sliver of truth actually. She's describing a life people in Williamsburg or Monroe might lead. That wasn't how she was raised or how her family lived.
Aye I’ve heard that much as well- from what I’ve heard a lot of the stuff on the show is pretty much fake. She wasn’t ultra orthodox as she led everyone to to believe- they were modern.
The or whatever never wears a hat- he was told to by production.
@Jeffrey Royer She stated that her last 8 years of her marriage she was modern Orthodox. She taught at a modern Orthodox school in Atlanta in the 90’s. Her ex husband was a wharton graduate!
She only left like 8 or 9 years ago... that's not all that long. It was after 2010...
So funny you posted this video today as I watched the first episode last night! I’m not a big reality show fan but I found the story line about the family very interesting. All the scenes about the fashion show was a bit boring for me. I also think they need to go into more detail as to how Julie left her orthodox life and became a successful shoe designer. It doesn’t seem like it could happen overnight. She had little education, money, or connections. Not sure if I’ll continue.
Very true! There definitely was a major chunk of life experience that we don't really hear about.
The education part is a lie. She had a good education and was able to get a successful life in Early twenties
Her husband is the owner of the elite. So he made her the CEO simple
Lovely family but I didn't like the way Netflix filmed the show. It could have been so much better.
Question: How is a community determined? Is it a geographic area around a synagogue? Your family history?
Obviously, I am not Jewish but I live in a small city with many Jewish people and I'm trying to learn. Your channel has been really helpful!
Agreed there was definitely some choppy story line creation from the way it was filmed as compared to some more seamless reality TV shows. I would say the synagogue or school is real foundation of community but geography plays a big role as well.
Well she's a fundamentalist herself in terms of secularism
Interesting perspective! But I would say that fundamentalism specifically refers to a group that holds power over its community and restricts their freedoms of thinking and action, I think it dilutes the word to refer to someone who just holds a strong opinion about something.
@@MyJewishMommyLife well I think we tend to look at fundamentalism stems from religion, but isn't not allowing her children their own path fundamentalism too? Because she's not tolerant of her youngest son. People grow and I think it's his decision ultimately. She doesn't strike me as an anti fundamentalism, she strikes me as anti Judaism. Someone who is anti fundamentalism would not try so hard to be the exact opposite. Balance is key to a healthy life.
I agree with you, CanisLupus. She is so invested in rejecting her old life that she wants everyone around her to do the same, but everyone needs to find their own path. In that way, I find her rather close-minded
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I loved how they let Julia's children explain throughout where they fall into the Jewish religious world/ if they're still religious.
As a Christian, I can't speak on the cultural end. However, as any religious groups there's always going to be a form of modern, moderate, and conservative views. I agree, the show didn't explain or show much positive light on other sects of Judaism as they should have.
Totally and love hearing the perspective from someone who is Christian watching the show, thank you for sharing!
Loved the family
Are you going to post a video about your pregnancy cravings? It'd be fun and funny if you did. 😆
Love this idea!!
Great talk
Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for sharing! I am a Christian lady, and what you are saying about religious divide in a family’s very true. I don’t like the word “religious” but for this comments sake I will use it. For me my faith is a relationship with the Lord. I grow up there was certain religious rules, but my mom got less religious over the years. I think that had to do with changing of times. Like you also say about different times, and things that would not fly now, was normal for some years ago. I have grown up becoming more religious. It has had some growing pains in the family, but it is not a big problem now. I dress modestly. Like only skirts below knees, no pants, jewelry, makeup and so on. My mom dress like typical mom in her 60ths in Norway. Not very unmodest, but for my standards it is clothing I would not use. Since it is about a relationship for me, I don’t care what other do, it is between them and the Lord. I have my own convictions.
My point is that what you are talking about it’s not just in Judaism, it is all over the board. I have Muslim friends with the same divides in there family too.
I hope you don’t get more anti-semitism because of the show, Jews has gone through too much of that already 💕
I don’t have Netflix right now, and I am not sure if the show is available here in Norway, but I will put it down my list for shows to watch next time I have Netflix, and hope it is available here then.
