Strictly Kosher

Strictly Kosher is a fascinating and insightful reality-based television series released by ITV in 2011. This stunning documentary-cum-reality show offers viewers a uniquely candid window into Manchester's flourishing Jewish community, illuminating both the distinctive aspects of their religious and cultural identity along with their shared characteristics with the broader British society. The series not only captures the vibrancy of Jewish customs and traditions, but also examines the diverse perspectives within this little-explored British subculture.

Directed by Chris Malone, Strictly Kosher takes an earnest, offbeat and engrossing look into the private and public lives of different members of Manchester's Jewish community. From the youthful, progressive Jews navigating contemporary life to the older, traditional Jews devoutly observing age-old practices, the show presents a rich tapestry of characters and stories. Every episode draws us into the daily routines, special traditions, and personal beliefs of members from various branches of Judaism, including Orthodox, Reform, and Secular Jews.

The series goes beyond merely providing a snapshot of the Jewish way of life, delving into the undercurrents of identity, heritage, faith, assimilation, and the tension between preserving traditional values and embracing modernity. Strictly Kosher brings out the complexity and beauty of Jewish rituals and symbolic objects, including Sabbath meals, Bar Mitzvahs, Kosher diet and practices, festivals like Passover, and the visual appeal of synagogues and Jewish attire.

Central to the programme is Joel Lever, a jovial character and an important figure in the community who runs a stylish boutique and is known for organising parties and events for the Jewish populace. His scenes are often suffused with humour and warmth, facilitating the building of a genuine connection between the community and the viewers at home. Other key individuals include Bernette Clarke, an interior designer deeply embedded in her Jewish roots, and Rabbi Zevi Saunders, who resonates with his profound philosophical insights into Judaism and its resonances in the modern world.

As much as Strictly Kosher is a show about Judaism, it is also a portrait of British multiculturalism. It underscores the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultural and religious identities within British society, the invisibility of their boundaries, and the shared experiences that belie their apparent differences. The show perfectly captures the dual aspects of the Jewish community: their deep sense of Jewishness interwoven with an equally profound sense of Britishness. It explores how Judaism has adapted to British culture and traditions while retaining its unique identity.

Strictly Kosher is commendably realistic and non-judgmental. It refrains from romanticising, sensationalising, or stereotyping Jewish lifestyles, and instead invites us to view them as they are, complete with their quirks and contradictions. It vividly portrays the individuals’ resilience and adaptability, their negotiation and exploration of identities, and their aspirations, dreams, and life stories.

Visually, the show is vibrant, capturing the colour and energy of Manchester's Jewish district. It achieves a delicate balance of light-heartedness and solemnity, keeping viewers engaged with its eye-catching aesthetics and purposeful cinematography. The intimate, fly-on-the-wall style brings viewers closer to the action, translating the ebullience and charm of the community into the language of television.

Sound also plays a significant role in the show - Hebrew prayers, folk songs, the rhythm of Jewish dances, the hum of conversations, the clinking of dishes, all contribute to the atmospheric and audio-rich landscape that enriches the viewing experience.

In a nutshell, Strictly Kosher is an exploration of faith, family, fashion, food, and festivity through the lives of Manchester's Jewish community. It offers an engaging and enlightening look at a specific slice of British multiculturalism, providing an avenue for viewers to learn about and connect with a culture and community that they may otherwise have known little about. The particular appeal of this show lies in its ability to convey the human stories behind the customs and traditions, illuminating the universal qualities of love, dedication, and the quest for a sense of belonging. By balancing reverence and wit, Strictly Kosher is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish culture and way of life in contemporary Britain.