Female Rabbis Share Their Views on the Portrayal of Their Profession and Jewish Culture in ‘Nobody Wants This’

Netflix has once again encapsulated the cultural milieu with its new original series. However, "Nobody Wants This," a charmingly hipster rom-com set in Los Angeles, deviates from the eerie allure of "Squid Game" and "Stranger Things." The series, starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell as a couple entangled in the complexities of friendships, family, and faith, has sparked widespread discussion. Viewers have been vocal about its portrayal of Jewish women, conversion, and the concept of "shiksas."

In case you missed the buzz surrounding the current top show on Netflix, which has already secured a second season, here's a quick overview. Bell portrays Joanne, a sexually liberated podcaster with no particular religious ties, who falls for Brody's Noah, a charismatic rabbi at a forward-thinking congregation. Noah hails from a somewhat traditional Jewish household. Their palpable chemistry stirs up tension among their friends and family, including Joanne’s sharp-witted sister Morgan (Justine Lupe) and Noah’s brother Sasha (Timothy Simons), sister-in-law Esther (Jackie Tohn) – still close with Noah’s jilted ex, Rebecca – and matriarch Bina (Tovah Feldshuh).

In the opening episode, Joanne visits Noah at his temple, where congregants swarm him with inquiries and matchmaking attempts now that his relationship with Rebecca has ended. The episode concludes with a scene in the synagogue that leaves the audience wide-eyed as Noah greets Joanne warmly. When Esther questions Bina about her son’s companion, Bina tersely answers, "A shiksa," closing the episode on a note that has ignited discussions about the show’s handling of Jewish motifs.

Rabbi Amanda Greene, a senior rabbi at Chicago Sinai congregation, found some portrayals, though exaggerated, to resonate with reality. She chuckled, "There’s a term ‘yenta,’ right? Perhaps not our finest aspect, yet it’s part of our truth." Greene emphasized that the series is crafted for entertainment, likening its portrayal to the exaggerated characters in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

Rabbi Adina Allen, founder of the Jewish Studio Project, acknowledged that some Jewish female characters were depicted as manipulative and cliquey but noted that non-Jewish women didn’t escape unscathed either. "They’re shown as shallow, self-centered," she remarked. Despite this, Allen found the characters endearing, particularly Esther, who embodies both loyalty and love alongside her controlling nature.

Not every depiction was negative. Rabbi Greene appreciated the female rabbi character, likening her to a welcoming figure who embraces Joanne. Greene relished the diversity of characters, defending Esther’s complexity and humanity.

Certain moments rang true to real-life rabbis. Greene recalled her own experiences with congregants eager to set her up, sharing, "The congregation is keenly interested in the rabbi’s personal life." Rabbi Allen echoed this sentiment, noting the authenticity of the synagogue scene where women attempt to introduce their daughters to Noah.

Brody’s Noah emerged as a relatable figure on a spiritual journey, defying the stereotype of a sanctimonious rabbi. "He’s human, vibrant," Greene commented. She appreciated the portrayal of rabbis as multifaceted individuals who don’t conform to traditional expectations.

A particularly relatable scene for Greene depicted Noah holding Shabbat at a bar, reminiscent of her own efforts to engage young professionals. "Noah’s cool," Allen mused. "He’s social, humorous, stylish. It’s refreshing to see."

As the season progresses, Noah and Joanne envision a future together. The dilemma of leading his congregation while having a non-Jewish partner surfaces, confronting Joanne with the prospect of conversion. Noah faces a choice between career advancement and his relationship with Joanne.

Rabbi Greene had mixed reactions to the finale, hoping the simplified choice sets the stage for further development. "I adored the show, detested the ending. It’s a false dichotomy," she expressed. Greene anticipates season two will explore a more nuanced path for Noah, allowing him to balance personal and professional realms.