A little ‘You’ time? What the Jewish community should be watching and reading this weekend
Published November 11, 2021
Everyone needs a little Shulem Shtisel in their life, even if it’s a different story and series.
The beloved Dov Glickman, the actor who plays “Shtisel” in the acclaimed Netflix series, trades in his rabbi clothing for Israeli Prime Minister outfitting as “The Man Who Tried to Prevent War.” Playing Levi Eshkol, the man who stood between a country and violence during the six-day war. Glickman, who was born in Tel Aviv to a secular Jewish family, looks like a guy who can lose himself in the decision-making process of a war and come out the other side with only a few more gray hairs.
If you need some Dov in your entertainment life, head right here to find his latest work.
The St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) is streaming Therese Shechter’s “My So-Called Selfish Life” online at Cinema St. Louis. Shechter’s film, the third and final film in her trilogy series that examines our most sacred ideas about womanhood in the 21st century, revolves around the lives of childless women. Named “one of the four films not to miss” last month at the Woodstock Film Festival, Shechter’s film takes issue with the idea that women should have children, like it’s a rite of passage that makes their lives complete.
Shechter, one of the prominent Jewish filmmakers, has seen her work covered The Atlantic, Salon, Elle, Forbes, and The Guardian. According to early reviews at the Bend Film Festival, she tackles these dynamics in original and often hilarious ways, and also hosts a Facebook page centering around childless women. The page has over 10,000 members.
But if you’re looking for something a little spicier and pop culture-certified, head over to Netflix for some “You” time. The popular series stars Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg, a psychologically threatening Jewish bookshop manager who has inspired millions across the world to dress like him. Along with bringing denim coats and formal wear back, Badgley’s Joe isn’t to be trusted and that extends itself to young female aspiring writers. When one walks into his shop, Joe’s head is turned in a not-so-nice (try addicting) way, creating misfortune and murder all in the pursuit of love.
Here’s something you can’t watch, yet probably would love to at some point. The late Joan Rivers, who sits in the Jewish Hall of Fame when it comes to notoriety, was going to have her life dissected and explored in an upcoming Showtime series called “No Lines.” However, the plug was pulled due to Rivers’ daughter owning the rights. The outrage was heightened by the “Jew-Face” shoutout from popular Jewish entertainer Sarah Silverman, slamming the casting of Kathryn Hahn as Rivers.
The comedian must have forgotten that Hahn has played a few Jews in her heyday, including a rabbi in”Transparent,” which is available to view on Amazon Prime Video. Either way, since Jews think no one non-Jewish should play them, Joan Rivers fans will have to wait a while longer.
Book lovers should dive headfirst into “The Caretaker,” Chrissy Smith’s new novel with a Holocaust-themed point of view. Centering around a survivor working as a caretaker in an old mansion now inhabited by young students, the novel spins its axis on the twist that Leo, the Holocaust survivor who despises these free, young souls, has a stashed away collection of Nazi-stolen items from the war. His wish is to return those items to the families, even if it could mean his life is in danger as a result.
Lastly, I have one for Seth Rogen fans. As the end of the year approaches, a good laugh is always needed. So, if you haven’t seen Rogen play an unlikely speech writer for Charlize Theron’s politician in “Long Shot,” find it on Hulu or Sling TV with a subscription and available for purchase on other streaming services. It puts Rogen’s natural gifts as a comedic entertainer to use while showing a lighter side of the award-film savvy Theron.
Well, that should keep you busy. Some “Shtisel” patriarch in a six-day war, a bookkeeper not to be trusted, a book you should more than trust, or a raucous comedy revolving around the aloof nature of politics. Make your choice.