Thank you for sharing! Love and blessings from Johanne, Norway
I watched the entire series and there were a couple of moments I absolutely cringed at and I wouldn't consider myself a conservative person in general. I don't know why but something about this woman's way of going about this, mannerisms and all seemed kind of off to me. Personally I felt bad for the youngest son, he made a great point how he feels like he's "getting in trouble" for doing things most parents want their kids to do: not watch tv/not do it too excessively, not dating too young (hes 12/13 and she's incessantly encouraging him to get a girlfriend?) and just overall staying out of trouble during an age when most kids don't. The young man had a very solid point and I wonder what kind of long-term message she is truly sending to her kids and particularly the youngest one who is going through such a formidable time in his life whilst being forced to do so on camera. Something about her interactions with her children particularly rubbed me the wrong way and it was uncomfortable to watch.
Hello! Can you make a video about discrimination against Jews of African decent. :)
Such an important topic!
I finally watched a little of this and found that I totally agreed with everything in your review! If you’re at all familiar with different branches of Judaism and ways to practice, it isn’t difficult to grasp that this is just one story and not representative of all Jews or even all orthodox Jews. I also liked Batsheva, thought some of the conversations seemed a little staged, and was disappointed that they didn’t seem to embrace any Jewish tradition at all after leaving orthodoxy. But overall, not as cringe as I had anticipated based on a lot of reactions.
I just discovered your channel. I find Julia’s show extremely anti-Semitic and exaggerated. How about the people who are happy living a frum life? If I hear people on that show talking about not being allowed to sing in public I’m going to puke.
Yes would be nice to see both sides!
Co-signed as a Reform Jew who associates with people from all different streams of our religion. The Friday Boys even visit me at work! 🤷
Honestly, i was watching the 3rd episode and there was a moment when Rob reading out loud the sexual parts of Julia’s experiences with her ex husband in front of Miriam. I mean this show is clearly hit the boarders of being liberal. It is okay to accept each other and be free. But I feel like it’s too much. People needs boarders in their life. Without it you can make so big mistakes that at the end you can harm your people around you and mostly, yourself.
I feel many disrespect moves in this tv show. Shtisel was much nicer to me. I don’t know why but I felt much more good energies. Clean energies.
way
too WHITE. ANTI BLACK.
Extremism sells sadly. This TV show does well because it is shocking. It's important to raise awareness for this kind of community, however I hope it doesn't breed further anti-Semitism.
this lifestyle for me is very hard and pros and cons too
I would like to recommend the movie Brooklyn Babylon for you to watch and review.
Thanks!!
@@MyJewishMommyLife You might be able to pick the movie up on Amazon or eBay.
Thanks for mentioning that not all Orthodox Jewish sects are as strict as those portrayed in this work. The Reconstructionists will not be happy that you left them out, though. LOL. In all the major religions there is some tension at times among the denominations. Even in Christianity, there remain certain stresses between Roman Catholicism, the largest of the denominations, and others, whether they be Protestant, independent, Eastern Orthodox.
You're right and I actually need to learn more about Reconstructionist Judaism!
I feel especially offended by Netflix 's antisemitic shows and fabrications. They found out that actually she's from a Modern Orthodox family. Like for instance she was caught lying about not being able to ride a bike or doing a lot of things she claimed to be unable to do. We found a lot of lies.
And I hate how she's trying to turn her children into promiscuous people. Especially her young Yeshiva son
Very interesting, I hadn't heard that!
@@MyJewishMommyLife yeah they have documented it on twitter in their replies to her Reality show. It's easy to find
I agree that pushing her kids to sleep around is ridiculous, as if that were the only alternative to being sexually repressed.
I think based on my research her parents became more and more religious as she grew up and this was a difficult transition for her. This doesnt paint a full picture of all Orthodox Jews.
Its her story
I’m watching that show and I found that, how she describe Judaism and her community, is with a lot of anger because she didn’t live her religion with peace and love. It’s all about single life experiences, just like “Unorthodox”.
Very true, any single experience can paint an extreme view of things while still be very true to their personal history.
@@MyJewishMommyLife absolutely!
