In “Kugel”, Nuchem Shtisel is a Haredi version of Larry David’s viewing

By Jacob Kamaras

Spoiler alert: The following review reveals key plot elements in “Kugel”.

At Jolla, California – according to the world’s vision of Nuchem Shtisel, one of the main characters in the new series KugelIt is important to distinguish between important and small issues in life – and to focus on the little boy.

This makes Nuchem (played by Sasson Gabay) similar to the Haredi version Reduce the enthusiasmLarry David. He is a character he will like to hate – a CMUDGEON, even a misanthrop, who pursues extravagant ideas in social and business situations. Then, at other times, when it demonstrates vulnerability, you will love it directly.

Fans of the award -winning Israeli television drama series Shtisel He will recognize Nuchem like Shulem Shtisel’s brother and Akiva Shtisel’s uncle. Rather than a supporting actor he plays a major role this time in Shtisel The Spin-off series, Kugelnext to his daughter Libi (Hadas Yaron).

KugelThe first season Launched on February 28 on the Israeli Izzy Global Streaming Platformthe same network that now transmits and all three seasons of Shtisel. The new series is set in the Hardi community in Antwerp, Belgium, years before the events Shtisel in Jerusalem. Nuchem is a jewelry dealer whose wife, Yides (Mili Avital), asks for a divorce because he can no longer tolerate his dishonesty. For example, Nuchem sells Yides’s mother’s amulet shortly after her death.

Perhaps his most striking behavior Larry David comes when he approaches widows during Shiva The mourning period regarding the payment of expensive jewelry under the false premise that their delayed spouses have ordered the pieces for them or when they go to long lengths to reach their obsession with winning a member in an exclusive Svitz (bathroom) for Gvirim (wealthy people).

When Nuchem pursues his own interests, he occasionally displays a more generous spirit. Against the background of his Bauumbach Pnina Court, a recent widow woman, who inherited a specialized restaurant in Kugels in the style of Jerusalem, breaks her habit and refuses to let her pay for a pearl necklace that her late husband would have ordered. When Pnina asks Nuchem how he can repay it, he replies: “Save the burnt pieces of Kugel for me, that will be a lot.” Given the special place in his heart for that burned part of Kugel, Nuchem later becomes Pnina’s business partner while trying to save the restaurant.

The tender part of Nuchem’s personality also comes out in his relationship with Libi, the 22 -year -old daughter he cares for alone after Yides leaves. He supports her unconventional pursuit (from the perspective of Haredi) of a career in creative writing and tries to comfort her in provocative moments with words of wisdom, such as “life is a cake.” While this expression reminds of “life is like a chocolate box” in forrest gumpIts meaning is somewhat unclear.

Libi’s story arch resembles that of Akiva Shtisel, her previous series. Both strive to find a Shidduch (match), and her author’s ambition reflects Akiva’s passion as a painter. In ShtiselThese summers engage in spite of Nuchem’s objections, followed by Libi’s death between the screen between the second and third seasons. In this prequel, Kugelviewers get new perspectives on their parallel life. Libi’s journey of personal growth embodies the development of creepy characters who made so many spectators fall in love with Shtisel and will attract them on a slice of Kugel.

While Libi’s character has a lot of depth and intrigue, Kugel It is a mandatory viewing mainly due to Nuchem. (That is, at least through the four episodes that were screened by this reviewer, worth half of the season). The conflicting parts of his character will make you smile, go crazy and feel all kinds of other emotions.

In the words of Larry David, Nuchem’s dynamic presence does Kugel “Beautiful, cute, pretty good.”

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The executive of public relations, Jacob Kamaras, is a former editor and editor of San Diego Jewish World.