Reflection on "Unorthodox"

 

Just finished watching a Netflix mini series "Unorthodox". I discovered quite a few things after doing a bit more research. The story takes place in the Hasidic Community (an ultra orthodox Jewish community) in Williamsburg New York. The story centres around a young lady, Esty, who breaks away from the rigid traditions and restrictive roles imposed by her community and moves to Berlin.

Initially, after the first episode I had the wrong impression that this community was representative of the way most Jews live. Only upon reading up further and after more research did I understand that this community is really quite a unique closed up Jewish orthodox community of its own. I should have known because when studying in NY my daughter had Jewish classmates who certainly didn't live in the same manner as that portrayed in the show.

The show skillfully sheds some insight on the perceptions and beliefs that shape the behaviour of the community.  For example the reason behind the focus on woman's procreation role is a remark made that six million Jew were killed in the holocaust and every new born baby is precious to fill the loss. 

In a scene in Berlin when Esty witnesses what may look like promiscuity where couples of all orientations engage in a trance like dance to heavy music and flickering disco lights, an audience may momentarily wonder whether the so called "oppressive" traditions of the Hasidic community is in fact not a better alternative to the debauchery ways in many other societies.

I think the ending is appropriate. In the hope of winning her back Esty's Jewish husband cut off his 2 front curly fringes as a mark of defiance to the community rules. Esty tries to stop him but at the same time is moved. However she still decides to break away and stays on in Berlin.  

My takeaway is how fundamentally important it is for one to know one's worldview of life. To Esty it is the freedom to live out one's inherent potential and deemed purpose. At the same time she realises her husband would not be able to live outside his community which has shaped his upbringing and to which his future depends on and in which his life best fits in. Even after achieving what her community expects of her (having discovered she is pregnant), it would just be a matter of time when Esty will finally leave Williamsburg to seek out her true self.