I found myself thinking--in addition to WOW THIS IS SOME MISREPRESENTATION!--huh, did you ever think maybe you just had a poor relationship with your family or your husband? Those things are not unique to a particular religion.
@@mbrady0014 I absolutely agree with you. I'm always judging the extremism, in every religion and in every political wing. But in this case, they are just describing the bad aspect of their religion, on the other hand we have Ben and in some ways Shlomo that describe it in a mild-positive way. I don't understand 🙄
I wish more of the non-Jewish world understood about the different branches. E.g. A Catholic, a Baptist, and Amish person are all “Christian”. A Satmar ultra-Orthodox person, a Conservative Jew and a Progressive Judaism adherent are all considered Jewish too. The difference is, Judaism is such a small percentage of the world’s religions as a whole, that too many non-Jews don’t understand this concept and just think that whichever group gets the most publicity represents all Jews. Kudos to you and your RUclips channel for making it more possible to understand it.
Very true!! It's so nuanced but really major differences!
For me and my house it’s not so much about the religious aspect, it’s more about the quality of the relationship that they have with our Heavenly Father!!! 🌈☝️🌈
Love that!
Me over here going I was born in the 90s 😂
Regardless I very much enjoy your reviews and your channel.
Lol thank you!!
I wanted to know where I can purchase your book? Also not to say this to be rude or anything, I'm concerned about your breathing; I have lung issues, so I know it when I see people struggling to breathe it does concern meme. I noticed you are having some trouble breathing, taking a breath after your sentences. I hope you're okay.
Aww yes just a symptom of pregnancy for me (I have had my heart rate etc. tested in previous pregnancies but they think it's just my body is small (short torso) so it just happens. Here's a link to my book: amzn.to/3isgkrI
@@MyJewishMommyLife awe I see okay, def see if you can check out with a pulmolnogist as well just to check off the boxes. Going to buy your book :) Thank you for the link
I tried, but it was a little too dull. Good Luck to her and her family though.
For sure!
Julia just flat out lied about her earlier life to spice up the show and gain attention. I'm from the same sect of orthodoxy that she left, and her nonsense about not being allowed to get educated and work is ridiculous. It's not "her truth", its BS. The women in my community are very often more educated than the men and many also enjoy the blessing of a large family.
And she's so selfish that her son has to struggle with this in front of the entire world......this is the sick world today......all private things happen in public......imagine how her son feels.....she doesn't care. This is so clear bec the only important thing to her is showing off her clothing.....a 50 year old women that says that's her prime focus.
Marion you are always so positive. Still have you egg baby glow.hope you and baby are doing good. Shalom aleichem
Aww thank you so much!! I appreciate that!
As an Orthodox Jew, I have never felt or been told my modesty is about men or boys .... It's between me and G-d. It's a personal commitment . About anti-semitism: If you read the comments on the Netflix trailer.....there are some frighteningly anti-semitic comments .....
*On the Netflix Facebook page
Technically she only left 7 years ago…
Most religions are fundamentalist! I am Roman Catholic and if I was too practice my religion to a tee it would be the same as ultra orthodox Jews. I hope no offense but most religions in the past have kept women down. Large families when there was little money. Women were encouraged to be the homemaker and yes in cases the breadwinner also!! At least today we have choice. I like Judaism but not ultra Orthodox. I love the traditions. I have great Jewish friends and also cousins. The parties and hospitality is famous.
My issue is HOW can her family disown her and say they “ religious virtuous people” 🙄🤮 disgusting!!! They’re horrible people to disown her !! No “religious excuse” ! In Any religion !
It's wasnt her life either. Her things women couldn't do are lies.....she's not from that community. She wasn't even ultra orthodox. She was like hovering in between more right wing and even modern orthodox.....SHE was from the exact type of background she talking about.....all that is MADE UP by Julia.....what's frustrating is that she lies.
Seriously this show is not worth my time. I've started it and decided not to continue. This is portraying Judaism in a very bad way. I'm Jewish and religious (not orthodox though).
This show just keep showing the negative things about Judaism and we seriously do not need that right now.
Judaism is a very beautiful religion but people who do not understand it, by watching this, they will just hate on us even more!!
