Ep 1. Episode 1

It is the first season of the Israeli show Shtisel that aired on television on June 29, 2013. The show follows the lives of an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish family, the Shtisels, living in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood.

In Episode 1, we are introduced to Shulem Shtisel, a widowed father and a teacher at a yeshiva. He has two grown-up children; Akiva Shtisel and Giti Weiss, who are both unmarried and still living at home with him. Shulem's wife passed away four years ago, and he is still struggling to come to terms with her death.

The episode opens with Shulem Shtisel getting dressed in his black suit, white shirt, and black hat to go to the yeshiva. He says goodbye to his son Akiva, who is still asleep, with a peck on the cheek. Akiva is an artist and spends most of his time drawing in his room. He is also the black sheep of the family because of his pursuit of art, which is seen as unconventional within the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.

We are also introduced to Giti Weiss, Giti is Shulem's daughter and has two children. She is married to Lippe Weiss, who works at a local supermarket. Giti is struggling with her two young children, who are demanding and challenging. We see her trying to manage her household while dealing with the demands of her mother-in-law.

Shulem arrives at the yeshiva and is approached by one of his students, Motti. Motti is from a wealthy family and is looking for a job. Shulem struggles to find a position for him, and we see him getting frustrated with Motti's pestering.

We then see Akiva talking to his friend, Yosa'le, who is also an artist. Akiva tells him that he has sold a painting, and they celebrate this momentous occasion with a cup of tea. Yosa'le suggests that Akiva should try and sell his paintings in an art gallery.

Later in the episode, we see Shulem going for a job interview at another yeshiva. He is offered the position, but he declines it, stating that he loves teaching at his current yeshiva and that he wants to stay. The principal of the yeshiva, who is impressed with Shulem's knowledge and dedication, offers him a pay rise.

The episode then shifts focus to Giti, who is having a rough time. Her mother-in-law, who lives with them, is constantly criticizing her parenting skills and comparing her to her own daughter. Giti is also worried about the impending visit of her estranged sister, who is not on good terms with the rest of the family.

Towards the end of the episode, we see Akiva going to an art gallery with Yosa'le. He is nervous and apprehensive but decides to give it a try. The gallery owner is impressed with Akiva's work and tells him that he will put up his paintings.

Overall, Episode 1 of Shtisel sets the tone for what promises to be an engaging and insightful look into the lives of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish family. The show does an excellent job of balancing the family's religious beliefs with the struggles they face in their everyday lives. The performances are exceptional, and the cinematography is beautiful, capturing the cramped, claustrophobic environment of the Mea Shearim neighborhood. This episode is sure to leave viewers invested in the lives of the Shtisel family and eager to see what happens next.