Did anyone watch Strictly Kosher?

[katkitya]

I enjoyed it. My Jewish friends were abit ???? about it though!!! I think there could be a series in it.

[lillybloom]

I loved it Kat. I'm really interested in faiths and cultures. What were your friends unsure about?

[katkitya]

Stereotyping I think?

[timidviper]

One of my jewish friends knows some of the people on it and regularly shops at the dress shop featured.

The trouble is that stereotyping is bound to happen with any culture to make the show more interesting, just look at "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". I have heard there's a new one coming soon called "Desperate Scouse-wives", can't imagine how the media are going to portray us scousers (again)

[katkitya]

Ha!!! Friday night was probably not the best night for me to be posting this! God forgive me but, I was shocked that the shop owner was married with children. And, that's me stereotyping!

[Flisspaps]

katkitya I watched it, I really enjoyed it. Very disappointed it wasn't a series. Hopefully a series would be a bit less stereotypical, but it was good nonetheless.

[usualsuspect]

I found it fascinating

[chipstick10]

The main woman in it (the one who wouldnt wear a wig) really got on my norks.

[Smellslikecatpee]

Where when please?

[ByTheSea]

I loved it. I'm a non-religious (atheist) American Jew living in the UK. I love my Jewish heritage though, it's all about family, food, fun. I find it interesting watching Jews in this country because nobody where I live even really knows any Jews so I don't get much of a chance to spot any differences.

[vjg13]

I Jewish and hated it. From the cliched 'Jewish' music to the slightly sickly sounding voice over.

I didn't understand why the orthodox woman who didn't wear a wig then had to go to a shop and take the piss whilst trying lots on. Most Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are no where near that extravagant.

The watchable bit was with Jack and his story was heart- breaking.

[Hassled]

I enjoyed it from the viewpoint of someone who knows nothing. Jack was wonderful, I agree - and his grandson (Bar Mitzvah boy?) was the most gorgeous looking child I think I've ever seen. Wig-lady was a useful resource - fairly ordinary, likeable woman telling us what goes on in her world. I thought it was well done - would certainly watch more.

[PippiLongBottom]

I live in the area where it was filmed and know Bernette the main lady. I also know Joel from his shop although I am too poor to shop there these days. I have worked with the Jewish community for 10 years and have lots of Jewish friends (only one is ultra orthodox) and thought it was an extremely accurate and sympathetic portrayal of the differences within the communities in this area.

[katkitya]

I think Joel was onto something with his shop. I think in North London where i am he would have alot more competition. For me it highlighted the North South divide or (and I'm going to get flamed) the fact that the Manchester community is more showy!!

[Pelagia]

I thought it was really interesting. I was really shocked at how much Bernette worked and yet was so cheery. I would not be prepared to do all the housework, cooking, childcare etc while DH did bugger all.

[PippiLongBottom]

I only shop in Mon Amie for the kids, I wouldn't be seen dead in any of his ladies garments, neither would my friends. It is a fairly niche Market of older showy Jewish ladies and those that are going on a cruise. He is proper minted.

[katkitya]

I'm still in shock. I thinknhes the campest straight man I've ever seen!!!

[katkitya]

I wonder why people don't just go to the Arndale and shop for half the price? Maybe it's a social thing? I've seen Jack on a programme about survivors before. Very humbling.His grandson was so handsome!

[PippiLongBottom]

Yeah, he is as camp as Christmas. They don't sell cruisewear in the arndale

The older ladies wear those juicy style tracksuits too. Not juicy ones though, ones from Mon Amie.

[TIDDLYMUM]

Loved it!!! Bernette was a star turn, it came as no surprise that she had Irish Roots- she has the craic down to a tee. Coming from Manchester it was absoluely fascinating. Me and my friend have joked about conversion, two weeks a month off from s** and then a quick trip down to Mon Amie to check out the latest styles.

Bring on the series!!!!!

[katkitya]

I think there will be one. I'm fascinated by how the younger generation, in their twenties are becoming more orthodox compared to their parents.

[limitedperiodonly]

Loved Jack. I was so moved when he talked about his grandson's barmitzvah being a triumph against Hitler and also loved the fact that his grandson was so free that he didn't seem to realise what his grand dad had gone through. And his granddad didn't force that on him [sob]

Wanted to love the show but became more and more disillusioned that everyone below Jack was so complacent and smug.

Joel, straight?

Liked Bernette at first but as the show went on she became more and more irritating, childish and ignorant.

Lost it when she went on about nobody being good enough for her sons. Her daughter was married and in Israel - was she happy for her daughter's MIL to be as small minded as she was?

[sharbie]

would have been better imo if it had been a bit more in depth on bbc 2 or channel 4

[PippiLongBottom]

Bernette's son was really fit though

[katkitya]

And, didn't his mother know it?! I liked the husband although why he likes to push himself to the front of the brisc (?? Excuse my spelling) I will never know. He didn't strike me as being massively orthodox going by what he was wearing. Are they semi and that's why she never wore a wig?

[PippiLongBottom]

IME it is only the ultra orthodox that wear wigs. There are so many different levels/interpretations. One friend will drive on a Saturday, doesn't wear a wig, but strictly observes the kosher rules for food.

The Bris is tough to watch. My female friends did admit to finding it quite difficult. The dad is the main person at the Bris, I believe. The females are completely segregated.