Ep 4. Episode 4
In Shtisel season 1 episode 4, we see the continuation of the lives of the members of the ultra-Orthodox Shtisel family living in Jerusalem. The episode is filled with themes of love, family, and tradition that are so essential in the culture of the community.
The episode starts off with a dark and dreary morning, as Akiva Shtisel, the youngest member of the family and a talented artist, struggles to find inspiration for his new piece. Akiva is portrayed as someone who is constantly stuck between his passion for painting and the strict religious values of his community. He is hesitant to share his art with anyone in the Shtisel family, fearing that they will disapprove of his non-traditional profession.
Meanwhile, his widowed father, Shulem, is struggling to move on from the death of his wife. He confides in his eldest son, Giti's husband, Lippe, and asks him to help him write a letter to his late wife. They spend a significant portion of the episode discussing the nuances of the letter, and it is a heartwarming moment that showcases the strong bond between the men in the family.
Giti, on the other hand, is dealing with her own set of challenges. She is trying to cope with the responsibilities of being a mother of six children, and her marriage to her husband, Lippe, seems to be falling apart. Lippe is shown as someone who is easily swayed by external influences and is constantly flirting with other women. Giti is visibly upset by his actions but is unable to confront him about it directly due to their societal norms.
Elsewhere, Shira, Akiva's sister, struggles to find meaning in her life. She feels unfulfilled by her job as a teacher and longs to find something that brings her joy. She eventually turns to music and starts playing the piano, a passion that she had set aside due to her duties as a wife and mother. Her storyline highlights the constant tug of war between tradition and modernity that exists within the ultra-Orthodox community.
The episode also showcases the firm hold that tradition has on the community. Akiva's uncle, Nuchem, is shown as someone who strictly adheres to the religious values and is not open to change or new ideas. He is openly critical of Akiva's art and is dismissive of anyone who thinks differently from him. His character embodies the rigid nature of the community but also showcases the importance of preserving one's culture and heritage.
As the episode progresses, we see Akiva finally finding inspiration for his new piece. He creates a beautiful painting of his father and mother, which moves Shulem to tears. It is a touching moment that shows the love and affection that exist within the Shtisel family despite their differences.
Overall, Shtisel season 1 episode 4 is a poignant episode that offers a window into the lives of ultra-Orthodox Jews living in Jerusalem. It is a beautifully crafted episode that showcases the complexities of the community and the challenges and joys of living a traditional life. The episode is a testament to the power of family, love, and tradition and is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring cultures and traditions that are different from their own.
