Shtisel and Srugim portray different Orthodox communities in Israel. Shtisel follows a Haredi family in Jerusalem’s Geula neighborhood; Srugim focuses on Modern Orthodox single adults in Jerusalem. Both tell intimate stories of family, work, dating and faith.
Family life in Shtisel
Created by Ori Elon and Yehonatan Indursky, Shtisel centers on widowed father Shulem and his son Akiva, an aspiring artist. Netflix acquired the series for overseas audiences, as Times of Israel coverage recounts. Its family disputes and ambitions give viewers a close view of Haredi characters within their community.
Modern Orthodox singles in Srugim
Srugim, created by Laizy Shapiro and Hava Divon, follows Modern Orthodox friends navigating relationships and adulthood in Jerusalem. A Times of Israel report on the series’ continuation documents its creators and audience. Its social world differs from the Haredi family setting of Shtisel.
Each series follows a particular group of fictional characters, not a complete portrait of Orthodox Judaism. Times of Israel reporting discusses the response to Shtisel and its portrayal of Haredi life. For a film centered on a Haredi woman’s choices, see diverse communities in Israeli cinema.