Calling that community she left orthodox seems hugely inaccurate. It would be more accurate to call them Ultra-Orthodox. At least if you ask me
I actually wish they had shown more of an impartial source to describe her actual community, it was pretty vague.
She was from an orthodox community. She was alllowed to drive watch tv and do anything she wanted. She spewed lies the whole show
@@dmenwatson1954 Plz do not speak on her behalf. You are not her
@@MyJewishMommyLife I completely agree with you. There are a lot of tv shows nowadays showing very specific Jewish experiences. I find it to be kind of like how Islam is represented in media. It is mostly showing extreme sides to it. When in reality both religions can be very normal and completely in sync with modern values and society
@@MyJewishMommyLife Btw I totally agreed with the thing you said about finding other Jewish communities. That would be awesome. But I think it had more to do with her being atheist as she said in the series that she did not believe in any of it. But for the children I feel like she could have done that. The conservative movement for example is a good community
I really enjoyed it for the entertainment value, but it felt very produced and scripted.
I think Jews and indian people have same restrictions or rules.cuz i'm indian
I was very upset with the show, and your review proved the very reason that the show is so damaging. You say that you are conservative and not fundamentalist like where julia came from. Thats the exact negative and harmful idea that the show is causing people to incorrectly believe. According to all accounts Julia actually came from a very middle of the road orthodox community, where women go to college, work outside of the home, and even ride bikes. Even if she actually came from a hassidic community which she most definitely did not, it still be an exaggeration and overly negative view. . We are already a group that is looked down on by a world that doesnt know anything about us, and she took every negative stereotype and exaggerated it for full impact. Perhaps she was unhappy and felt trapped etc, but she doesnt share just her story. She repeatedly calls orthodox jews fundamentalist, which clearly is a term makes the viewer believe that their practices are very negative and even harmful. It is not stated as an opinion which she has every right to, but rather as a fact. She chooses the most negatively viewed aspects and throws them out for full impact completely out of context. I come from a religious community very similar to the one she actually came from. In fact i went to high school in monsey. It might not be for everyone, and she might have been unhappy, but factually it was most certainly not as she described it at all. I cannot speak for her emotional experience in the community, but i can clearly state the most definite facts of her particular community. 1.the majority of woman work outside the home. 2. Many woman go to college. 3. Almost all woman drive, and if they dont its not for religious reasons. 4. Many woman ride bikes. In fact there is a big bike-a-thon called bike4chai in which woman participate. 5. Modesty has nothing to do with men not controlling themselves. Thats actually a secular idea that was popular at one time, that has nothing to do with our ideology.
I cannot speak for the way all men treat their wives in any culture, but men are generally expected to respect their wives, and many woman are quite assertive in running the home. In fact many woman earn more than their husbands. Orthodox woman often are more educated than the men and often earn more . I hope this clarifies things. Furthermore I respect your conservative life, and enjoy your channel, and do not negatively judge how you practice, but would appreciate if you would give the same respect to communities like mine and not label us fundamentalist, just because Julia Haart claims it is so.
The economic hardship , recession , unemployment and the loss of job caused by covid pandemic is enough to push people into financial ventures .
It’s very shocking how she can speak about such serious subjects while smiling 😬
they are Kardashian wannabes!!!
I’m orthodox and no one in my community lives the way the woman describes in the show. What she describes sounds like woman in the Muslim religion.
that is a generalization the same way Julia generalized Orthodox Jews. Not all muslims live this way obviously.
Yeah I would also say as an Orthodox Jewish person that actually has a few Muslim friends that you're painting a wide range of people with the same brush the same way we unfortunately are painted.
@@jessed5641 exactly . What she describe is not be fitted with muslim . I know many orthodox muslim and their lifestyle . I think its depend on country ,culture and family
I think you didn’t watch the show. They didn’t left the religion. I am sorry but most of people that ate orthodox they don’t know any other life. Is not a choice if you can’t really choose to live that way and your totally brainwashed.
I love your energy, authenticity and RUclips!🤍💙❤️ thank you brining wisdom
Thank you so much 🤗