Ep 3. Episode 3

In Shtisel season 1 episode 3, we continue to follow the lives of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish family living in Jerusalem. The episode opens with a tense conversation between father and son, Shulem and Akiva. Shulem, a widower, is frustrated with Akiva’s lack of direction and wants him to focus on finding a wife. Akiva, on the other hand, is an aspiring artist who is struggling to reconcile his passion with his strict religious upbringing.

As Akiva struggles to find his place in the world, we also see storylines involving other members of the family. Akiva’s sister, Giti, is worried that her husband, Lipa, is cheating on her. Meanwhile, Akiva’s nephew, Yosa’le, is getting in trouble at school for acting out and his parents are at a loss for how to discipline him.

Throughout the episode, we see the characters grappling with their beliefs and their obligations to their community and family. There are touching moments, such as when Shulem helps a man in the community who is struggling with addiction, and there are also tense moments, such as when Lipa is caught in a lie.

One of the most interesting subplots of the episode involves Akiva’s attempts to connect with the secular world through his art. He is invited to participate in an art exhibition, but struggles with whether or not he should attend due to the possibility of coming into contact with women. His friend, Elisheva, encourages him to take the risk and tells him that he could inspire others in his community to see the beauty in art.

Ultimately, the episode ends on a quiet note, with Akiva returning home after his art show and finding comfort in his family’s traditions. The show presents a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the ultra-Orthodox community, touching on themes of faith, family, and identity.