Or is Srugim living my life?

Srugim is a TV show about the life I have just re-entered; the single’s life in Katamon, Jerusalem. I’ve watched TV shows about New Yorkers, LAers, even Canadians but I’ve never seen a show that is so connected to me personally. From what I know of Israeli TV (I barely watched any even during my first 16 years living here), this show is a breath of fresh air. In most Israel TV, the stories surround Tel Aviv and a pretty specific culture and community in that city. Srugim, being based in Jerusalem and around the religious community, is pretty much clean and the dialogue, from the admittedly little I’ve seen on youtube, is sweet, funny and touching. I will hopefully soon be making a point of watching the whole first season.

Here is a scene where two women are discussing their faith in God. It’s a good conversation, in my opinion.

Srugim has become very popular, not only amongst religious people. It won many awards for its first season. (Click on this wikipedia link for information about that.) It’s amazing and exciting returning to Israel to this new reality of a religious TV show finding its place on regular TV. They are currently filming the second season which I know because one scene was filmed at the cafe next to my house and another scene had my now-famous sister-in-law play in a lead role… You will see her as an, well, an extra this season! (But such an important extra!)

Of course whenever anyone tries to depict the Orthodox community, there are hesitated reactions because there is fear of negative PR. But this show is written and directed by men with kippas and women in shirts. Actually, the woman in the skirt, one of the co-producers, Chava Divon, her adorable little son was in kindergarden with my adorable little sister a few years ago, so I even know who she is. And though, like any show, it’s not 100% accurate – we don’t have such witty dialogue on such a regular basis, for example – it’s really just a fine little window into that world.

As for those of us in that world, it puts a whole new twist on TV watching, having a show that is so close to home. I like.

As for my Srugim life, two nights ago I went to my third group Katamon meal. It would be much simpler if I just called it a singles’ meal but I hate admitting that that is what unites all of us at these Shabbat meals. I lie to myself saying that theoretically there could be married couples at the table it’s just that for natural reasons, they end up hanging out in different social circles. Which makes those meals not singles’ meals but meals with singles.

Whatever! Whatever way you look at it, last night I went to my third singles meal since my return to Israel exactly a month ago. Eleven singles around a Shabbat table eating food prepared by a few of us including challah by yours truly, fyi. Again, just like at the other two meals I’ve been to so far, I had a wonderful time – I met some amazing new people which, as some of you know, makes me very happy – but I’m so freakin’ scared! I know you can never know when you’ll meet the right person. Who knows, maybe I already have. But I’m so scared this is going to be my life for a much longer time than I would prefer.

But, my bro gave me great advice which, if I could implement it, I do believe would serve me well. He said, it’s so hard to find the right person that meanwhile you may as well throw all caution to the wind. (Wine prior to my arrival at this past meal helped me implement those tactics. It was like my training wheels!)

Granted, I wouldn’t go that far, to throw all caution to the wind. I will make an effort, as much as I can, but there is truth in what my brother says. Meanwhile, having a good time is key! As long as, at the same time, you don’t lose sight of what you really want. Sometimes it’s just really hard to have a good time.

As for Srugim, will it be like comics and so many TV shows where the people never actually move on to new states in their lives? Now that would be depressing!

And to finish, here is a very cute scene that is 100% accurate with reality (um, yeah right) about a girl who doesn’t want to buy a new bed, even though she desperately needs one, because you only buy a new bed when you get married. Good to know.